Why a training is Outdoor Afro's 'most wonderful time of year'
Hold it in the same regard as a family reunion. By design, booked in nature. Outdoor Afro Leadership Training’s itinerary weaves in traditional reunion experiences: the initial meet-and-greet, park picnics, historical nature tours, and that closing banquet (Soul Train line included) to celebrate one another before departing. Nicknamed OALT, the now 11-year learning event hosted by national not-for-profit Outdoor Afro takes place Friday, April 28, to Sunday, April 30 in Bainbridge, Washington.
“This year our training welcomes 21 new volunteer leaders and 82 returning ones,” said Outdoor Afro’s National Program Director Chaya Harris. Leaders will assemble at IslandWood, a 250-acre campus on Bainbridge Island, with staff, board members, and select partners. The annual training hosts both veteran and Class of 2023 leaders for customized, educational moments to understand Outdoor Afro’s brand story and teach these nature navigators how to guide their neighborhoods sustainably and safely in modern times.
When Outdoor Afro Leadership Team applications opened November 2022, the organization received 98 submissions to become a 2023 volunteer leader. The word of mouth about the transformative opportunity traveled fast across the United States. At OALT, the organization shares its values, framework, and best practices to host and lead outdoor activities with volunteers. These 21st-century leaders also gain industry scholarship in areas such as health impacts on nature, basics to trip planning, conservation ethics, effective social media storytelling strategies, and risk management.
“It’s really a hands-on, interactive training,” said Harris. “Designed to enhance our volunteers skills as facilitators, we provide a range of workshops – from risk mitigation to easy steps for brewing your favorite coffee or tea while in the outdoors – all with a Black joy focus.” April 2022, the training massed in Granby, Colorado, at Sun Outdoors Rocky Mountains. TikTok-qualifying trails, snow-blanketed mountaintops, and lush wildlife girdled the professional development days that followed. In unison with Earth Day’s “Invest in Our Planet” charge, OALT 2023 explores and localizes outdoor conservation, recreation, and education conversations.
Outdoor Afro invites expert guest speakers and designated partners to the training to share field insights and encouragement to volunteer leaders. After training, leaders originate and host monthly network activities that foster local program collaborations and help strengthen neighborhood relationships with land, wildlife, and water. Yearlong, leaders plan and shepherd nature-rich experiences like fishing, backpacking, hiking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, gardening, skiing, horseback riding, nature journaling, geocaching, biking, bird watching, and more. Network events nationwide center joy and healing while also disrupting a false perception that Black people do not have a relationship to nature.
Outdoor Afro formed 14 years ago. OALT established in 2012 with just a dozen volunteer outdoor enthusiasts. Each took the call to learn directly from Founder and CEO Rue Mapp about how to inspire and guide unforgettable experiences in nature. “We now have 35 networks nationwide with three new ones in Kansas City, Missouri; Norfolk, Virginia; and Burlington, Vermont,” Harris said. “A truly intergenerational group, our volunteers range in age from their 20s to their 60s. All eager to guide their neighborhoods in nature this year.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide organization with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities. “Where Black people and nature meet,” Outdoor Afro impacts more than 60,000 people annually in nature through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Visit outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro to learn more.
*illustrations by Dajah Callen
Outdoor Afro's signature shirts restock with Oaklandish
Wear it on the streets of America. Watch the comments, curiosities, and questions that follow. “We recognized early our community loves our logo, and wants to represent it loud and proud,” said Outdoor Afro Founder and CEO Rue Mapp. “Having a merch store is a fun and accessible way for our community to continue to support our charitable work. Working with Oaklandish in the past, we’re even more excited to now embark on this new chapter of collaboration.”
Outdoor Afro worked with the longtime community partner to open a new digital store for supporters to shirt shop the collection. The national not-for-profit organization is easily identified within the outdoor industry because of its logo – an afro silhouette with a tree sprouting from the cultural throwback hairstyle. Recently rebranding its .com site to now outdoorafro.org, Outdoor Afro reintroduces its sought-after shirts: short sleeve, long sleeve, and hoodie varieties. Just in time for the holidays.
Mapp considers Oaklandish as the premiere Oakland purveyor of iconic design that beautifully represents Outdoor Afro’s hometown and headquarters location. “Rue herself is a force of nature,” said Angela Tsay, Oaklandish CEO, “and has done so much to raise Oakland’s profile on the national scene while staying true to her passion and the mission goals of Outdoor Afro. We’re so proud of everything she has accomplished and are proud to work with her in growing the brand.” In its now 13th year, Outdoor Afro and the iconic nature emblem continue to speak to Black joy, healing, and the network’s mission: celebrate and inspire Black connections and leadership in nature.
The afro logo has literally traveled from local neighborhoods and nationwide conferences. To The White House and celebrity events. To a cruise across international waters with Mapp in Antarctica during February 2022. Outdoor Afro also trains a select group of volunteer leaders who guide more than 1,000 local activities across the United States annually. After each activity, volunteers and community participants gather with the network’s signature logo banner to capture that memory in nature. Now that Outdoor Afro reaches more than 60,000 people nationwide, its logo stays on touring circuit rotation.
Purchasing the organization’s newest short-sleeve tee, long-sleeve tee, or hoodie through Oaklandish guarantees a comfy reminder of why Mapp established the now nature movement for Black people and Black communities. “Our mission at Oaklandish is to spread ‘local love’ by way of our civic pride tees and accessories,” said Theresa Hartwell, marketing and account manager. “Oaklandish is honored to partner with Outdoor Afro, and share the impactful work they do to uplift and reconnect Black people to the outdoors.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow @outdoorafro on social for more nature stories.
Back by popular demand: Kili Mapp Kili Print Hammock
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – Two words summed up Outdoor Afro’s Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock by Eagle Nest Outfitters (ENO) when it initially launched in 2021: Sold. Out. But now it’s back. An updated, lengthier version ready to stretch out for seasonal lounging, and capturing special moments with family and friends. “I want people to feel warmth and joy every time they’re in this hammock,” said Leandra Taylor, Outdoor Afro volunteer leader and artist behind the in-demand design.
This unique print and co-branded product relaunched fall 2022 with updated features, making it portable, packable, and always adventure-ready. Outdoor Afro x ENO Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Hammock Print incorporates bluesign® approved fabric, hammock-specific hardware, a bonus internal stash pocket housed in the stuff sack, and an extended 9.5-foot (2.9-meter) hammock body that creates more room for more memories. "Our partnership is a pertinent, timeless, and inspiring story that speaks so deeply to Outdoor Afro's mission with the world," said ENO's Marketing Director Anna Rawlins. "There is no better canvas for showcasing the artwork than a hammock – one that can be enjoyed outside and inspires all ages to explore, connect, and relax."
The limited-edition print developed after Taylor joined Outdoor Afro’s 2018 Mount Kilimanjaro Expedition in Tanzania, Africa. She was the youngest volunteer leader on that unforgettable hike. “Even with my lack of experience in this type of hiking, I knew I was called to do this climb,” she said. But by Day 3, Taylor had reached her limit. Exhausted, she relied on her teammates’ support and encouragement to make it to the mountain’s highest point.
Pulling inspiration from that experience and her surroundings, Taylor’s print braids in deep hues, unusual patterns and land topography from the high-endurance trip. The design incorporates a snake representing the Kili trail song and the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, which sits at roughly 19,341 feet above sea level. Knowing exactly what gear and equipment to pack for the expedition became a critical piece to ascension success. The same packing process Taylor always wants outdoor adventurers to feel with this on-the-go hammock while traveling the world for lounging and leisure.
Advance notice: The Kili Mapp Kili DoubleNest Print Hammock sells fast from in-store to digital shelves, so purchase this storytelling print online at enonation.com, or your local REI or outdoor retailer today. Proceeds from the collaboration help support Outdoor Afro’s mission of celebrating and inspiring Black connections and leadership in nature. Now in its 13th year, the national not-for-profit organization includes:
- A 60,000-strong participation network
- 1,200-plus online and in-person events
- 100-plus selected and trained volunteer leaders nationwide
- 60 cities the network impacts across the country
- 46 Meetup networks to join
- 32 states with local networks, including Washington, D.C.
- 4 regions (Midwest, Northeast, South and West)
Taylor can’t wait to reshare this newest version with fellow Outdoor Afro volunteer leaders and community members of her South Carolina network. “For me, swaying in this hammock is the definition of Black joy in nature,” she said. “Each color represents the vibrant culture of Tanzanian city Arusha and the joy we all felt on the mountain.”
ABOUT OUTDOOR AFRO: Outdoor Afro is a national not-for-profit organization that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. What started as a kitchen table blog by Founder and CEO Rue Mapp in 2009 has since grown into a cutting-edge nationwide network with 100-plus volunteer leaders in 60 cities with network participation reaching 60,000 people. Outdoor Afro reconnects Black people with the outdoors through outdoor education, recreation, and conservation. Follow Outdoor Afro at outdoorafro.org and @outdoorafro today.
ABOUT ENO: Founded in 1999 and based in Asheville, N.C., Eagles Nest Outfitters (ENO) is the leader in creating high-quality hammocks and portable relaxation gear that inspires people to explore, connect and relax outside. ENO distributes its products online, at specialty outdoor retailers across the nation, and in over 13 countries. As a bluesign® System Partner, ENO is proud to be committed to the journey of building more sustainable and responsibly made products, and to partner with an exemplary network of nonprofit organizations as a 1% for the Planet member. For more information, visit enonation.com.
10,000 Steps to Denali, Temescal Hike, and National Outdoors Day!
It's Alisha, Outdoor Afro Los Angeles Leader. This Saturday June 8th we had a Temescal Canyon Hike planned in the Santa Monica Mountains to support the first African American group to hike Denali. So our hike was in support of the 10,000 steps to Denali trek. Our hike also coincided with National Outdoors Day.
We started our day at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook where there were activities planned for the kids. They had camping gear set up to show how to set up a camp.
Along with camping gear lessons they also allowed children (and big kids like myself) to create buttons and bookmarks to show their support of 10,000 steps to Denali.
From BHSO, we met up with another group of teens from Watts and Compton inner city program who have had little exposure to the outdoors. We were paired with them through the Santa Monica Mountains Conservatory to encourage them to get outdoors more. Santa Monica Mountains Conservatory provided a bus and an amazing guide Anthony to take us on our hike and explore the canyon.
We got to Temescal and had a quick snack on the lawn, took a photo with both groups and paired off into two different groups to meet at the waterfall. There were so many of us we didn't want to overwhelm the trail.
On our way up we saw caterpillars, lizards, a garden snake and a red-tailed hawk. In true LA fashion we also saw a film crew filming a movie, haha. When we reached the top we sat for a bit and let the kids play around the waterfall which was dry. Anthony explained we're in a dry season. We had to watch out for poison oak. Quick tip: if its three let it be. If you see leaves in clusters of three leave them alone.
Many thanks to Kleen Kanteen and REI for keeping us hydrated. Thank you REI for keeping me warm and to Keen shoes for making my hike comfy. I also want to acknowledge Clif Bars for snack bars for the kiddos. We had an amazing time. Looking forward to many more collaborations with Santa Monica Conservatory, your rangers are amazing and knowledgeable. Thank you Anthony and Iann the volunteer.
Oh yes on our way down the canyon we came to a beautiful open field and my sister and the kids decided to jump and play.
Full Moon Hike
By Los Angeles Outdoor Afro Leader, Alisha Pye
Watching the full moon rise into the sky is a beautiful sight. Hiking in nature while watching the full moon rise and the sun set is exceptional. It's Alisha, Outdoor Afro Leader of Los Angeles. I was invited by the Santa Monica Mountains Park Rangers to attend the full moon hike.
We went to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook for a guided Full Moon Hike. We were lucky that the moon rose at 7:43pm and the sun was setting at 7:54pm. So as the sun set we were able to enjoy the full moon at its brightest. We almost didn't need flashlights it was so bright.
We were able to go into the theater prior to the hike to learn a few facts and about indigenous plants, animals. The guides were very informative even teaching us how to identify animals through their eye shine color. The kids in the group were fascinated.
It did get chilly, so of course layers were necessary. We decided to snuggle to keep warm. We hiked a little over a mile and then decided to take the stairs back up to the top. We had a blast.
We're going to try to go back every full moon for the summer. Just look at the view from the top, overlooking the city at nightfall. Spectacular views...
Exploring Ruins and Playing in Waterfalls
Outdoor Afros in Los Angeles explored local African American history and nature over the weekend - read on!
Alisha Pye here, I'm the Outdoor Afro Leader for Los Angeles. This week we decided to celebrate Spring by hiking at Solstice Canyon in Malibu which is located in the Santa Monica Mountains. It's a beautiful hike with flowers in full bloom, waterfalls to enjoy, valleys and canyons to climb and picnic areas. We started on the stairs and continued on a steady incline until we came to an area of ruins that we felt compelled to explore.
If you look closely between the trees you'll see the ruins of a burned out house. It's now a historic park of the Santa Monica National Recreation Area. According to the story this house was built by a renowned African American Architect Paul R.Williams in 1952. The area is susceptible to many fires so Paul designed the home for his clients with a fire protection system that would protect the home against fire damage. The waterfall and pool were designed to pump water in case of fire as a protection to limit damage. Unfortunately after the owners death the pumping system wasn't maintained and the home was damaged by fire in 1982.
The backyard of the home was a beautiful waterfall that was breathtaking. We decided to stay and climb a little. We ended up staying for 45 minutes exploring, climbing and playing in the waterfall. At the very top was an outdoor fireplace the family used.
The view was so amazing we decided to take our group picture there along the rocks. If you look at the picture you'll notice we had a very diverse group ranging from an 11 year old to a grandfather with a cane who served as motivation for us to keep climbing.
Getting to the top we were able to see exactly how far we'd come. It was a great sense of accomplishment to get out explore and enjoy the ruins of the Santa Monica National Area. We plan on doing more exploring in the coming months so join us in our adventures.
Outdoor Fun in Barbados: Fun at Sea!
The Barbados Tourism Authority took a group of US Journalists on an Experiential Tour of the beautiful island and we enjoyed the best of Bajan culture and activities, including Outodoor Fun at Sea! Barbados is a small island, 14 miles wide and 21 miles long; however, it has 60 miles of coastline giving you a number and variety of ways to enjoy Barbados' top attraction – the seaside!
1. Beachside Activities
Beach combing and lounging are always in style. All of the fine white sand beaches are public so you're sure to mix and mingle with tourists and residents alike. The friendly people are happy to greet you, share a conversation with you or invite you to join them in activity. Vendors are also common. If you are staying at a beachfront hotel, like I did at Hotel Tamarind along the West Coast, outdoor living space is also maximized: sun beds, chaise lounges, beach sofas made for two, and outdoor dining facilties. As lovely as the accommodations were, it was hard to stay inside with lovely views as these.
2. Water Sports
Sea water is naturally bouyant, so simply splashing and swimming around the roped off sections (for your safety) of the sea are always a hit. However, one must be mindful of the coral along the beach and on the ocean. Unlike the other Caribbean islands, Barbados is a coral island and not a volcanic one. Parts of the sea floor are stone and coral cover which is beautiful, but has been known to cut the skin if one isn't careful. Included in the cost of rooms at Hotel Tamarind and the other Hotel Elegant properties is pre-paid water sport activities such as windsurfing, sunfish sailing, standup paddle surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. I gave standup paddleboarding a try. It was lots of fun but not as physically rigourous as I thought. The trick is to find your balance and just go with the waves. However, I fell a lot. It wasn't traumatic at all. The water felt great and after blinking a million times to wash the salt out I was fine. I slid myself back on the paddle surf board (a modified surf board) and gave it a try one more try.
3. Deep Sea Leisure
Barbados sits in both the Caribbean sea and on the edge of the Atlantic ocean. The East coast is quite choppy each each year, the area known as Bathsheba hosts surfing competitions attracting folks from all over the globe. However, many of these beaches are not for general activity. However, boating and sailing are also popular on the island. Tiami Catamaran Cruises is a commericial tour that takes visitors out to swim with endangered Barbados sea turtles and snorkel over beautiful coral beds along south and western seas. The cruise itself was adventurous and offered spectacular views.
Barbados was a grand time.
Have you and your friends and families visited Barbados or the West Indies before? What are your favorite water-side memories from your Outdoor Afro Adventures?
Barbados Bound: An Outdoor Afro Adventure in the Caribbean
I'm excited about visiting Barbados. I've never been before, but I have experienced other Caribbean countries, and know first hand how amazing the Caribbean is. For the novice outdoor recreationist and the seasoned outdoor lover, the Caribbean is equally compelling. Something about the weather, the scenery, the sounds and people that make me feel at home. The weather is simultaneously hot, sunny, humid, and rainy. The scenery is green, gold, orange,red, violet and blue – encompassing the beauty of the horizon, the water, the trees, the sand, and the sky. The sounds are beyond description: birds chirping, monkeys frolicking, frogs chorusing, wind blowing, waves of water lapping, and your heart beating to the rhythm of the local music. And the people, aaah! Visiting the Caribbean was the first time, I had truly felt completely sucked into a place and was culturally reborn. Finally, with people with ancestors hailing from the Old and New Worlds - it's an island nation shaped by colonialism, servitude, displacement, and renewal, all at the same time.
Today, I go to Barbados to revel in its re-birth as a vacation destination of lovers and nature lovers. Among many African-Americans, it is a rather well-known and visited romance destination. I know several couples who have honeymooned, become engaged, or just enjoyed the private company of one another in this beautiful place. And beautiful, it is. For the nature lovers, Barbados offers a host of ways to fall in love: Amazing sunrises, breath taking sunsets, miles of public beaches, water sports, snorkeling and marine life watching, bird watching, enjoying the fragrances of the wild flowers or falling asleep to the chorus if Whistling Frogs. You'll fall in love, no doubt.
And thanks to the The Barbados Tourism Authority for sponsoring an Experiential Group Trip for USA Journalists, so Outdoor Afro can share this experience with you.
Outdoor Afro will be staying the Tamarind Hotel (apart of the Elegante Hotel Group). It is a newly renovated hotel will amazing beach front views, three swimming pools, and maximum outdoor living space.
The itinerary includes up-close wildlife encounters – swimming with the turtles, a nature photography hike, learning to play dominoes the Bajan way, experiencing a polo exhibition, and plus the best of Barbados hospitality -- food and drink.
Oh, yes! Of course, I've packed all of the essential gear for outdoor adventure and enjoyment: swim suit, flip flops, sneakers, sun hat, sun block, Polo clothes, shades, light rain jacket, and my camera and computer to share it all with you.
Stay tuned and follow the tweets @OutdoorAfro on Twitter or follow the hashtag #OABarbados.
Show-Me Skiers of St. Louis
By Outdoor Afro Contributor Danielle N. Lee
My first time skiing was an experience. I'm from the south, so frolicking in the cold or snow wasn't a bog part of my childhood experience. However, I love the outdoors and I love trying new things, so I joined a group of friends who introduced me to the basics of the slopes.
It was an adventure! I was far from great at it. But I wasn't deterred. So when I was invited to a Beginners Ski Trip with the Show-Me Skiers of St. Louis, the verr first African-American Ski club of St. Louis, Missouri, I decided to go for it. Since 1983, this group of winter outdoor recreationists have been planning ski and snow boarding outings for adults and families.
It's a rather popular outing because there were two busloads of skiers of all ages headed to Sundown Mountain Resort of Dubuque, Iowa. One reason was the affordability. The group negotiated a package that cost less $200 person (on average) for the weekend. Related to skiing, the cost of lessons, equipment rental, lift and access to the slopes for two days of skiing or snowboarding was $60 for the whole weekend! I know, super affordable and a great incentive to attract anyone interested in skiing or snowboarding.
I decided to give snowboarding a try. I was no better at snowboarding than I was at skiing. Both require muscles that I obviously have no command over! LOL!
It was a fun time and I recommend Show-Me Skiers, skiing or the Sundown Ski Mountain to anyone, especially to a newbie. Here are more photos from the Ski Trip.