Get Inspired to Enjoy Nature with "Outdoor Afro"

Recently, I discovered a site for African American families called Outdoor Afro. As we head into the middle of August, websites like Outdoor Afro are a reminder for us to enjoy the great outdoors and nature while the weather permit. 

Outdoor Afro is a community that reconnects African-Americans with natural spaces and one another through recreational activities such as camping, hiking, biking, fishing, gardening, skiing — and more! Outdoor Afro uses social media to create interest communities, events, and to partner with regional and national organizations that support diverse participation in the Great Outdoors. 

During her childhood, founder Rue Mapp split her time between urban Oakland, California and her families’ working ranch in the Northern woodlands, where she cultivated a passion for natural spaces, farming, and learned how to hunt and fish. As a youth, her participation in the Girl Scouts and Outward Bound broadened her outdoor experiences, such as camping,  mountaineering, rock climbing, and road bicycling. But Rue was troubled by the consistently low numbers of African Americans participating in these activities. So for two decades, Rue has used digital media as an important and practical tool to connect with people of color who share her outdoor interests. Outdoor Afro emerged naturally from these experiences. 

Do you have great memories of exploring the outdoors.  Do you believe children today are missing this opportunity?  To learn more visit the site at  http://www.outdoorafro.com.