Roberts Kids
I met the Robert’s family recently at a conference in Atlanta. Their courage to camp for the first time in the sublime terrain of the Florida Everglades is an inspiration for all families — and they are terrific people to be around as well! Watch all three parts!
Part I

Part II

Part III

Santa Monica Mountains
I met Eve Fields back in 2006 through an active online community that connected people together around travel to the annual Essence Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana. From her first post, Eve advocated getting out and traveling the world, no matter the budget – or physical ability.
Eve was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) when she was 25.  While it has not stopped her from camping, visiting her local fishing hole, collecting stamps in her passport from all over the globe, AND running her own construction company, she has …

Backpacking Gear for Two Nights
Since so many folks are taking off for camp this Labor Day weekend to close the summer, I thought I’d repost this guide from last May to refresh your memory!
What you bring to the wilderness really depends on where you go, for how long, and the number and age range of the individuals camping. The following is not a definitive list, but are some general guidelines to get you on your way:
ENTERTAINMENT

Games (dominoes, cards)

A lightweight novel or other reading you would not otherwise have time to …

Some of my best friends swear on a stack of <insert sacred item of choice> they hate camping, won’t ever go, and there is nothing I can do about it. But I know they could not possibly hate on the mobility of a car, the comforts of home, and the serenity of nature (from a distance) all rolled into one. Enter the Recreational Vehicle or trailer camping trip, an experience that can transform what most people imagine about camping.
I know some of my traceless camping folks probably want to …

So I am headed out to the beautiful Feather River Camp tomorrow with the kidlets, who have been asking “are we there yet?” since January. But I expect my facebook and blogging withdrawals to arrive Tuesday, when I’ll fight the urge to drive to the Quincy town library for a quick email/facebook/twitter/blogger peek, via the only internet connection in the county.
Photo By Wharman

Instead I’ll revive a time in my life that existed before I got hooked to the social media I.V., and immerse myself in friends and family. I …

By Denene Millner of My Brown Baby
Yup—I did it. Two days and two nights, deep in the woods of North Georgia. And despite my initial protestations (and the tolerance of threats from my resident Go Green enthusiast/sister-in-law Angelou and much pleading from Mari and Lila), I have to say it wasn’t half bad. And maybe—just maybe—I’m willing to admit that I had some fun. Here, our journey in pictures and in words: We stayed in Ft. Yargo, a state-run park in Winder, GA. It’s only about 40 minutes from …

Guest Blogger
Shalonda Anderson
Oakland, California
I actually went camping once when I was in the 4th grade — it was one of the best and worst experiences of my life. My class won a trip to Malakoff Diggins to live like miners of the Gold Rush. I recall my excitement to camp outside, make food from scratch, and mine for gold. Daytime was fantastic, but this sheltered city kid didn’t count on the dark nights and the bugs! At night I was afraid for my life and was kicked out of every …

Scouting organizations are a solution for families who may not know how to begin to engage with the outdoors. These historic organizations provide the infrastructure, knowledge, and the equipment that takes the guesswork out of outdoor exploration.
Even though my own parents were “country folk”, they were not campers. It was my experience with the Girl Scouts as a kid and later with Outward Bound as an adult that expanded my joy, technical savvy, and ecological perspective about the outdoors that I am now able to pass on to …

Black males weighed in today about the barriers to their recreational participation in the natural world. A very interesting discussion! Click the play arrow to hear.

Each Tuesday, Outdoor Afro hosts a BlogTalk Radio show. Set your calendar for 11am PST each Tuesday to tune and call in! If you missed the show, you may listen here: