Rediscovering Outdoor Joy and Inspiration in the (RE) Series

Fresh, Revised Version:

heading 1: Unearthing the Outdoor Journey with Z: A Black Youth's Transformative Tale

Hey there! Let's kick off this chat with a new voice from the great outdoors. Instead of my usual blabbering, I want to share Z's experiences - a vibrant young participant in our Brothers with the Land (BWL) program. This program, run by Black Outside, Inc., educates and empowers young Black men from San Antonio, fostering their holistic development and connection to nature.

So, grab a seat and hop on this rollercoaster ride!

Thurman (laughs): Yo, bro. Thanks for joining me. Gotta ask, you got that Christmas present I sent you yet?

Z: Nah, dude. What was it?

Thurman (laughs): Funny you should ask. I got you some height-boosting insoles.

Z:(laughs sarcastically) You thought I'd be taller, huh?

Thurman (laughs): Gotta work with what I've got. Now, let's get down to business. This is the final part of a four-part series we've been on together. Previous parts covered my personal ties to nature, outdoor barriers, new programming approaches, and now it's time for your voice to shine. So, for the sake of anonymity, you can call me Tyrone Johnson.

Z: Alright, Tyrone.

Thurman: ~~Just a quick heads up, this is being recorded. No Tyrone for me, buddy.~~ So, let's dive into the first question. How does the outdoors help you be the best version of yourself?

Z: It helps calm me down and reduce stress. It's like a stress reliever. Just being out there in nature, experiencing new things, and bonding with my brothers allows me to forget about city worries and focus on the here and now.

Thurman: I couldn't agree more. After all, nature's the best escape. Another question: can you share a memorable outdoor experience?

Z: Colorado, no doubt about it.

Thurman: Alright, for those who don't know, Colorado offered mind-blowing scenery, larger trees, chilly, perfect weather, and abundant wildlife. Sound familiar? (winks)

Z: Well, it was such a beautiful place; I fell in love with it. We even spotted a bear there!

Thurman: Not a bear, Z. It was an elk. But hey, if you say it was a bear, I won't argue with you.

Z: Oh, it was a bear, alright.

Thurman: Alright, alright. Let's go deeper and talk about how you prepared for Colorado trip, mentally and physically. What was your transformation before and after the trip?

Z: Before the trip, I was worried and broke. I was stressed at home, overwhelmed with worries. Once I arrived in Colorado, though, I had a whole new outlook on life. Now, living there is my ultimate dream.

Thurman: Colorado sounds like a pretty incredible place to chase your dreams. Can you describe what it felt like standing atop a mountain in Colorado?

Z: At first, I felt exhausted. I thought we had reached the summit. But then I saw another peak ahead, and the view was astounding. We saw glaciers, lakes, and even our fellow campers on the opposite side of the mountain. I can't stress enough how beautiful and inspiring it was.

Thurman: I might not have made it to the top, but the view from the base was enough to make it worthwhile. So Z, imagine yourself seven or ten years from now. You'll be a grown man, chilling and enjoying nature with loved ones. How can outdoor enthusiasts like myself help ensure that you feel comfortable and at ease in these outdoor spaces?

Z: I'd say providing more knowledge and experiences is key. Organizing more opportunities to practice setting up tents, carrying heavy packs, and learning hiking skills can help us be better prepared for future trips. Plus, sending more online resources and educational videos might also help.

Thurman: Your thoughts are valuable, Z. I've known you for about two years now, and we've spent many hours experiencing the great outdoors together. Can you tell me how important it is for you to have someone who looks like you while trying out new outdoor activities?

Z: It's more of a hope thing for me. Knowing there were fellow Black kids around made me feel comfortable and encouraged me to try new things. Seeing more Black people in outdoor spaces makes me feel more connected to nature and determined to empower the next generation.

Thurman: That's incredibly important, and I'm glad to see things are changing. You recently went fly fishing for the first time, right? Can you tell me a bit about that?

Z: It was my first time ever fly fishing. I picked it up fast, though, once I saw one of the mentors do it. The technique kind of looked effortless. If I caught a fish that day, I would've been over the moon!

Thurman: That's how it was for me when I first started fly fishing. I'm ecstatic to see you catching on so quickly. Have people in your life taken notice of your recent outdoor adventures?

Z: Yeah, they tease me about being "country" now. I like it; it feels good to be connected to the outdoors and feel confident in my newfound abilities.

Summing it All Up

Over the past several months, I invite you to witness our journey towards a more equitable outdoors. I hope my candid thoughts and experiences resonate with you.

So, here's a question for you to ponder: when will we know the outdoors is a place for all?

We'll know when Black youth from San Antonio, Chicago, and Mississippi can say they camp, ski, rock climb, and hike without fear or judgment. When they can effortlessly share their outdoor experiences with their peers and see each other as equals.

Only then have we made significant strides in creating inclusive outdoor spaces, and our work must continue. In the meantime, let's keep pushing for change, challenging the status quo, and fostering safe spaces for diversity to thrive.

We Rise Together

I've been raised in an old Southern Baptist Church and know not to name names when thanking people publicly. I'd like to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed time, energy, and enthusiasm to this series. Together, we have created a body of work founded on the passion and love we share for creating access for youth and people of color in the outdoors.

My appreciation goes out to all the BIPOC-led outdoor organizations and individuals who tirelessly work to make the outdoors a more equitable space. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and I see you pushing boundaries and expanding opportunities for marginalized communities.

Take care of yourselves and one another, as we navigate this movement together. Remember, we rise together.

References

Brothers with the Land: https://blackoutside.org/
Ellis Alley, San Antonio: https://www.saheritage.org/learn/ellis-alley
Movement for Change in Outdoor Spaces: https://outdoorafro.com/

Enrichment Data:

Brothers with the Land: Initiated by Black Outside, Inc., BWL is a program that provides Black youth in San Antonio opportunities to engage with nature, camp, and participate in wilderness activities while fostering personal growth, healing, brotherhood, and holistic development.
Program focus: BWL focuses on nature connection, outdoor leadership, holistic development, community building, celebration, and cultural connection.
Experiences and skills: BWL participants develop leadership, teamwork, emotional expression, practical outdoor skills, and lasting relationships.
Movement for Change: BWL is part of a broader movement that seeks to connect Black youth to land and heritage with the goal of empowerment and representation in outdoor spaces.

Z's transformation during the Colorado trip involved a shift from worrying about finances and city life to dreaming of living there, reflecting the positive impact of outdoor experiences on his personal growth.
In the future, Z sees more knowledge and experiences, such as learning hiking skills and receiving educational resources, as crucial for ensuring that young Black outdoor enthusiasts like himself feel prepared and comfortable in nature.
Z found it comforting to have fellow Black youth around during outdoor activities, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation in the outdoors for fostering a sense of connection and empowerment.
To create truly inclusive outdoor spaces, it will be essential for young Black participants from diverse regions, such as San Antonio, Chicago, and Mississippi, to be able to engage in activities like camping, skiing, rock climbing, and hiking without fear or judgment.