People are always surprised to hear about our outdoor family adventures. Let's be honest, most people are surprised to hear these epic adventures because were Black. So how did I end up here?

 

Well my passion for the outdoors started 16 years ago. I worked with youth who struggled with mental health issues, behavioural problems and complex trauma. We were surrounded by nature. The mountains and lakes we're our backyard. Nature was an outlet for youth to work through their troubles. 

 

I recall taking a group of boys out for a hike by myself. I let them lead parts of the trail and went off trail to discover new areas. We would have to tippy toe off the ledge of a narrow path and then jump off tree stumps to get across the stream of water. It was crazy, I felt like a child in an unfamiliar world.

 

That moment stuck with me. Fast forward, to present. I have to admit, I struggled with feeling a sense of belonging in the outdoor space. As a black person, you don’t see a lot of people that look like you in these spaces, or in advertising. As an outdoor enthusiast I found a need to create a safe and inclusive space. A space that inspires and encourages black, racialized and marginalized people to get outdoors. A space for everyone to take advantage of nature’s therapeutic benefits.