Diverse NPS►

Because of growing civil unrest , I joined a coalition of fellow park enthusiasts. Our group brainstormed ideas about how we could use our combined platforms to help. We’ve previously written about the barriers many BIPOC communities face when it comes to outdoor recreation. Statistics show that Black Americans make up only 7% of national park visitors (some studies show that it’s as low as 1%) while making up 13% of the U.S. population.

Each month, our group intends to spotlight one of these organizations. Past features include:

• August: Black in National Parks Week
• September: Soul Trak
• October: Charles Roundtree
• November: Youth Opportunities Program

In our continued community effort to feature organizations that are working to bridge the gap between outdoor spaces and underrepresented communities, during the month of December we’re featuring Black Kids Adventures, Inc.. Learn more about them below and please consider making a donation to support their ongoing efforts to make the outdoors more inclusive.

About Black Kids Adventures, Inc.►

Black Kids Adventures, Inc. is a non-profit organization based out of Huntsville, Alabama working towards improved outdoor diversity and inclusion. Their mission is to make sure all Black and Brown families and children have equal access to outdoor opportunities and adventures.

They believe that more outdoor diversity begins with early exposure, education and empowerment. Since founding Black Kids Adventures in June of 2020, the organization has served over 100 people in the Huntsville community. They’ve done so through hiking meetups and their family yoga series, while also continuing to serve their local communities and expand their program offerings.

Black Kids Adventures Programs►

Programs within Black Kids Adventures, Inc, include a variety of meetups, ranging from hiking and outdoor yoga to other planned activities for future gatherings, including paddle boarding, rock climbing and kayaking. Family camping is another focus for the organization: their first family camp takes place in December 2020. This camping trip allows families who haven’t had the opportunity to camp before, or whose children have never had a camping experience, to start a positive relationship with the outdoors.

Black Kids Adventures Founder►

Zenovia B. Stephens is the founder Black Kids Adventures, Inc. and is also one of the three founders of Black Hikers Week, #blackhikersweek on social media. Along with her husband and three sons, she has built a family foundation focused on creativity, exploration, exposure and adventure. Their goal is to inspire other families to embark on their own outdoor adventures. You can follow their family adventures on Instagram at @blackadventurecrew.​

Support and Donate►

• Link to Donate: https://www.blackadventurecrew.com/donate
• Website: https://www.blackadventurecrew.com/black-kids-hike
• Instagram: @blackkidsadventures