Camping to Connect Increases Access to the Outdoors for Young Men of Color
Backpacker's Pantry is proud to support Camping to Connect through 1% for the Planet. This means that 1% of all of our sales, every single day, are donated to Camping to Connect and our other nonprofit partner organizations.
Camping to Connect is a BIPOC-led experiential mentorship program that uses outdoor recreation and nature immersion to address the diverse issues faced by young men of color in America’s cities—from mental health to healthy masculinity.
We spoke with Manny Almonte, Founder and CEO of Camping to Connect, to learn more about the organization and what sets them apart.
What inspired you to start Camping to Connect, and how has your mission evolved over time?
Camping to Connect was born out of a desire to address the lack of representation and access to nature for young men of color. Initially focused on mentorship and outdoor exposure, our mission has evolved to include environmental stewardship and leadership development, empowering participants to become advocates for their communities.
Can you describe a unique program or activity that Camping to Connect offers and its impact on participants?
One unique program we offer is our Nature Immersion and Healing Retreats. These retreats create a sense of belonging and use nature as a place for individual and collective healing. Participants engage in activities that foster personal growth, emotional resilience, and community bonding, leaving them empowered and connected to both the environment and each other.
Can you summarize your most recent camping trip?
Our recent trip to Colorado's Pike National Forest was incredible. We focused on team-building activities, environmental education, and leadership exercises. The participants left with a deeper appreciation for nature and a strengthened sense of community.
Do you want to talk about Wood Hood?
Absolutely! Wood Hood is our award-winning short film that highlights the importance of outdoor access for BIPOC youth. It has made a significant impact in the environmental and social justice advocacy space, raising awareness and inspiring action to ensure equitable access to the outdoors. You can watch the film below.
How do you choose the locations for your camping trips, and what makes them special?
We choose locations based on their natural beauty, accessibility, and potential for educational opportunities. We also aim to partner with organizations and/or land stewards that allow us access to private spaces, where our experiences can feel intimate and lend itself to vulnerability and powerful conversations. Each site offers unique experiences that challenge and inspire our participants, fostering a deep connection to nature.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced, and what lessons have you learned along the way?
One of our biggest challenges has been securing funding to expand our administrative and operational capacity. This is crucial for scaling our impact and meeting the growing demand for our work. We've learned the importance of building a robust support network to ensure sustainability and avoid burnout among our team.
How can people get involved with Camping to Connect or support your mission?
People can get involved by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about our programs. We're always looking for passionate individuals and organizations to join us in empowering young men of color through outdoor experiences.
Anything else you'd like us to know?
We’re excited to expand our reach and impact, and we're grateful for partners like Backpacker's Pantry who support our mission. Together, we can continue to break down barriers and create opportunities for the next generation of emotionally intelligent environmental leaders.
