Zoey

Camping 101 for Beginners: How to Camp Without the Struggle (Melanated Campout Guide)

So… You Want to Go Camping (But Not Struggle) Let’s be honest. When most people think about camping, they picture: Bugs everywhere Sleeping on the ground Confusion and stress “Figuring it out” the hard way Yeah… we’re not doing that. At Melanated Campout, camping is comfortable, social, and actually enjoyable. Because this is outdoors… but organized.Soft life… with a plan. 💛 Is Camping Hard for Beginners? Short answer: It doesn’t have to be. Most first-time campers struggle because: They don’t know what to bring They overpack OR underpack Nobody explains it in a simple way That’s exactly why we created Camping 101. Because camping should feel like: Relaxation Community A reset Not survival training. 🏕️ What Do You Need for Camping? (Beginner Basics) If you’re new, keep it simple. ✔️ 1. Shelter (Your Setup) Tent (easy setup preferred) Or upgraded lodging (if you want more comfort) ✔️ 2. Sleep System Air mattress or cot Blanket or sleeping bag Pillow (non-negotiable 😌) ✔️ 3. Lighting & Power Flashlight or lantern Portable charger or battery pack ✔️ 4. Personal Essentials Toiletries Comfortable clothes Towels & wipes 👉🏾 That’s your foundation. You don’t need a 50-item checklist to get started. 🍽️ What About Food, Bathrooms, and Comfort? This is where most beginners get nervous — so let’s clear it up. 🚿 Bathrooms Yes, there are real restrooms and showers available on-site. 🍴 Food Options Bring your own food OR grab the meal plan (6 meals included) 🔌 Power Battery packs and solar options work great RV setups have additional power access Translation? 👉🏾 You are not “roughing it.” 🎉 What Camping Is Actually Like at Melanated Campout Camping here is not just about tents. It’s about: Music playing across the campground People laughing and connecting Late-night conversations by the fire Dancing, games, and shared experiences You’ll experience: Watergun battles Live DJs Group dinners Wellness activities Campfire conversations It’s a full weekend experience, not just a campsite. 🧠 First-Time Camping Tips (That Actually Matter) Here’s what will make or break your first experience: 1. Don’t overthink it Start simple. You can upgrade later. 2. Comfort > “looking official” Bring what makes you feel good — not what looks like camping on Instagram. 3. Ask questions early That’s literally why Camping 101 exists. 4. Stay near the energy Being close to activity areas = better experience 5. Come for the people, not just the setup The community is what makes this different. Because at the end of the day… 👉🏾 Camping isn’t about gear. It’s about how you feel. 📅 Join Our Camping 101 Virtual Session If you’re still unsure — perfect. This is exactly for you. 🗓 April 16 | June 18 | August 20🕗 8PM EST💻 Live Virtual Session Inside, we’ll walk you through: What to bring How to set up What to expect How to enjoy your first campout 👉🏾 Save your spot + add to your calendar 🏕️ Ready for a Real Camping Experience? Melanated Campout is an adult camping weekend in Georgia designed for: First-time campers Returning campers People who want connection, not chaos 📍 Cordele, GA (Lake Blackshear area)📅 September 25–27, 2026 💛 Final Thought You don’t need to be “outdoorsy.” You don’t need perfect gear. You don’t need experience. You just need to be open to trying something new. Because once you get there… 👉🏾 You’re going to realize real quick: Camping doesn’t have to be a struggle.

Why Melanated Campout Will Change the Way Your Squad Does Group Travel Experiences

Girl, pull up a chair. Let’s talk real for a second. If you’re the one in the group chat who is always sending the “Hey ladies, what do we think about this destination?” messages, only to be met with three "likes," two "maybe next years," and a whole lot of silence from the one friend who swears she’s down but never has her deposit ready, this post is for you. We call you "The General." You’re the researcher, the budget-balancer, the itinerary-maker, and the unofficial debt collector. You’re tired. You want to go somewhere fly, you want to be around your people, and you want to actually enjoy the vacation instead of managing it like a second shift at the office. This is exactly why Melanated Campout is about to become your new best friend. We’ve reimagined group travel experiences specifically for us, and we’ve stripped away every single thing that makes planning a group trip a headache. The "Group Chat" Tax is Officially Cancelled Let’s be honest: the hardest part of black travel groups isn’t picking the place; it’s the logistics. Usually, when the squad wants to go to Mexico or a big music festival, someone has to put the villa on their credit card and hope everyone Zelles them back before the interest hits. Or you’re trying to coordinate ten different flight arrival times so you can share one shuttle. At Melanated Campout, we do things differently. Here’s the magic word: Individual Tickets. When you decide the squad is heading to Lake Blackshear for the Melanated Campout, everyone goes to the website and buys their own ticket. You don’t have to chase anyone for a dime. You don’t have to keep a spreadsheet of who paid their deposit and who’s "waiting on that tax return." If they’re in, they buy their ticket. If they’re not, they stay in the group chat and watch the IG stories later. You, The General, just have to show up and look cute. Individual Responsibility, Collective Vibe Now, just because everyone handles their own bag doesn’t mean you aren’t together. That’s the beauty of group camping events. You and the squad can coordinate to arrive together and set up your tents in one big circle. This is where the magic happens. While you each have your own private sleeping space (no sharing a bed with a kicker!), you create a shared "living room" in the middle. Think: an outdoor rug, a few comfortable camp chairs, some string lights, and a cooler that’s always stocked. You get the community feel of a big sleepover without the "who used my toothbrush" drama of sharing a hotel room. It’s one of our favorite camping with friends tips: create that central hub where the mimosas flow and the laughter never stops. It’s Not Just "Camping", It’s a Culture Fest If your friends are hesitating because they think "camping" means rubbing two sticks together to start a fire or eating beans out of a can, tell them to breathe. We’re not doing "survivor" style out here. We’re doing a full-blown festival. We’re talking: The Hip Hop Glow Party: Where the outfit is just as important as the tent. Yoga and Wellness: To reset that energy after a long work week. The Silent Disco: Because dancing under the stars hits different. Empowerment Chats: Because we can't gather without lifting each other up. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer looking for a new camper guide, there is literally something for everyone. If you have that one friend who refuses to sleep in a tent, tell her to check out the RV options. You get all the perks of the outdoors with a real mattress and air conditioning. Visual: A group of friends laughing, setting up a shared 'living room' space between tents with comfortable chairs and a canopy. Why April is the Perfect Time to Start Planning It’s currently April 2026, and the sun is starting to peek out. This is the "General's" prime time. Why? Because the early bird gets the best spot, and the best price. One of the best things about our group travel experiences is that they are accessible, but the prices do go up as we get closer to the event. If you tell the squad now, they have plenty of time to get their gear together and lock in their spot before the June 1st price increase. Plus, for the friends who are still on the fence about "nature," April is when you show them the gallery. Let them see the joy, the melanin, and the lake views. This isn't just about sleeping outside; it's about reclaiming our space in the great outdoors. Tips for the Squad Leader (The General) If you’re ready to pitch this to the group, here’s how to win them over: Drop the FAQ Link: Most people are scared of what they don’t know. Send them our FAQ page so they can see we’ve thought of everything, from bathrooms to food. Focus on the Meal Plan: Let them know they don’t even have to cook! They can grab a meal plan and leave the grill at home. The "Individual Ticket" Sell: Use this as the clincher. "Hey y'all, I'm going to this. Here's the link to get your own ticket. I'm arriving at 2 PM on Friday to grab our spot: hope to see you there!" It takes the pressure off you and puts the fun back into the plan. About Melanated Campout Melanated Campout is a black-owned, woman-owned event planning company dedicated to bringing more color to the great outdoors. We specialize in creating high-energy, soul-filling camping events that combine adventure with the comfort of community. Based in Georgia, we host the premier Black camping festival that welcomes everyone from the "I don't do bugs" beginner to the "I live in my RV" pro. Our mission is to inspire people of color to connect with nature, prioritize wellness, and build lasting bonds. FAQ 1. What if

The Road to 1,000 Cousins: Why the 2026 Homecoming is the Reunion Your Soul Needs

Hey, Camp Cousins! Can y’all feel that energy in the air? We are officially on the road to our 2026 Homecoming, and let me tell you, the vibe is already shifting. When we started this journey, it was about showing the world that yes, Black people do camp. But over the years, it’s turned into something so much deeper. It’s turned into a movement of joy, a sanctuary for sisterhood, and a place where we finally give ourselves permission to just be. For 2026, we’ve set a big, beautiful goal: 1,000 Camp Cousins. Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "Jocelyn, a thousand people in the woods? Is there enough sage in the world for that?" But trust me, when we gather at Lake Blackshear from September 25-27, 2026, it’s not going to feel like a crowd. It’s going to feel like the biggest, best family reunion you’ve ever been to, minus that one uncle who always asks for a loan. This is about creating a space so large and so loving that every Black woman who has ever felt "poured out" can come and get her cup refilled. A "Blackity-Black" Space Built Just for Us Let’s be real for a second: the world can be a lot. Between being the backbone of our families, the leaders in our workplaces, and the glue in our communities, we are tired. Our 2026 Homecoming is designed to be your "Return to Joy." It’s a "Blackity-Black" experience because everything from the music to the conversations is rooted in our culture. We aren't out here trying to "survive" the wilderness; we are out here thriving in it. We’re talking about sunrise yoga by the lake, line dancing under the stars, and our signature "Dinner in Orange" where we show up and show out, looking like the royalty we are. It’s about seeing 500, and soon 1,000, faces that look like yours, all sharing that same "exhale." Real Talk: The "No-Stress" Camping Experience I hear the whispers! I know some of y’all are still side-eyeing the idea of camping. You’re wondering about your hair, your sleep, and, most importantly, the bathroom situation. Listen, I’m 45, and I am not about that "dig a hole in the ground" life. At Melanated Campout, we do things a little differently. We’re talking: Real bathrooms and hot showers: Yes, you can wash the day off and do your full 10-step skincare routine. Glamping and RV options: If you aren't a tent girlie, we’ve got you covered. Check out our guide to different sleeping options. Safe spaces: This is a gated, curated experience where your safety and comfort are the top priority. I remember a cousin who came last year. She arrived with her car packed to the brim, looking so stressed. She told me, "Jocelyn, I’ve never slept in a tent in my life, but I just needed to get away from the noise." By Saturday night, she was the life of the party at the 90s themed night, rocking a full TLC 'Creep' fit and laughing harder than I’ve ever seen. She didn't just find a campsite; she found herself again. That’s what 1,000 cousins means: 1,000 stories of reconnection. Why 1,000 Cousins? Because Our Community Deserves This Setting a goal for 1,000 cousins isn't about the numbers; it's about the impact. There is something spiritual that happens when Black women gather in nature. We spend so much time in "strong Black woman" mode that we forget how to be soft. When you sit by that fire at Lake Blackshear, something happens. You start talking to the woman next to you: a stranger who felt like a cousin five minutes after meeting: and you realize you’re carrying the same burdens. And then, you decide to leave those burdens right there in the Georgia woods. That is the spirit of the Camp Cousin way. Whether you’re a camping pro or a complete newbie, you belong here. We have ladies who show up in full glam with mini flat irons: because we camp different!: and ladies who want to go completely minimalist. Both are welcome. Both are celebrated. The 2026 Homecoming: Mark Your Calendars We are heading to Lake Blackshear, GA, September 25-27, 2026. This is the big one. This is the reunion. This is the release. Imagine a thousand of us. Imagine the laughter echoing off the water. Imagine the collective peace of a thousand Black women who have finally decided that their rest is non-negotiable. We are building this for the culture, by the culture. If you’ve been sitting on the fence, let this be your sign. You don't need to know how to pitch a tent (we can help with that!). You don't even need to know how to start a fire. You just need to show up with an open heart and a pair of comfortable shoes (and maybe a cute outfit for the orange dinner). We are healing, we are reconnecting, and we are doing it together. I can’t wait to see 1,000 of my favorite cousins in 2026. Let’s make history together, y’all. Don’t wait too long. This homecoming is going to be one for the books, and spots will fill up fast. Tell the group chat. It’s time to do something for YOU. Grab your spot for the 2026 Homecoming! Tap to grab your spot, Camp Cousin 👇🏾

Black People do Camp! Join the black outdoor movement today.

BLACK PEOPLE DO CAMP! JOIN THE BLACK OUTDOOR MOVEMENT TODAY.

Why the outdoors are for everyone and black people should try camping If you are like us, you have probably asked a loved one to join you in camping and in the growing black outdoor movement and you were met with a “No, thank you.” The conversation was probably similar to the many we had with Cayela prior to actually joining her. Does this sound familiar? “Hey, what do you ladies think about going on a camping trip?” Jocelyn raised her eyes from the magazine in front of her and looked at me as though I was an alien. “Camping?” “Camping as in going out to the woods and serving myself up on a platter as meat for some wild animal to eat?” Shunte’asked. “Well, no, we’d just be going all together with a couple of other people to the woods and…”  You see…I was trying to explain before being cut off. “I ain’t going,” Jocelyn said abruptly dropping her eyes back to her magazine. “Yeah, I ain’t going either and besides, black people don’t camp.”  Shunte’ said. Cutting this long story of how I tried to convince them of the advantages of going camping and thoroughly failing, my friends refused to go camping with me. This reluctance to camp is why many people believe in the myth that black people don’t camp but I’m here to tell you that black folk camp too.  Guess what? It’s a lot of fun, which is why people of color should start camping more often. Why not enjoy the fresh air, back packing, tubing and conversions by the campfire? Join in the growing black camping movement. If you’re one of those who believe that black people don’t camp, you need to dispel your belief because black people definitely camp. Look at previous 850+ black campers who have attended Campout on the past. Fact: Black folk camp too In fact, some people attribute the reasons why few black people camp to history when racial discrimination was a big thing in America, where blacks were banned from specific outdoor places like national parks or beaches by custom or law. These were the periods when African Americans had to be careful not to go near national parks because they were not so safe due to the Park service’s history of discrimination. Melanated Campout event in August is going to be a wonderful way for black people to connect with nature and participate in Self-Care. With a lot of fun camping activities and adventure planed, campers will be able to go home with many memorable tales to tell their friends and families.  These stories will entail never ending fun and relief from stress that was had during the entire weekend. This summer, you have the chance to meet new people and make new friends, network, participate in outdoor yoga, fishing, gather around fires to talk and tell stories, participate in water gun battle, attend parties (HBCU- Homecoming, old school hip hop). But more then that, for first time campers you have the opportunity to experience camping in safe space. Growing black outdoor movement Our hope is that while this may be your first experience camping and become a committed member of the black outdoor movement; it won’t be your last. We want this trip to give you a taste of the benefits of being outside and encourage you to use what you have learned to camp through out the year with your new camp cousin and also your family. One of the greatest legacies you can leave your family, is the love for the outdoors. To find a space in this world where you can connect with the outdoors, find peace, sit still with yourself and reflect on how wonderful things are or go camping with your family and make memories that last a lifetime are priceless. Memories that don’t involve electronics (or at least a lot of them) but instead good clean fun. In recent years, there has been an increase in new audiences enjoying camping. We invite you to join in the growing black outdoor movement. Meet us at the largest Melanated Campout east of the Mississippi! Black people don’t camp!- said every black person until they try it

3 ways Glamping is different than camping

3 WAYS GLAMPING IS DIFFERENT THAN CAMPING

What is glamping? Glamping is another name for luxury camping and is derived from “Glamorous camping”. When people camp Glamping-style they have accommodations that are much more glamorous than the normal accommodations found inside your tent. Think of it as camping in a tent but prettied up. Glamping is a great opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, immerse yourself in your nature-filled surroundings, unplug from tiring city life, get away from the daily noise of the city to the quiet sounds of nature and birds in the woods. It’s kind of like renting a nice hotel room only this time, you would have unlimited access to nature. At Melanated Campout, we offer an enjoyable camping experience for everyone, glampers included. Checkout our glamping package. How Glamping got it’s start Now you may think glamping is a modern invention, however, glamping began in the early 1900s when rich American and European travelers who didn’t want to give up the comforts of their homes started to go on safari in Africa. Soon enough safari camps began to offer upscale options to suit their needs and since then glamping has been growing more and more popular. The difference between camping and glamping can be summed up in the following ways: 1. Accommodations Camping- Tent placed directly on the ground with basic lighting and scant decor. Glamping- If it’s a permanent glamping site, it may be a tent placed on a raised platform.  Even if not, the accommodations within the tent will be beyond the basic. For example, a chandelier vs a basic light.  And the inclusion of a rug, hamper, comforter, pillows, and nice decor. 2. The sleeping options Camping- Sleeping bags. Glamping- No sleeping bag zone. Air mattress at the very least. For more information on sleeping options while camping, check out our previous blog. 3. The restroom & bathing Camping- People that go camping the traditional way usually have to make use of the forest for easing themselves. Glamping- When you glamp, you can have a portable toilet and even a pop-up tent so you can go in private. That pop-up tent can also accommodate a shower. Of course, at Melanated Campout, we are on a campground. So you will have access to both hot showers and clean restroom facilities. Haven’t heard of Melanated Campout yet? Well, check it out, it’s an African American camping event full of adventure, relaxation, and activities. In fact, it’s the largest Campout East of the Mississippi!

Tubing? What’s that?

TUBING? WHAT’S THAT?

Yes, you probably saw it on the Melanated Campout schedule for the camping event in June that there would be tubing on Saturday and you’re probably wondering just what the hell tubing is? Despair not, everything will be explained in this post. Tubing is an activity (usually recreational) where people ride an inner tube on water, snow or air. Since we’ll be talking about the tubing you’ll be doing at this camping event, you can forget about tubing in snow and in the air (kite tubing). Our camp is located in Helen, GA in June, so getting your bathing suits out and let’s hit the river! Tubing in Helen, GA, is more than just a recreational activity, it is the perfect mix of adventure, activity, and relaxation; which is why tubing is a key part of the Melanated camping event in June. This is an activity adventurous black people can’t afford to miss out on. How to tube? Step 1. Get Tube. Step 2. Float down the river. Note: Life jackets are available for those who want one. Where to get the tubes? On the Melanated Campout trip, the tubes will be furnished by the tubing company.  You are welcome to bring your own tube, but it’s not necessary. Outside of this trip, you should probably call your tubing company to ask if they are provided before you go to ensure the actual tube is either included in the price or available to rent. When to tube? On the Melanated Campout trip, we will go on Saturday, assuming water levels are sufficient. Outside of this trip, you should probably call your tubing company to ask if the water levels are too low. If they are low, you may not be allowed to tube. Here’s a few tips on how to make your tubing trip a success. Buy straps and sticks After getting a tube, don’t forget to buy and take along a stick and strap. The strap is important if you’re riding down the river with your crew. This allows you to tie your tubes together. You’ll need the stick to navigate over and around the boulders and in shallow water. You will get wet Be prepared to get wet so wear a swim suit. Don’t forget to wear water shoes and don’t try going barefooted because at some point, you may need to get out of the tube and you have no idea what’s in the river. No stopping along the way Once you’ve started tubing down the river, you can’t stop until you get back to the designated stopping area. Therefore, you should probably use the toilet before getting into your tube. Guard your property To avoid losing your property or getting your cell or electronics wet, buy a waterproof pouch. They come in all sizes, everything from cell phone size that hang around your neck to large bags. Grab your plastic water bottle Each tuber is allowed to take one 32 oz. plastic bottle on the river. No alcohol.

All about RVs

Typically, most RVs have a bathroom, sleeping facilities and a kitchen, however, there are also luxurious RVs that have A/Cs, heaters, satellite receptors and so on. Although, most people live temporarily in RVs while traveling, some people living in areas where living expenses are quite expensive have been known to maintain a main residence in an RV and live there full-time. Different types of RVs include: RV Camping vs. Tent Camping Cost RVs are far more expensive than tents.  Even after the initial investment, RVs still require money for maintenance, gas or diesel for movement, repairs and storage unlike tents which are much more cost-effective. Comfort Tents can be easily built and are much less expensive than RVs, However, you can’t get the comfort that an RV can give you with tent camping ….unless, of course, you decide to go Glamping. Traditional tents usually have less space than an RV and don’t have many of the modern conveniences of an RV.  With the introduction of Glamping, more modern tent set-ups rival many hotel room) because the include some of the dance amenitiea but have the added benefit of sleeping under the stars. Adventure For adventure, black campers have been known to hike through trails that RVs cannot possibly hope to drive through. RVs are at a disadvantage  because they can’t get everywhere that someone on foot can get. Mobility It is pretty impossible for a tent to move itself from state to state except it is repacked and moved by black people camping, however, an RV gives black campers  the opportunity to camp and still move from place to place making it a desirable option. Connecting with Nature Many campers have been known to go camping to unplug from modern conveniences and distance themselves from the stress of city life to allow them to connect with nature.  RV camping allows flexibility to travel and set up almost anywhere. Where to rent an RV in Helen, GA? There are many RV rental services. To save yourself unnecessary hassle, it is advised to ask the rental company to deliver the rented RV to the campgrounds (i.e. your campsite for the Melanated Campout) When renting a RV, it would be wise to  clarify the following items: Here are some RV rental service providers in Helen, GA: RVShare.com Outdoorsy.com After you find the best rental deal, you can then ask them to deliver your RV to the Melanated Campout near Helen, GA. So now that you are convinced you don’t need a cabin to camp, check out why you should go camping. Of course, at Melanated Campout, we are on a campground. So you will have access to both hot showers and clean restroom facilities. Haven’t heard of Melanated Campout yet? Well, check it out, it’s an African American camping event full of adventure, relaxation, and activities. In fact, it’s the largest Campout East of the Mississippi!

What is there to do during the Melanated Campout Event?

WHAT IS THERE TO DO DURING THE MELANATED CAMPOUT EVENT?

Like what the hell do we do on a camping trip? I remember my first camping trip, I’d been forced to go with my grandmother. It seemed like a silly thing to do, especially when I’d just planned to stay home watching my favorite series.  I just couldn’t understand the fun thing that we could do while camping. After that camping trip, I went on many other camping trips because I had so much fun I wondered why I hadn’t considered going camping earlier. And you’re much more lucky than I am if you’re going for the Melanated Campout event in June because there are so many fun things to do. Here are some of the fun things you can get up to at Melanated Campout: Meet new people There is going to be a meet and greet on the first day that is the best time to meet fellow campers and find people with whom you would have fun for the rest of the big camping event. So go to the meet and greet, mingle with people, make friends and just have fun. At the Icebreaker activity, you can also meet more people and familiarize yourself with people you met at the meet and greet while learning the camp rules. Party! Party! Party! For those that love partying, there are going to be lots of parties. For the Hip Hop glow party, you get to wear neon and even glow in the dark face paint. This is a perfect opportunity to show off your dancing skills as well. The Soca Fete on Saturday is a great time to jump around to power soca tunes and shake your body to groovy soca.  There is also going to be an old school hip hop/ R&B outfit party that you can’t afford to miss. The Midnight Spades Tournament There is nothing that can compare to a nice game of spades. At Melanated campout, you get to enjoy the pleasure of participating in a Midnight Spades Tournament or just watching. In this spades tournament, all you need is a little luck, a competitive adventurous spirit, the ability to read people and the desire to have fun. Of course, at Melanated Campout, we are on a campground. So you will have access to both hot showers and clean restroom facilities. Tubing Tubing is a great recreational activity where you get to ride an inner tube on water, snow or air. Since the big camping events will be in Helen, GA, you get to ride down the Chattahoochee or the 1000 feet river in Helen. Read our Tubing blog post. The Comedy Show One of my favorite things to do is laugh.  So you know we had to add in a comedian. Get ready to laugh or at least giggle. There are many other things you can do while camping at Melanated Campout, you can decide to go hiking, go lake dipping, participate in the freaky feud and game shows and have as much fun as possible. This camping trip is sure to be an adventure you will never forget. Haven’t heard of Melanated Campout yet? Well, check it out, it’s an African American camping event full of adventure, relaxation, and activities. In fact, it’s the largest Campout East of the Mississippi!

8 fun activities to help you join in the Black Outdoor Movement

8 FUN ACTIVITIES TO HELP YOU JOIN IN THE BLACK OUTDOOR MOVEMENT

Have you heard of the Black Outdoor Movement? Or have you heard it somewhere before or even on the internet that “black people don’t rock climb”, “black people don’t backpack”, “black people don’t camp”, “black people are just not adventurous”, etc. If you don’t actually know any African-American people who do these things,  you probably think these are true statements. WRONG THINKING! There are many BIPOC in the US who love these outdoor adventures even though percentage-wise, we are still the minority. There is a whole black outdoor movement, join in. In the meantime, learn about some of outdoor activities that are available. Here are a few activities black outdoor movement adventure seekers enjoy… Black People Rock Climbing Yes, you’ve probably heard of the poor statistics of the 1.5 percent African American climbers in the U.S as discovered by a research group at Clemson University. But… look at Mikhail Martin, co-founder of Brothers of Climbing, who is a strong member of the rock climbing community. Many other BIPOC have proven that rock climbing is not a color-specific sport and are adventurous enough to enjoy it. Black People Whitewater rafting For adventure, black people have been known to go whitewater rafting despite the fact that the thrill-seeking recreational activity is usually referred to as a “whites-only” activity, even by black people themselves. Rue Mapp’s online community of black nature lovers called  Outdoor Afro is an example of black people and other people of color who enjoy going on several whitewater rafting trips. Black People Skydiving “Black people are not thrill seekers, they can’t handle venturing to the dead zone and taking that leap required of skydivers.” You have probably heard this kind of talk before but despite the fact that many people believe these false rumors, black people have been known to go skydiving numerous times. Take a look at Team Blackstar, an entire team full of people of color who enjoy skydiving. Black People Hot Air Balloon Just like any other adrenaline-pumping recreational activity, black people also go on hot air balloons and enjoy the ride as it is a great way for people to clear their heads. In fact, checkout, America’s first black hot air balloon master pilot. Black People RV camping Many black people go on adventurous RV camping trips every year. Packing up their things into RVs with modern amenities, african0-american people who love the outdoors and nature go on RV trips with their loved ones.   They seek out new and familiar campgrounds, state parks, or they venture into the woods. Although many black RV enthusiasts have often complained of being the only black person on RV trips, the National African-American RV’ers Association organize group RV excursions. Black People Backpacking across Europe Black people have also been known to go on long or short backpacking trips to different countries in Europe with nothing but lightweight gear.  Imagine this,the are excited to take routes like London to Amsterdam, Rome to London, London to Istanbul, etc. Black Folk Camping Yes, Black people camp too. We at Melanated Campout are big examples of black people camp enthusiasts  who love nature, camping, and partying under the stars. We find that big camping events like the Melanated Campout are a great way to introduce novice campers to the camping experience.  Additionally, this amazing campout is a great way for black people to connect with nature and unplug from the stress of our normal lives and join in the black outdoor movement. There’s no better place to be than the largest Melanated Campout east of the Mississippi! Join us in June at the campgrounds near Helen GA  to have some fun tubing, partying, meeting other black people. If you’re one of those people who believed that black people do not love the outdoors or are not adventurous, you can lose that notion now.  Better yet, purchase your camping package for the Melanated Campout. This is a must do camping event for your annual list. It is time you begin to explore those things that “people” have said black folk don’t do! Haven’t heard of Melanated Campout yet? Well, check it out, it’s an African American camping event full of adventure, relaxation, and activities. In fact, it’s the largest Campout East of the Mississippi!

Camping 101

CAMPING 101

Here are some common camping terms to remember: So now that you have mastered the basics, discover why you should go camping. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the largest Melanated Campout east of the Mississippi!