Transformative Outdoor Mentorship for Urban Youth
Fostering Leadership, Brotherhood & Belonging Through the Outdoors
Who We Are
Camping to Connect is a BIPOC-led program addressing teen social isolation by creating deep, in-person connections in nature.
We guide young men from underserved communities into the outdoors for immersive nature-based experiences grounded in emotional vulnerability, mentorship, and brotherhood.
In these safe, supportive spaces, nature becomes a catalyst for mental health, personal growth, and a lasting sense of belonging.
Access to Nature
Research shows that regular time in nature is vital to a childโs healthy development. Yet youth from underserved urban communities often lack access to green and wild spaces. Weโre working to change that.
Our mission is to expand access to the outdoors and rewrite the narrative of who belongs in these spacesโempowering young men to discover their strength, confidence, and potential.
Our ProgramS
Our weekend camping trips and day programs are designed for young men from underserved communities, with a focus on social-emotional growth and community building.
Participants gain essential outdoor skills, strengthen emotional awareness, build confidence, and form lasting bondsโall in the healing power of nature.
Every program is offered at no cost to participants.
โChildren who feel a connection with the natural world are happier, healthier, and smarter.โ
โ Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder
Testimonials
โI feel like being around nature my mind is more at peace.โ
- Ryan V, Camping to Connect participant
โBeing in this open space, with cleaner air and water by us โ it allows you to breathe differently.โ
Carlos Davila, Camping to Connect Mentor
Cities We Serve
NEW YORK CITY
DENVER
WOOD HOOD
WINNER: Best Short Film โ 2022 Banff Mountain Film Festival
Watch the trailer for Wood Hood, an award-winning documentary short sponsored by Patagonia that highlights the transformative work of Camping to Connect.
The film follows 15-year-old DeVaughn, a skateboarder from New York City searching for a โquiet place,โ as he embarks on a weekend camping trip that challenges and changes himโemotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Spread The Word: Shop Our Merch
Our Partners
Camping to Connectโs transformative outdoor programs for urban youth are made possible by the generous support of partners who share our vision and values.
Weโre deeply grateful to the sponsors who stand with usโproviding both financial support and in-kind contributions. Your partnership helps us expand access to nature, mentorship, and personal growth for the young men we serve.
We welcome new sponsors. Join us in making an impact.
Clif Bar
Ramble Camp
Goal Zero
Foley Hoag Foundation
James D. Kinsey Jr. Memorial Fund
Nalgene
Campworks
GSI Outdoors
Wigwam
Mountainsmith
Camping to Connect is proud to be recognized as a recommended nonprofit of 1% for the Planet under their giving pledge.
Camping to Connect is a proud partner of Rethink Outside, a campaign to challenge and transform prevailing notions around time spent in nature, and champion the benefits of time spent outdoors as a basic human right.
Our alliance with the Appalachian Mountain Club helps provide Camping to Connect with staff leadership training, outdoor equipment loans, and reduced campground fees.
As a grantee of NIKE, Inc.โs Black Community Commitment, we are thrilled to join the third year of this movement to advance equality at the local level in NYC.
Make an impact today
Support our mission by contributing a donation.