A Weekend Experience for Men of Color Ready to Lead, Connect, and Give Back
An opportunity to step away from the noise, reconnect with yourself, and experience the brotherhood we’re building for men of color.
Date: Friday, April 17th to Sunday, April 19, 2026
Meet Up Time: 11 AM
Meet Up Location: Union Station East, Long Term Parking Garage, 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA
Campsite Location: Joshua Group Camp at Saddleback Butte State Park
Return Time: 12 PM
Who This Is For?
This experience is for you if:
You’re a man of color living in Los Angeles
You’re looking for deeper connection and brotherhood
You feel called to mentor or give back
You want to experience Camping to Connect before committing to serving young men of color
What You’ll Experience:
Campfire conversations that go deeper than surface-level talk
Guided reflection and real conversations about life, purpose, and identity
Time in nature to reset your mind and body
Brotherhood built through shared challenge and vulnerability
Why This Matters?
Young men of color are facing record levels of loneliness and disconnection.
We believe connection is the antidote.
This weekend is your chance to experience that firsthand and help bring it to the next generation in Los Angeles.
Apply to join this experience
Limited to 12 men of color in Los Angeles.
Selected men will be invited to help launch our Fall LA pilot.
All necessary equipment, food and beverages will be provided. We’ll be carpooling to/from camp.
THEME FOR THE CAMPING TO CONNECT WEEK: Identity, belonging and leadership.
FACILITATORS
This program will be led by Manny Almonte and Warren Watkins.
FOOD
Please have a hearty meal before departure. Snacks and meals will be provided once we arrive at the campsite.
DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
It is very important that all food-related allergies, restrictions, or concerns be listed on your registration form. Late notification of food-related needs may restrict our ability to accommodate you. Please list all food-related restrictions as accurately as possible. C2C will do its best to accommodate your allergies and preferences.
SAFETY
We expect to have a fun, safe adventure in the outdoors. That said, Volunteers should be aware that there are inherent risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, the remote locations of our trips, and transportation in vehicles and on foot. Participant safety is a high priority for all C2C activities. Our staff carries first aid kits, and follows an Action Plan in the event of emergencies.
ENVIRONMENT
The weather in the mountains can vary tremendously during the spring/summer/fall months. While we enjoy warm, clear days, we also experience cold, wet conditions. Be prepared to be out on the trail regardless of the weather. The gear list enclosed in this packet will provide you with all the necessary articles of clothing to keep you comfortable, no matter what Mother Nature brings our way. We have tarps for coverage and rain gear available. We will be alright.
PACKING LIST
Clothing & Equipment: To ensure your safety, we cannot take people to the outdoors without the proper clothing. See the list of necessary equipment below.
Please look closely over the following list. Pack light (but enough for a couple of days). All items are required except those indicated as optional. We will provide all essential camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, headlamps, etc.
A change of underwear
Socks
1 pair of Shorts
1 pair of Pants (lightweight, no jeans, lightweight sweatpants OK)
T-shirts x2 (synthetic fabric preferred)
Sun Protection Hoodie Long Sleeve
Sweatshirt or fleece jacket
Base Layers for nighttime (long johns)
Light puffy jacket
Toiletry (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc)
Comfortable Sneakers or close toed sandals/camp shoes
Hat (for protection from sun)
Prescribed medication and medical devices
Sunglasses (optional)
Sunscreen (optional)
Camping to Connect will provide the following:
Food
Snacks
Lodging
Educational materials
Tents and tarps
Sleeping pads
Sleeping bags
Sleeping bag liners
Pillow
Day pack for hiking
Rain jacket
Stoves and fuel
Cooking equipment
Compass
Garmin inReach Satellite Communicator
Digital camera
First aid kit
Water carrier and water treatment
Sunscreen and bug spray (if you have specific needs, please bring your own)
CONTACTS
Feel free to contact Zach Jones at (630) 699-9255 with any questions you may have before the trip. We will reach out to you immediately if an incident arises during the trip.