On November 20 (11 am – 12 pm PT / 2 – 3 pm ET) Camping to Connect and Boyz N The Wood shared unique approaches to tackling the “masculinity crisis” common among Black and Brown youth and adult men in the US. Using nature as a tool and canvas for personal exploration and growth, these organizations build community and belonging, tackle loneliness, and create a brotherhood.

john a. powell, director of the UC Berkeley Othering & Belonging Institute, says “Inclusion is not just about diversity; it is about creating a sense of belonging for all.” A true sense of belonging relies on connection, vulnerability, and safety. For Black and Brown young and adult men today, this sense of belonging is scarce, but fostering connections in nature is leading to powerful results.

Our speakers:
CJ Goulding (Executive Director, Boyz N The Wood)
Manny Almonte (Co-Founder, Camping to Connect)
Andy Isaacson (Co-Founder, Camping to Connect & Wood Hood Film Maker)

Learn More:

Camping to Connect
Watch the Wood Hood documentary
Contact us at: info@youngmastermind.org
Follow us at: https://instagram.com/campingtoconnect
Camping to Connect on NBC’s “Today” Show: https://campingtoconnect.com/nbc

Boyz N The Wood
Contact Us: info@boyznthewood.org 
Of Boys and Men book 

Organizations/ People to check out:

• Barrios Unidos: Institute for Peace & Community Development 
• Semper Fi Odyssey
• Black Forager
• J. Drew Lanham
  • A New Way into the Wild: Inclusion as a Criterion for the Future of Conservation
• Devin Brown‘s historical voyage down the Mississippi River
• Black Outside
• Camp Founder Girls 
• Camp Indigo
• CampSeen
• Brave Trails
• Shoulder to Shoulder

Film recommendations:

• Seed Mother Coming Home
• Rights of Nature, Rights of Mother Earth
• Farming While Black

Books:

• No Child Left in the Woods, Richard Louv
• Wilderness survival books, Tom Brown
• The Man Who Talked to Flowers, George Washington Carver
• Of Boys and Men, Richard Reeves
• The Will to Change, Bell Hooks

Quotes:

“There’s a unique magic in removing these young men from urban environments, from the chaos of the city, and placing them in secluded natural spaces where they can connect with each other, with nature, and with themselves.” – Manny Almonte

“You know, nature provides a neutral ground. There are no street corners, there’s no distractions, there’s no external pressures, and it allows them to let their guard down and see themselves in a new light.” – Manny Almonte

“You have to change your environment to change your perspective” – CJ Goulding

“The foreignness of the environment, being out of their element in nature, to many of them, is a great equalizer. It also allows them to feel like they are in this experience, this foreign place together, and they have one another to rely on” – Andy Isaacson

“The idea is that we have access to the power of nature to not only provide Black men individually with a space of healing, but to normalize the idea of leaning on each other as brothers. As they return home, they then have that social connection and support as a foundation to show up better as fathers, as brothers, as uncles, as community leaders.” -CJ Goudling

“We can always talk about accountability as men, but the vulnerability part– that was modeled after sisterhood. You know, being able to talk about life, being able to connect that way. I have such an appreciation for the women who can show up that way, and especially for Black women who have been holding us down for a long time.” – Manny Almonte

“For Black men, who often carry the weight of societal pressures, this sense of brotherhood is a lifeline.” – Manny Almonte

Takeaways:

Nature serves as a neutral ground for connection and skill-building, offering participants a safe space for vulnerability, leadership, and personal growth.

Programs like these foster brotherhood, equipping participants with skills and tools to bring this sense of connection back to their communities.

Building community, even in small ways, is essential and impactful.