Vasque Footwear, with nearly 60 years of experience delivering functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts, is proud to announce a strategic, long-term partnership with Camping to Connect. Through this partnership, Vasque will help bring outdoor experiences and educational opportunities to young individuals and foster a connection with nature and personal growth.

In today's fast-paced, urban-centric world, mental health struggles have become increasingly common, and young men of color are no exception. However, through outdoor recreation and nature immersion, we can foster healing and personal growth while addressing various issues, such as mental health and healthy masculinity

Backpacker’s Pantry, a family-owned maker of gourmet adventure meals, announces today its latest partnership within its ‘Environmental Access and Education’ give back vertical, with the Young Masterminds Initiative nonprofit organization. Specifically, Backpacker’s Pantry will provide financial support to its Camping to Connect program for youth from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (“BIPOC”) communities in New York and Colorado. Backpacker’s Pantry will also make food donations throughout the year for their excursions.

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.