Unlock Possibilities: Transform Lives with Nature
From national TV features to empowering over 400 young men through outdoor adventures, 2024 was a year of impact. Now, we’re gearing up for an even bigger 2025—and you can be part of the journey. Explore our milestones, shop our new merch, and see how you can make a difference. Together, we’re building connections, healing hearts, and creating opportunities.
As the holiday season unfolds, we pause to reflect on an eventful and transformative year at Young Masterminds Initiative dba Camping to Connect. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve made powerful strides in our mission to heal, empower, and connect young men through the magic of the outdoors.
2024 Highlights
Camping to Connect participants from NYC backpack the US Continental Divide in Colorado
Featured on NBC’s Sunday Today with Willie Geist and NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt: Our story reached millions, shining a light on the life-changing impact of our work.
Empowered 400+ young men: Through hiking, camping, backpacking, fly fishing, career panels and leadership workshops, participants found healing, confidence, and community.
Partnered with Colorado Parks and WIldlife through their Outdoor Equity Grant to serve 76 men (and counting) from traditionally underserved communities in the frontrange to our program.
Expanded reach and opportunities: We tripled our program participation and, with Fjallraven N.A., brought 8 young men from NYC to backpack Colorado’s Continental Divide—a journey of resilience and discovery.
Used the power of storytelling through Wood Hood, our award-winning film, to reach thousands of students in classrooms across the country, as well as regional and national conferences like the YMCA’s REMLE and Trust for Public Lands Annual Summit.
On November 20th we joined Boyz N The Wood on a webinar hosted by Blue Sky Funders to share unique approaches to using nature as a tool and canvas for personal exploration and growth, building community and belonging, tackling loneliness, and creating a brotherhood. You can find the recording of the webinar, Q&A, and other resources at the link here.
One participant shared, “Being in nature helped me find peace I didn’t know I needed. I can breathe here. I feel safe.”
Why Your Support Matters
Especially in challenging times, community and nature can offer a refuge—a place to reconnect and build belonging. Programs like Camping to Connect create spaces in the outdoors for vulnerability, social connection, safety, and brotherhood.
Outdoor spaces remain inaccessible for many people of color, and we’re breaking barriers. Our culturally aligned mentorship and environmental education ensure participants not only feel represented but leave inspired to lead in their communities and steward the outdoors.
In 2025, we aim to serve more communities, combat the loneliness epidemic, and empower young men aged 13–24 with life-changing experiences, adding 100 new participants and 10-20 new trained volunteers (sign up to volunteer here).
We’re looking to add the City of Newark, NJ to the cities we serve, and share our gear library and other resources with a newly created sister program that will mirror ours to serve young women, starting with New York City (official announcement to come soon!)
You Can Help Us Do Even More
This Giving Tuesday, your gift will fund transformative outdoor experiences and provide mentorship for those who need it most. Together, we can ensure no young man is left behind.
Shop the Movement:
Camping to Connect Merch Is Here!
Introducing the Camping to Connect Merch—where style meets purpose. From t-shirts and hoodies to caps, mugs, and tumblers, our gear proudly represents “Camping to Connect,” our exclusive “Nurtured by Nature” line, and our limited special-edition line by NYC-based AfroLatino designer Tony M. Peralta. Every purchase not only amplifies our mission but directly supports our programs. Ready to rep the movement and make an impact?
We Outside! Tee
We partnered with contemporary artist M. Tony Peralta to create this limited-edition We Outside! design, inspired by the popular New York City catchphrase. His exclusive “We Outside: From City Lights to Stars at Night” collection captures the spirit of urban exploration and nature’s serenity.
This soft, organic ring-spun cotton features a unisex fit.
Details:
• 100% organic ring-spun cotton
$35.00
Nurtured by Nature Hoodie
“Nurtured by Nature.” That’s what we do at Camping to Connect — give everyone the chance to experience the benefits of nature. With this soft hoodie, you’ll be cozy during chilly evenings around the campfire.
Details:
65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester
$65.00
Camping to Connect Tee
A Classic Camping to Connect Tee. The tri-blend fabric creates a vintage, fitted look.
Details:
• 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon
• Pre-shrunk
$35.00
With deep gratitude,
Manny Almonte, Founder & CEO
P.S. Consider leaving a legacy by including Young Masterminds Initiative in your will and estate plans.
About Camping to Connect
Camping to Connect is a Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) lead immersive, experiential, mentorship program that uses nature-based outdoor recreation to address the diverse issues faced by young men of traditionally underserved (BIPOC) communities. Offered at no cost to participants, Camping to Connect is a program of the Young Masterminds Initiative, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by a collective of progressive men of color who believe in inspiring change by nurturing camaraderie, fostering accountability, and cultivating trust, leadership, and support.
