Camping to Connect (“C2C), a mentorship program that uses outdoor recreation and nature immersion to address the diverse issues faced by young men of color, is happy to invite young men from the International High School at La Guardia Community to apply for a weekend of camping, hiking, exploring, learning, bonding and overall FUN!
This Summer, selected participants who show proficiency and leadership skills may qualify for paid internship opportunities with the Young Masterminds Initiative, a nonprofit organization founded by members of Mastermind Connect.
Date: Friday, June 14 - Sunday, June 16, 2024
Campsite Location: Cedar Pond Campground, Southfields, NY 10975
Pick Up: 12 PM
Drop Off Time: 2 PM
Meeting Location: International HS at LGCC, 45-35 Van Dam St, Long Island City, NY 11101
Led by supportive adult men of color, students are taken out of their comfort zones to connect with each other and nature, and taught both outdoor and life skills that will positively impact their future.
Our weekend-long trips:
Build emotional self-awareness and confidence.
Offer students support and mentorship..
Promote effective communication, leadership, and group development skills.
Instruct students in basic outdoor skills such as trail navigation, campfire building, and more.
Teach participants about community values, teamwork, and personal responsibility.
Allow students to build a deep connection to the outdoors, and form brotherhood.
All necessary equipment, food and transportation will be provided. Please register today!
PRE-TRIP MEETING: Once registered, join us on June 3 at 7pm EST, for our mandatory pre-trip informational virtual meeting and conversation with the facilitators of this experience. A calendar invite will be sent following registration.
Watch the video and continue to read below to learn more about what to expect, what to bring, etc.
STUDENT CONTRACT, PARENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASES
Participants and Parent/Guardian need to review and electronically sign the Student Contract and Code of Conduct, as well as the Parent/Guardian Agreement and Release of Liability. Click here to review and electronically sign these documents.
THEME FOR THE CAMPING TO CONNECT WEEK: The Multi-Perspective Mindset: How to Navigate The Realities of Life.
FACILITATORS AND MENTORS
This program will be led by JD Weatherspoon, Jonny Soto-Altrogge and Carlos Davila. Background checks are conducted for all adult facilitators in our program.
FOOD
Please have a hearty meal before departure. Snacks and meals will be provided once we arrive at the campsite. Please make sure to alert us ahead of time about any dietary restrictions.
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, participants 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 at harriman State Park can vary tremendously during the spring/summer/fall months. While we enjoy warm, clear days, we also may 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.
Underwear
Socks
Shorts
Swim Trunks
Pants (lightweight, no jeans, lightweight sweatpants OK)
T-shirts
Sweatshirt or long-sleeved shirt
Towel
Toiletry (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, etc)
Hat (for protection from sun)
Sunglasses (optional)
Sneakers or closed toe sandals
Sunscreen (optional)
Please DO NOT bring the following items:
Candy/snacks/gum
Electronics
Drugs
Camping to Connect will provide the following:
Food
Lodging
Educational materials
Tents and tarps
Sleeping bags and ground pads
Backpacks
Stoves and fuel
Cooking equipment
Compasses
A digital camera per group
First aid kits
Water carrier and water treatment
Sunscreen and bug spray (if you have specific needs, please bring your own)
CONTACTS
Please note that in order to create a deeper, more enriching experience in nature, we will be securing participants' cell phones while we’re at the campground. While cell service at the campground can be spotty, in case of emergency only, you may contact the New York State parks visitor office at (845) 429-8257, and tell them you’re trying to reach us at the Cedar Pond Campgrounds. Feel free to contact Manny Almonte at (917)742-1744 with any questions you may have before the trip.
Camping to Connect is a program of the Young Masterminds Initiative, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded by members of Mastermind Connect, a collective of progressive men of color who believe in inspiring change by nurturing camaraderie, fostering accountability, and cultivating trust, leadership, and support.