Camping to Connect excited to partner with Vista Peak Exploratory School and Driven by Our Ambitions to offer a series of outdoor experiences and opportunities to learn the healing power of nature, fellowship and community.
Camping to Connect (“C2C”) 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.
We provide young men of color with a safe space for meaningful conversations, connecting them with nature, their peers, and dedicated mentors. Our leadership reflects the backgrounds of our youth participants, fostering a vital paradigm shift in their self-perception and understanding of their place in the world.
On Saturday, June 1, 2024, we’ll embark on a day hike that will allow us to explore and better understand our natural surroundings, strengthen observation skills, and help us learn about the value of perspective about the way we see the world and ourselves.
Transportation to/from hiking trail and hiking boots will be provided:
Location & Schedule
Departure Time: 8:30 am
Return Time: 4:00 pm
Meeting/Dropoff Location: Vista Peak Exploratory School, 24551 E 1st Ave, Aurora, CO 80018
Hike Location: Genesee Park, 26771 Genesee Ln, Golden, CO 80401
Trail information
We will be hiking 4.81 miles of the Genesee Trail.
What to bring
2 Large Water bottles
Snacks
Fruit (banana or apples preferred)
Sandwich in a sealable bag
Backpack
Baseball cap or beanie
Long Sleeve Sweatshirt
Windbreaker, vest, fleece or lightweight jacket appropriate for the weather.
Camping to Connect’s programming is designed to:
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, bird watching, and more.
Teach participants about community values, teamwork, and personal responsibility.
Allow students to build a deep connection to the outdoors, and form brotherhood.
Staff
This day hike experience will be lead by Jalen Bazile and James Salsberry.
The Young Masterminds Initiative, Inc. (“YMI”) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded by members of the 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.
Our initiative was created to offer young men of color, ages 13 and up, an opportunity to participate in uniquely designed life skills programs, with awareness and empowerment as a core focus.
YMI’s Mission is to leave a lifelong impression on participants, instilling a deeper understanding about themselves, and the important role they play in their local community and the world.