Often we tend to focus on stories of the past during Black History Month, but today we want to shed light on a local organization working to create change within the outdoors, one family at a time.
It’s no secret that outdoor recreation has not traditionally been a space representing Black people well; this was evident to Zenovia Stephens and her family as they felt they never “saw themselves” while enjoying their family hikes. Rather than continue to wonder why or how things could look different, together, they created an organization whose mission is doing just that.
Black Kids Adventures, Inc is a local community-based organization where Black families who feel similar to the Stephens or are interested in embracing time outdoors can connect, grow and thrive in nature. Through group hikes, caving excursions, paddle boarding, and more, they’re inspiring Black families to engage in outdoor adventures together. Through their emphasis on family, they’re hoping to help reshape the image of those considered outdoorsy while encouraging a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts, conservationists, park rangers, and those with a profound love of nature.
While BKA is a new organization challenging the diversity issues of the outdoors, many other organizations are working towards the same goal. From the likes of nationally known Outdoor Afro, which has a chapter in Birmingham, AL, to the local Black Girls Hike Huntsville, the common theme is creating a warm and welcoming space for all.
Black Kids Adventures has served over 200 people through community events since planting roots in June 2020. Currently, they host one event per month and work alongside many local businesses and organizations to offer family-friendly pricing and increase staying power. Still, the activity which has made the most significant impact is their Family Adventure Camp.
Family Adventure Camp is hosted twice a year at Camp McDowell. It consists of a weekend stay for participating families offering many opportunities to exercise their mission: to Expose, Educate and Empower families outside. Through a collaborative effort from Zenovia, her family, and the education center, families are immersed in hands-on gardening, guided hikes and reflection walks, canoeing, rock wall climbing, reptile and birds of prey encounters, and most importantly, community building. This program has opened many families up to new ways to embrace the outdoors, helped build their confidence, and provided an environment for priceless memories.
While currently on break, the organization plans to kick off their season with a 3 part Huntsville Black History (Urban) Hike series co-hosted with Huntsville Revisited. The family-friendly hike will begin at Huntsville’s oldest surviving African American burial ground, Glenwood Cemetary, and head downtown for 2-3 miles stopping at historic landmarks along the way. They will continue the year with some returning favorites such as their Halloween and Hero hikes, family paddleboarding, camp, and have plans to add in new adventures this year.
If you’re interested in supporting the work of Black Kids Adventures, Inc, or joining their events, be sure to keep up with them on Instagram and Facebook and check their website for upcoming events.
Huntsville Black History (Urban) Hike
February 27th, 2022
12:45 pm – 3:00 pm
Glenwood Cemetary
Corner of Derrick Street & Hall Avenue
Registration Required
Guest blogger for We Are Huntsville. Are you interested in writing a post for our site? Email katelyn@wearehuntsville.com.
