Fully Funded Trips for Bay Area Youth of Color

The top bullet points in our Anti-Racism Action Plan is "A broad expansion of outdoor activity offerings for Black youth, including fully-funded camping and cycling trips". It's our top bullet because it's one of the most executable action items we have. We already sponsor camping trips for kids through partners like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs of San Francisco, but we want to expand that concept to a significant degree. We've run into some setbacks due to closures from COVID-19, but that hasn't stopped us from having conversations, making plans and getting excited! Here's an overview of some of the groups we're forming partnerships with:

  • YMCA - Are you ready to explore, make new friends and be inspired by the beauty of nature? Leave what you know behind and be a part of something extraordinary in the wilderness. We embrace diversity and the uniqueness of every participant, including ethnicity, race, socio-economic level, culture and gender expression. You’ll be inspired to be yourself and learn how to be a bridge-builder in today’s multicultural world. Our trips are designed for beginners who are ready to embrace getting dirty and the adventure of living in the woods. No experience backpacking is necessary. 
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco - We're excited to continue partnering with our friends at Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco to provide experiences that help youth build skills for a successful future. Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco inspires and enables all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. Through high-quality programs and support services, the Club prepares members to be “ready for life”. 
  • Trips for Kids - Their mission is to provide transformative cycling experiences through a network of chapters that promote healthy, recreational lifestyles, environmental awareness, and personal empowerment for young people of all communities, especially those most in need.
  • Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT) - Bay Area Wilderness Training envisions a generation of social and environmental leaders, inspired by positive and meaningful experiences in nature, who reflect the diversity of our local community.

There's a number of other organizations that we are also hoping to partner with, and we'll be updating this list accordingly when we have more information. If you represent an NPO that organizes trips for youth of color, and you'd like to team up with Sports Basement for funding, gear, or other assistance, please contact us

1 comment

  • Miriam Wong says...

    The Latina Center, based in Richmond, would love to join! In normal years, we run a summer camp for youth at our office and we have a youth leadership team Young Latinas, Future Leaders. Please contact us: 510/233-8595.

    On June 29, 2020

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