Uncategorized

Why the outdoors are for everyone and black people should try camping If you are like us, you have probably asked a loved one to join you in camping and in the growing black outdoor movement and you were met with a “No, thank you.” The conversation was probably similar to the many we had with Cayela prior to actually joining her. Does this sound familiar? “Hey, what do you ladies think about going on a camping trip?” Jocelyn raised her eyes from the magazine in front of her and looked at me as though I was an alien. “Camping?” “Camping as in going out to the woods and serving myself up on a platter as meat for some wild animal to eat?” Shunte’asked. “Well, no, we’d just be going all together with a couple of other people to the woods and…”  You see…I was trying to explain before being cut off. “I ain’t going,” Jocelyn said abruptly dropping her eyes back to her magazine. “Yeah, I ain’t going either and besides, black people don’t camp.”  Shunte’ said. Cutting this long story of how I tried to convince them of the advantages of going camping and thoroughly failing, my friends refused to go camping with me. This reluctance to camp is why many people believe in the myth that black people don’t camp but I’m here to tell you that black folk camp too.  Guess what? It’s a lot of fun, which is why people of color should start camping more often. Why not enjoy the fresh air, back packing, tubing and conversions by the campfire? Join in the growing black camping movement. If you’re one of those who believe that black people don’t camp, you need to dispel your belief because black people definitely camp. Look at previous 850+ black campers who have attended Campout on the past. Fact: Black folk camp too In fact, some people attribute the reasons why few black people camp to history when racial discrimination was a big thing in America, where blacks were banned from specific outdoor places like national parks or beaches by custom or law. These were the periods when African Americans had to be careful not to go near national parks because they were not so safe due to the Park service’s history of discrimination. Melanated Campout event in August is going to be a wonderful way for black people to connect with nature and participate in Self-Care. With a lot of fun camping activities and adventure planed, campers will be able to go home with many memorable tales to tell their friends and families.  These stories will entail never ending fun and relief from stress that was had during the entire weekend. This summer, you have the chance to meet new people and make new friends, network, participate in outdoor yoga, fishing, gather around fires to talk and tell stories, participate in water gun battle, attend parties (HBCU- Homecoming, old school hip hop). But more then that, for first time campers you have the opportunity to experience camping in safe space. Growing black outdoor movement Our hope is that while this may be your first experience camping and become a committed member of the black outdoor movement; it won’t be your last. We want this trip to give you a taste of the benefits of being outside and encourage you to use what you have learned to camp through out the year with your new camp cousin and also your family. One of the greatest legacies you can leave your family, is the love for the outdoors. To find a space in this world where you can connect with the outdoors, find peace, sit still with yourself and reflect on how wonderful things are or go camping with your family and make memories that last a lifetime are priceless. Memories that don’t involve electronics (or at least a lot of them) but instead good clean fun. In recent years, there has been an increase in new audiences enjoying camping. We invite you to join in the growing black outdoor movement. Meet us at the largest Melanated Campout east of the Mississippi! Black people don’t camp!- said every black person until they try it

What is glamping? Glamping is another name for luxury camping and is derived from “Glamorous camping”. When people camp Glamping-style they have accommodations that are much more glamorous than the normal accommodations found inside your tent. Think of it as camping in a tent but prettied up. Glamping is a great opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, immerse yourself in your nature-filled surroundings, unplug from tiring city life, get away from the daily noise of the city to the quiet sounds of nature and birds in the woods. It’s kind of like renting a nice hotel room only this time, you would have unlimited access to nature. At Melanated Campout, we offer an enjoyable camping experience for everyone, glampers included. Checkout our glamping package. How Glamping got it’s start Now you may think glamping is a modern invention, however, glamping began in the early 1900s when rich American and European travelers who didn’t want to give up the comforts of their homes started to go on safari in Africa. Soon enough safari camps began to offer upscale options to suit their needs and since then glamping has been growing more and more popular. The difference between camping and glamping can be summed up in the following ways: 1. Accommodations Camping- Tent placed directly on the ground with basic lighting and scant decor. Glamping- If it’s a permanent glamping site, it may be a tent placed on a raised platform.  Even if not, the accommodations within the tent will be beyond the basic. For example, a chandelier vs a basic light.  And the inclusion of a rug, hamper, comforter, pillows, and nice decor. 2. The sleeping options Camping- Sleeping bags. Glamping- No sleeping bag zone. Air mattress at the very least. For more information on sleeping options while camping, check out our previous blog. 3. The restroom & bathing Camping- People that go camping the traditional way usually have to make use of the forest for easing themselves. Glamping- When you glamp, you can have a portable toilet and even a pop-up tent so you can go in private. That pop-up tent can also accommodate a shower. Of course, at Melanated Campout, we are on a campground. So you will have access to both hot showers and clean restroom facilities. Haven’t heard of Melanated Campout yet? Well, check it out, it’s an African American camping event full of adventure, relaxation, and activities. In fact, it’s the largest Campout East of the Mississippi!

Yes, you probably saw it on the Melanated Campout schedule for the camping event in June that there would be tubing on Saturday and you’re probably wondering just what the hell tubing is? Despair not, everything will be explained in this post. Tubing is an activity (usually recreational) where people ride an inner tube on water, snow or air. Since we’ll be talking about the tubing you’ll be doing at this camping event, you can forget about tubing in snow and in the air (kite tubing). Our camp is located in Helen, GA in June, so getting your bathing suits out and let’s hit the river! Tubing in Helen, GA, is more than just a recreational activity, it is the perfect mix of adventure, activity, and relaxation; which is why tubing is a key part of the Melanated camping event in June. This is an activity adventurous black people can’t afford to miss out on. How to tube? Step 1. Get Tube. Step 2. Float down the river. Note: Life jackets are available for those who want one. Where to get the tubes? On the Melanated Campout trip, the tubes will be furnished by the tubing company.  You are welcome to bring your own tube, but it’s not necessary. Outside of this trip, you should probably call your tubing company to ask if they are provided before you go to ensure the actual tube is either included in the price or available to rent. When to tube? On the Melanated Campout trip, we will go on Saturday, assuming water levels are sufficient. Outside of this trip, you should probably call your tubing company to ask if the water levels are too low. If they are low, you may not be allowed to tube. Here’s a few tips on how to make your tubing trip a success. Buy straps and sticks After getting a tube, don’t forget to buy and take along a stick and strap. The strap is important if you’re riding down the river with your crew. This allows you to tie your tubes together. You’ll need the stick to navigate over and around the boulders and in shallow water. You will get wet Be prepared to get wet so wear a swim suit. Don’t forget to wear water shoes and don’t try going barefooted because at some point, you may need to get out of the tube and you have no idea what’s in the river. No stopping along the way Once you’ve started tubing down the river, you can’t stop until you get back to the designated stopping area. Therefore, you should probably use the toilet before getting into your tube. Guard your property To avoid losing your property or getting your cell or electronics wet, buy a waterproof pouch. They come in all sizes, everything from cell phone size that hang around your neck to large bags. Grab your plastic water bottle Each tuber is allowed to take one 32 oz. plastic bottle on the river. No alcohol.

Typically, most RVs have a bathroom, sleeping facilities and a kitchen, however, there are also luxurious RVs that have A/Cs, heaters, satellite receptors and so on. Although, most people live temporarily in RVs while traveling, some people living in areas where living expenses are quite expensive have been known to maintain a main residence in an RV and live there full-time. Different types of RVs include: RV Camping vs. Tent Camping Cost RVs are far more expensive than tents.  Even after the initial investment, RVs still require money for maintenance, gas or diesel for movement, repairs and storage unlike tents which are much more cost-effective. Comfort Tents can be easily built and are much less expensive than RVs, However, you can’t get the comfort that an RV can give you with tent camping ….unless, of course, you decide to go Glamping. Traditional tents usually have less space than an RV and don’t have many of the modern conveniences of an RV.  With the introduction of Glamping, more modern tent set-ups rival many hotel room) because the include some of the dance amenitiea but have the added benefit of sleeping under the stars. Adventure For adventure, black campers have been known to hike through trails that RVs cannot possibly hope to drive through. RVs are at a disadvantage  because they can’t get everywhere that someone on foot can get. Mobility It is pretty impossible for a tent to move itself from state to state except it is repacked and moved by black people camping, however, an RV gives black campers  the opportunity to camp and still move from place to place making it a desirable option. Connecting with Nature Many campers have been known to go camping to unplug from modern conveniences and distance themselves from the stress of city life to allow them to connect with nature.  RV camping allows flexibility to travel and set up almost anywhere. Where to rent an RV in Helen, GA? There are many RV rental services. To save yourself unnecessary hassle, it is advised to ask the rental company to deliver the rented RV to the campgrounds (i.e. your campsite for the Melanated Campout) When renting a RV, it would be wise to  clarify the following items: Here are some RV rental service providers in Helen, GA: RVShare.com Outdoorsy.com After you find the best rental deal, you can then ask them to deliver your RV to the Melanated Campout near Helen, GA. So now that you are convinced you don’t need a cabin to camp, check out why you should go camping. Of course, at Melanated Campout, we are on a campground. So you will have access to both hot showers and clean restroom facilities. Haven’t heard of Melanated Campout yet? Well, check it out, it’s an African American camping event full of adventure, relaxation, and activities. In fact, it’s the largest Campout East of the Mississippi!

Like what the hell do we do on a camping trip? I remember my first camping trip, I’d been forced to go with my grandmother. It seemed like a silly thing to do, especially when I’d just planned to stay home watching my favorite series.  I just couldn’t understand the fun thing that we could do while camping. After that camping trip, I went on many other camping trips because I had so much fun I wondered why I hadn’t considered going camping earlier. And you’re much more lucky than I am if you’re going for the Melanated Campout event in June because there are so many fun things to do. Here are some of the fun things you can get up to at Melanated Campout: Meet new people There is going to be a meet and greet on the first day that is the best time to meet fellow campers and find people with whom you would have fun for the rest of the big camping event. So go to the meet and greet, mingle with people, make friends and just have fun. At the Icebreaker activity, you can also meet more people and familiarize yourself with people you met at the meet and greet while learning the camp rules. Party! Party! Party! For those that love partying, there are going to be lots of parties. For the Hip Hop glow party, you get to wear neon and even glow in the dark face paint. This is a perfect opportunity to show off your dancing skills as well. The Soca Fete on Saturday is a great time to jump around to power soca tunes and shake your body to groovy soca.  There is also going to be an old school hip hop/ R&B outfit party that you can’t afford to miss. The Midnight Spades Tournament There is nothing that can compare to a nice game of spades. At Melanated campout, you get to enjoy the pleasure of participating in a Midnight Spades Tournament or just watching. In this spades tournament, all you need is a little luck, a competitive adventurous spirit, the ability to read people and the desire to have fun. Of course, at Melanated Campout, we are on a campground. So you will have access to both hot showers and clean restroom facilities. Tubing Tubing is a great recreational activity where you get to ride an inner tube on water, snow or air. Since the big camping events will be in Helen, GA, you get to ride down the Chattahoochee or the 1000 feet river in Helen. Read our Tubing blog post. The Comedy Show One of my favorite things to do is laugh.  So you know we had to add in a comedian. Get ready to laugh or at least giggle. There are many other things you can do while camping at Melanated Campout, you can decide to go hiking, go lake dipping, participate in the freaky feud and game shows and have as much fun as possible. This camping trip is sure to be an adventure you will never forget. Haven’t heard of Melanated Campout yet? Well, check it out, it’s an African American camping event full of adventure, relaxation, and activities. In fact, it’s the largest Campout East of the Mississippi!

Have you heard of the Black Outdoor Movement? Or have you heard it somewhere before or even on the internet that “black people don’t rock climb”, “black people don’t backpack”, “black people don’t camp”, “black people are just not adventurous”, etc. If you don’t actually know any African-American people who do these things,  you probably think these are true statements. WRONG THINKING! There are many BIPOC in the US who love these outdoor adventures even though percentage-wise, we are still the minority. There is a whole black outdoor movement, join in. In the meantime, learn about some of outdoor activities that are available. Here are a few activities black outdoor movement adventure seekers enjoy… Black People Rock Climbing Yes, you’ve probably heard of the poor statistics of the 1.5 percent African American climbers in the U.S as discovered by a research group at Clemson University. But… look at Mikhail Martin, co-founder of Brothers of Climbing, who is a strong member of the rock climbing community. Many other BIPOC have proven that rock climbing is not a color-specific sport and are adventurous enough to enjoy it. Black People Whitewater rafting For adventure, black people have been known to go whitewater rafting despite the fact that the thrill-seeking recreational activity is usually referred to as a “whites-only” activity, even by black people themselves. Rue Mapp’s online community of black nature lovers called  Outdoor Afro is an example of black people and other people of color who enjoy going on several whitewater rafting trips. Black People Skydiving “Black people are not thrill seekers, they can’t handle venturing to the dead zone and taking that leap required of skydivers.” You have probably heard this kind of talk before but despite the fact that many people believe these false rumors, black people have been known to go skydiving numerous times. Take a look at Team Blackstar, an entire team full of people of color who enjoy skydiving. Black People Hot Air Balloon Just like any other adrenaline-pumping recreational activity, black people also go on hot air balloons and enjoy the ride as it is a great way for people to clear their heads. In fact, checkout, America’s first black hot air balloon master pilot. Black People RV camping Many black people go on adventurous RV camping trips every year. Packing up their things into RVs with modern amenities, african0-american people who love the outdoors and nature go on RV trips with their loved ones.   They seek out new and familiar campgrounds, state parks, or they venture into the woods. Although many black RV enthusiasts have often complained of being the only black person on RV trips, the National African-American RV’ers Association organize group RV excursions. Black People Backpacking across Europe Black people have also been known to go on long or short backpacking trips to different countries in Europe with nothing but lightweight gear.  Imagine this,the are excited to take routes like London to Amsterdam, Rome to London, London to Istanbul, etc. Black Folk Camping Yes, Black people camp too. We at Melanated Campout are big examples of black people camp enthusiasts  who love nature, camping, and partying under the stars. We find that big camping events like the Melanated Campout are a great way to introduce novice campers to the camping experience.  Additionally, this amazing campout is a great way for black people to connect with nature and unplug from the stress of our normal lives and join in the black outdoor movement. There’s no better place to be than the largest Melanated Campout east of the Mississippi! Join us in June at the campgrounds near Helen GA  to have some fun tubing, partying, meeting other black people. If you’re one of those people who believed that black people do not love the outdoors or are not adventurous, you can lose that notion now.  Better yet, purchase your camping package for the Melanated Campout. This is a must do camping event for your annual list. It is time you begin to explore those things that “people” have said black folk don’t do! Haven’t heard of Melanated Campout yet? Well, check it out, it’s an African American camping event full of adventure, relaxation, and activities. In fact, it’s the largest Campout East of the Mississippi!

Here are some common camping terms to remember: So now that you have mastered the basics, discover why you should go camping. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the largest Melanated Campout east of the Mississippi!

Here are some sleeping options you can enjoy or explore while camping Your sleeping pad, whether self-inflating, closed-cell or air foam depends on the type of camping you’re engaging in. The air sleeping pad is light-weight and probably the best option for a backpacking camper but it is usually less insulated and as such not a good idea for outdoors during cold climates. Self-inflating sleeping pads are much more comfortable than air-only pads because they were built to provide more insulation and comfort. Unfortunately, they are much more bulkier than their air-only counterparts. Closed-cell foams pads are the best options for backpacking in colder climates because they are lightweight and easy to carry yet they have the insulative properties that air-only pads lack. Camping hammocks are made of parachute-style materials which are lightweight yet capable of holding your body above the ground without tearing and they can also be easily set up once you find a pair of closely aligned trees and some nylon cords. The fact that you can’t set up a hammock inside a tent is just one among many disadvantages of sleeping in a hammock while camping even though there are solutions in the form of hammock accessories like the hammock integrated shelter for rainy days solves this disadvantage. However, while sleeping on a hammock, it would be hard for you to move around and getting out would be somewhat difficult because your body forms a deep valley in hammock with your weight bringing you closer to the ground. Most campers use sleeping bags. They are usually bought based on considerations of the shape, insulation and the temperature of the sleeping bags. Based on the shape of sleeping bags, there are two major options, mummy bags and rectangular sleeping bags. Mummy bags are usually used during the winter because they are designed to maximize body heat. The mummy shape means that this sleeping bag is much more insulated, light-weight and easily packed which is great for backpackers. Rectangular sleeping bags are advantageous to fidgety sleepers as they allow room for movement unlike mummy bags which have less space. Unfortunately, rectangular sleeping bags have less insulated properties than mummy bags and are much more bulky and harder to pack. Air mattresses provides protection for campers from the rough surface, bumps and lumps of the ground. Usually, air mattresses are usually a little larger in size if compared to sleeping pads and they provide a much more comfortable cushioning effect especially when compared to sleeping pads or bags. In search of adventure black people go camping thinking that they would have to abandon their comfort but this is not true because they can enjoy comfort and sleep in actual bed if they want. At Melanated Campout, we offer the Glamping package which gives you access to actual beds. Therefore, it is actually possible for them to enjoy a good night rest in an actual bed. You’ve nailed down how you are going to sleep during camping, now figure out what there is to do while camping. Haven’t heard of Melanated Campout yet? Well, check it out, it’s an African American camping event full of adventure, relaxation, and activities. In fact, it’s the largest Campout East of the Mississippi!

A Quick Guide To Dry Camping Dry camping can be intimidating for camping newbies, but it’s one of the best experiences you can have. It’s also known as boondocking or wild camping. It’s the art of living outdoors without hookups to water and electricity – but it doesn’t have to be scary. Let’s walk through what you need to make your dry camping trip a success. What Is Dry Camping? Dry camping is a way to enjoy the outdoors and save money — in the process, you get to practice basic survival skills. You don’t need expensive equipment, and you don’t have to be in shape. It’s about getting outside and enjoying nature. Suppose you haven’t tried dry camping before. In that case, it’s an excellent opportunity to break out of your comfort zone and get more experience with food preparation, fire building, and other wilderness skills. Dry camping can be done in various ways, but the main thing is that you’re staying at least partially off the grid, and you don’t want to rely on electricity or running water.  You don’t have to be comfortable outdoors to enjoy dry camping, and it’s not just for those skilled at packing a tent and pitching a tent on top of the snow. Even if you’re not an experienced camper, there are plenty of ways to enjoy dry camping. There are almost as many ways to dry camp as people who do it. You can choose a campsite that is secluded and far from others, or you can camp near others so you can share in the communal joys of food preparation, cooking over an open fire, and general bonding. You can also pick a campsite that suits your needs as opposed to what’s available, such as searching out areas where you won’t encounter other campers or where you won’t have to worry about having adequate facilities nearby. Sometimes it’s good to have company when you’re camping, especially if you have children or pets who might get restless and want attention during the day when you don’t want them taking up your space. Some campsites allow pets; some don’t. If yours does, make sure you keep your pet away from fire pits and other flammable materials. Tips For Dry Camping While many people believe that “dry camping” is different from staying in a cabin, there are some essential things to remember when doing so. When it comes to dry camping, it’s essential to understand that you don’t want to go too far from the nearest water source. No one plans for the weather to turn on them, and ensuring adequate water access will make all the difference in the world when you need it. Don’t forget that you’ll need to consider basic equipment when choosing your location. Pack a tarp and stakes if you’re not going light; a tent is also worth considering. You might be able to get by with just a sleeping bag if you’re going out of town during the week. But if you plan on camping long term, it’s worth investing in a durable tent. Know your surroundings before you go. This might sound obvious, but it’s easy to get lost on a hike and not realize it. If you’re planning on hiking, be sure to study up on the area’s terrain and flora, as these will be essential factors in your success or failure. Make sure everyone knows what they’re doing before they leave. Find out how long the trip is supposed to take and make plans for how long everyone will stay out there. Bring more than one person if possible – especially if it’s a more extended trip. Two people are easier to keep track of than one, making for a safer trip overall. Don’t Be Intimidated Don’t let camping in the middle of nowhere intimidate you. We hope that this guide has given you better insight into how and why to dry camp, and more importantly, shown you that it’s pretty easy. You’ll be just fine—and if not, at least you can say you tried. Once you get out there and try it for yourself, we think you’ll enjoy dry camping a lot more than you initially thought. It’s just one more reason to go out into the great outdoors and do some exploring. Start Dry Camping With Melanated Campout Dry camping made easy at Melanated Campout Melanated Campout is from August 19th through the 21st. This year you are able to bring your own electricity and water. As you have read above, dry camping can be made easy and fun! Expecially during Campout where your electricity and water needs maybe a bit lower than usual because a lot of your time will be spent during any of the fun or self-care activities. And if you are wondering, yes, black folk camp too. And in recent years, their has been a big increase in the number of black folk camping and joining in the back outdoor movement. Learn more about the Melanated Campout and register today.

What to cook at camp Many people say meals cooked at camp taste better than regular meals but what they forget to talk about is the painstaking process that is involved in cooking at camp. Indeed, cooking at camp might seem like so much fun when things are going well and according to plans, but when they’re not, it can be a complete disaster, this why most people resort to taking already cooked meals from home, snacks and tinned meals to eat at camp. Of course, people have romanticized the ideas of how tasty meals cooked at camp can be. For example, in epic movies, we see scenarios where wildlife is caught in seconds with bows and arrows and miraculously skinned and attached to a spit for roasting. This time consuming activities usually seem so easy when they actually aren’t. Most campers pack food items that can be wrapped in aluminum foils and warmed on hot coals or grilled on a grate on open fire or simply tinned foods that can be eaten with little preparation. Although campers regularly resort to cooking soups, stews and pasta in camps on hot coals, the process can be very difficult since you have to regularly monitor the fire and hot coals which can die out or burn too hot. Regardless, there are many people who have made an art of cooking at camps. I know a fellow African American camper who goes camping with her children and she makes magic (cooks really delicious meals) while camping. There are also other meals that can be easily cooked while camping, some of them are: Many people always forget that hot dogs are very easy to cook over fires and many don’t know that it tastes much better charred from the outside. This is why hot dogs are a very delicious meal to be cooked on camping trips. Bacon is also another wonderful camping treat that gives true meaning to the idea that camp food tastes better than regular food. Pieces of bacon roasted on hot coals with a roasting stick are usually very tasty. Sounds silly doesn’t it? Well, you can roast pieces of fruits like peaches, apple or pineapples and enjoy them as a camp treat after dinner because a little heat from the fire caramelizes the sugar on the outside of the fruit and makes for a very sweet yet healthy dessert. Kebabs are chunks of meat and veggies roasted with the heat from an open campfire, they are yummy and easy. Give it a try! Sandwiches are a great go-to while camping. You can have everything from cold sandwiches to sandwiches with grilled cheese. And for extra yummy-ness, add grilled chicken. Easy recipe with great results. All you need to do is clean the potatoes, then wrap them in tin foils before allowing them to cook on the hot coal. While cooking them, you have to make sure to keep watch over the potatoes so they don’t end up burning. After the potatoes are baked, they can be eaten with baked potato fixings and sauce. Of course, you can avoid the problems and troubles that go along with trying to cook at camp and just focus on having fun at this African American camping event in June while we provide you with your daily meals. All you have to do is purchase the meal plan while doing your registration for big camping events like Melanated Campout in June. Haven’t heard of Melanated Campout yet? Well, check it out, it’s an African-American camping event full of adventure, relaxation, and activities. In fact, it’s the Largest Campout East of the Mississippi!