Blackpackers addresses underrepresentation and economic vulnerability in outdoor spaces through these missions: We provide access to gear, excursions, and educational opportunities at no or subsidized cost. A key initiative is B.O.S.S. (Blackpackers Outdoor Skills School), equipping participants with essential outdoor skills. We also connect participants with volunteer opportunities, internships, jobs, and post-secondary education resources, creating pathways to careers in the outdoor industry. Our mission is two-fold:
1. To provide gear, outdoor excursions and outdoor education for free or at subsidized cost.
2. To connect participants with volunteer opportunities, internships, jobs, and post-secondary education resources to create a pipeline from outdoor recreation to outdoor industry careers.
In these ways, we can create economic equity in outdoor recreation.
Blackpackers was started in 2019 to address the gap in representation in the outdoors. Patricia, a single mother, struggled with the means and knowledge to take her young son on outdoor adventures. She saved up for her first gear and began teaching herself outdoor skills. Now a WEMT and educator, she hopes to make it easier for families to access the outdoors by making the initial investment for them.
We offer programming year-round while raising funds for B.O.S.S., providing CPR, Wilderness First Aid, and Wilderness First Response courses at no cost to participants. We recently relocated our space to downtown Colorado Springs, enhancing community access and expanding our educational efforts.
According to the Outdoor Industry Association, Black Americans made up 9% of outdoor recreation participants in 2020, while white Americans made up 72%.
“My knowledge is good but never camped with children before. Now, I feel confident and comfortable taking them in the future on our own.” — A parent participant from one of our annual Campouts
Phone: (719) 203-1166