Lees-McRae College High Country Adventure Film and Speaker Series hosts Black Folks Camp Too Founder Earl Hunter Jr. for talk and certification training
For the next installment of the Lees-McRae High Country Adventure Film and Speaker Series, the college will welcome founder and president of Brevard-based business Black Folks Camp Too, Earl Hunter Jr., on Wednesday, April 10.
According to their website, Black Folks Camp Too strives to “increase diversity in the outdoor industry by making it easier, more interesting, and more fun for folks to go camping.” After embarking on a three-month camping road trip with his son across the United States and Canada, Hunter saw firsthand the lack of diversity in the outdoor adventure industry. He became invested in creating the change he wanted to see in an industry that he loves, and soon launched Black Folks Camp Too in 2019 to address this disparity.
As part of the college’s series, Hunter will deliver a talk that is free and open to the community at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10 in Evans Auditorium, where he will share his story, emphasize the importance of inviting and welcoming more folks into the outdoor industry and lifestyle, and discuss the mission of Black Folks Camp Too through the lens of the business’s symbol, the “Unity Blaze.”
The Unity Blaze, which is depicted at the center of the Black Folks Camp Too logo, is a representation of the business’s mission to increase unity in the outdoor community and beyond. The Unity Blaze invites and welcomes all to gather around the campfire and enjoy the great outdoors regardless of race, age, gender, or ability.
In addition to his talk that evening, Hunter will also lead a group of Lees-McRae students, faculty, and staff in the Unity Blaze Certification training that morning from 9−11 a.m. The training session will be held in Evans Auditorium and registration is free for members of the college community.
The Unity Blaze Certification program is a valuable opportunity for those who love the outdoors to become advocates for inclusion. The program explores the “why” behind lower participation in outdoor activities in Black communities and provides participants with ways to shift their mindsets and approaches to better understand and grow this audience.
Sign up to participate in the Unity Blaze Certification training now
