Organization · Family Outdoors Movement
Outdoor Afro
Outdoor Afro is a national nonprofit that celebrates and deepens Black Americans' connections to the natural world through community-led hikes, camping trips, and outdoor gatherings in more than 60 cities. Founded by Rue Mapp, the organization trains local volunteer leaders who plan free and low-cost outings open to families. It is one of the most active community outdoor networks in the country.
This page from Outside, the family adventure app, profiles Outdoor Afro, a national nonprofit founded by Rue Mapp that reconnects Black Americans with nature through community-led outdoor events in more than 60 U.S. cities. The page covers what the organization does, how families can find local chapters and events, what programs exist for children and adults, and which families will get the most from involvement. Key facts include the volunteer leadership model, the breadth of activities from day hikes to camping, and the organization's free and low-cost event structure.
| Founded | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Best ages | All ages; events vary by chapter |
| Headquarters | Oakland, California |
| Chapter cities | 60-plus nationwide |
| Typical event cost | Free or low cost |
What Outdoor Afro is
Outdoor Afro is a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by Rue Mapp with a straightforward purpose: to celebrate Black connections to the natural world and build community around shared time outdoors. The organization grew from a blog into a national network with trained volunteer leaders running outings in cities across the country. Activities range from neighborhood nature walks and kayaking days to backpacking weekends and park clean-ups. The organization is not an equipment retailer or a guide service. It is a community, anchored in the idea that Black Americans have always had deep ties to land and water, and that the outdoors is a place of joy, belonging, and renewal.
How the chapter network works
Outdoor Afro operates through a volunteer leadership model. The organization recruits and trains local leaders, called Outdoor Afro Leaders, who live in their communities and plan events for the people around them. Leaders go through a formal training process and receive support from the national organization. With chapters active in more than 60 cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Houston, and Seattle, most families in a metro area can find a chapter within reasonable driving distance. Each chapter sets its own calendar, so the mix of activities varies by location and season. The national website lists all chapters and their upcoming events in one place.
What families actually do at events
Most Outdoor Afro events are designed to be accessible, not technical. A typical outing might be a two- to four-mile hike at a local nature preserve, a group bird walk at a regional park, a sunrise paddle on a calm lake, or a community night hike. Camping trips and multi-day outings appear on many chapter calendars, especially in summer. Some chapters hold regular gatherings at city parks that work well for families with very young children. Events are almost always free or low cost, and no special gear is required for most of them. Organizers typically post what to bring and how strenuous the outing is before families sign up.
Getting your family involved
The simplest starting point is the Outdoor Afro website, where you can search events by city or state and register directly. Most events are open to the public and do not require a membership. Families who want to go deeper can support the organization through donations, which fund leadership training and program expansion. Some chapters actively welcome family volunteers for park service days and trail work events, which can be a meaningful way to combine contribution with outdoor time. If your city does not have an active chapter, the organization periodically opens applications for people who want to become trained leaders and start one.
Who fits best
Outdoor Afro is built for Black families and Black individuals, full stop. That is its community and its purpose. Families with children across a wide age range participate regularly. The accessible format of most events makes them well suited to parents with kids in the four-to-twelve range who are still building trail legs and outdoor habits. Teenagers who want more challenge will find camping and longer hikes on many chapter calendars. The community aspect is real: repeat attendees form friendships, kids meet other kids who love being outside, and parents often find the social dimension as rewarding as the outing itself. First-timers are genuinely welcomed.
Think about a time you were outside and felt completely at home in a place. Where were you, who was with you, and what made it feel like it belonged to you?
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to pay to attend Outdoor Afro events?
Most Outdoor Afro events are free or very low cost. Some specialty outings, like guided camping trips, may have small fees to cover logistics, but day hikes, walks, and park gatherings are typically free to attend.
Are Outdoor Afro events open to kids of all ages?
Yes. Many outings are family-friendly by design, and leaders post difficulty and terrain information in advance so parents can choose events that match their children's age and ability. Chapters in larger cities often have a mix of easy walks suited to young children and more ambitious outings for older kids and adults.
How do I find an Outdoor Afro chapter near me?
Visit the Outdoor Afro website and use the chapter or events search to find groups and upcoming outings by city or region. The site lists all active chapters and links to their event calendars.
Can families volunteer with Outdoor Afro?
Yes. Many chapters hold trail work days, park clean-ups, and community service events that welcome family volunteers. Families interested in a longer commitment can explore the organization's leadership training program, which prepares people to start and run their own local chapter.