First impressions are everything, and the BOC wanted to make a meaningful one with the parents and students at La Amistad. On Tuesday, March 17, the BOC hosted a “first-time campers” info session at the La Amistad Community Center in Sandy Springs, GA. The team arrived with plenty of gear in tow, along with fun prizes that youth could win by participating in hands-on challenges.
When we first arrived, the group was small. But within about 30 minutes, the room filled with parents and students eager to learn about camping and what we had planned for our first campout together. Most parents spoke some English, and all of the children were able to translate for their families. We were also fortunate to have our resident translator, Eduardo (aka Eddie, as he’s affectionately known), who helped ease concerns, answer questions, and make families feel more comfortable.
The goal of this event was to share practical information about camping:
- How to set up tents
- What to pack and how to dress
- What kinds of foods to prepare
- And outdoor principles like Leave No Trace
But beyond that, we wanted participants to feel welcomed in outdoor spaces and confident that they are safe with us. Too often, people who don’t see themselves reflected in traditional outdoor imagery can feel out of place. We wanted to challenge that idea and reinforce a simple truth: We all belong outside and deserve equal access to these experiences.
The session was full of curiosity and great questions, and there was plenty of laughter as we practiced setting up tents, shared packing tips, and talked through possible menu options. After a few do-overs with the tents, the teens asked the question everyone was thinking: Where does everyone go to the bathroom? We quickly eased their concerns about “going all-natural.”
We even demonstrated basic fire-making techniques with our small fire pit, which quickly became the highlight of the event—mostly because it meant s’mores! After reviewing fire safety and how to build a fire, we passed around marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. As everyone knows, s’mores make the campout. Roasting marshmallows brought everyone together—young and old—sparking conversation, laughter, and a growing sense of excitement for what’s to come.
Just that simple treat brought young and old around the fire and created excitement and conversation, which ultimately builds confidence.