Showing up matters, and on Earth Day—Saturday, April 25—the BOC showed up in a big way in Guyton, GA.
Hosted by Effingham Going Green (EGG), the festival drew almost 1,050 visitors who enjoyed 24 interactive booths lining a shady trail, live music, green vendors, and a full day of environmental activities. The BOC was proud to be among them, introducing our mission to a community where an estimated 98 percent of attendees had never heard of us before.
We were invited by EGG to set up a booth and share the work we do, allowing us to discuss outdoor spaces, building confidence in nature, and making sure everyone knows they belong outside. Ramiro made the drive down to Effingham County, set up our display, and spent the day meeting families, answering questions, and spreading the word about what the BOC is all about.
The energy at our booth was incredible. Visitors stopped to learn about our upcoming camping trips, hiking programs, and community events. Many were excited to hear that organizations like ours exist! They all revered the BOC’s efforts in making the outdoors more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Conversations ranged from “How do I get my kids into camping?” to “I didn’t know there was a group like this!” to “How do I get involved?”
To make things even more fun, we held a raffle to finish off the day. Visitors had the chance to win an Osprey backpack, Nalgene water bottles, thermoses, and BOC hats. The raffle drew plenty of excitement and gave us a chance to connect with even more people, sparking conversations that went well beyond the prizes.
The day was a reminder of why outreach like this matters. When we show up in new communities, we plant seeds. We let people know that the outdoors is for everyone regardless of background, experience level, or zip code. And based on the warmth and curiosity we experienced in Guyton, those seeds are already starting to grow.
We’re grateful to EGG for the invitation and for creating such a welcoming space for important conversations. And we look forward to returning to Effingham County. Next time, hopefully with even more of our community along for the ride.