Getting outdoors does not have to require a lot of time or money, but they are the biggest reported barriers among Outdoor Afros. With these fun, and mostly free options below, you can get your outdoor fix on, without sacrificing an entire weekend or your piggy bank.
1. Hike – Check out the options near you via local city parks, rec/nature centers, and National Parks. Do pack a snack and plenty of water to take with you!

2. Stargaze – In some parts of the country, the evenings are the best time …

I was so glad to learn from my friend Roy, of The Camping Blogger that Eastern Mountain Sports have yet another infographic that gets down to the nitty gritty of what true risks there are to your health in the outdoors — compared to hazards found right in your own home!

You forgot to pack the can opener, and all you brought to eat is canned food. Now you have to figure out how to crack it open without ruining the food or hurting yourself.
And then you also have to deal with everyone else pestering you about how you forgot to pack such a small and crucial item for the trip!
So here is a checklist to make sure you don’t forget any vital items on your adventure!
What else would you add to the list?
Courtesy of Eastern Mountain Sports

Backpacking Gear for Two Nights
Since so many folks are taking off for camp this Memorial Day weekend to kick off the summer, I thought I’d repost this guide from last year to refresh your memory and get new campers on the right track!
What you bring to the wilderness really depends on where you go, for how long, and the number and age range of the individuals camping. The following is not a definitive list, but are some general guidelines to get you on your way:
 
ENTERTAINMENT

Games (dominoes, cards)

A lightweight novel or …

A great list contributed by Harriet Gordon, who runs a site to help people research Human Services careers. Clearly, Harriet likes to hike too!
Whether you are looking to have an adventurous weekend or cross something off of your bucket list, nature is, and probably should be, involved. One of the best ways to get back to it is to go on a hike. With literally thousands of trails taking anywhere from hours to months to complete, it can all be somewhat to very confusing. With little …

Photo Courtesy of Mykl Roventine
1. Visit your local nature center. While several centers may be closed for the holiday, adjoining open spaces are usually available and tend to be very picnic friendly.
2. Potluck! Call up a few friends and make a backyard/balcony/rooftop party. Do an easy, fun theme, such as “Last Chance to Wear White” or create a soul food menu and play Al Green’s Greatest Hits the whole day. Don’t forget the cards and dominoes!
3. Take a scenic drive to someplace you’ve never been, such as a nature preserve, …

Life is sometimes stressful. And taking time out for yourself to rejuvenate is sometims not easy. If you’re like me, responsible for the care of loved ones (I have three such loved ones), or have an intense work schedule, the notion of taking a rejuvenating break can seem as likely as finding a $100 bill on a Manhattan sidewalk. But getting a break is a lot more likely and easier than you think!
There is solace in simple activities done right outside your front door. While you may be limited by …

Photo Courtesy of LWA-Sharie Kennedy
When I mention to some people that I go camping…
it’s not uncommon to hear why others won’t do it themselves. Here is a list of the most frequently heard excuses for not heading out to the woods, along with some real facts to consider:
1. Sleeping in a tent is an elaborate form of back torture
Fact: Just because you sleep in a tent doesn’t mean you have to sleep on the ground. REI portable cots and mats are the way I go nowadays because comfort is …