Earl B. Hunter, Jr. Discusses His Optimistic Approach to Helping Grow the Outdoor Industry Through His Work at Black Folks Camp Too

When Earl B. Hunter’s son was seven years old, he took him on three-month, multi-state camping.  It was a positive, life-changing experience for them both.  But Earl was struck by the fact that over the entire trip, they saw just one other black family.  As someone who was working in sales in the outdoor industry, Earl saw an opportunity and went on to found the for-profit company, Black Folks Camp Too. 

 

Chapters:

 

02:01 Earl Hunter Jr.: Champion of Outdoor Diversity  Earl B. Hunter Jr., founder of Black Folks Camp Too, shares his mission to increase diversity in the outdoor industry. He recounts his journey from a corporate background to pioneering efforts to make camping more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. 

03:19 Earl’s Awakening to the Outdoors  Earl reflects on his late introduction to the outdoors at age 40, sharing how his professional journey led him to discover the joys of camping.  

05:39 The Life-Changing Camping Trip  Earl recounts a transformative three-month camping trip with his son, where they bonded over adventures and music. The trip opened his eyes to the lack of diversity in camping and sparked his desire to create change in the outdoor community. 

08:16 The Healing Power of Nature  Earl discusses his belief that the outdoors can unite people across all backgrounds and foster a sense of belonging. 

11:43 Understanding Historical Barriers  Earl explains the historical context behind the absence of Black individuals in outdoor spaces, addressing generational fears and systemic barriers.  

17:24 Introducing Black Folks Camp Too  Earl introduces Black Folks Camp Too, a business aimed at bridging gaps in the outdoor industry.  

21:59 The Business Model of Inclusion  Earl outlines the business model of Black Folks Camp Too, focusing on their outdoor education academy designed for the industry.  

25:37 Addressing Deep-Rooted Challenges  Earl discusses how the outdoor industry can tackle systemic challenges by understanding historical context and inviting diverse populations.  

30:04 The Importance of Understanding ‘Why’  Earl emphasizes the need to grasp the underlying reasons for the lack of diversity in outdoor spaces before implementing marketing strategies.  

32:24 Breaking Historical Barriers  Earl discusses the deep-rooted fears and historical trauma that prevent many Black individuals from enjoying the outdoors.  

35:08 Consumer Engagement and State Parks  Earl outlines the consumer marketing strategies his organization employs to ensure that outdoor spaces are ready to welcome new visitors. He stresses the significance of making positive first experiences to foster a lasting connection with nature. 

39:43 Changing Generational Patterns  Earl shares his views on the need to involve parents in outdoor activities to break generational patterns of disconnection from nature.  

43:30 Unity in the Outdoor Community  Earl introduces the Unity Blaze Way, a concept encouraging individuals to build friendships across racial lines and invite others to experience the outdoors. He believes that shared experiences in nature can foster understanding and unity among diverse communities. 

51:29 The Future of Black Folks Camp Too  Earl paints an optimistic picture of the future for Black Folks Camp Too, emphasizing the importance of transferring knowledge and love for the outdoors from older generations to younger ones.  

55:02 A Call to Action for the Community  Earl concludes with a heartfelt message urging listeners to support the recovery efforts in Western North Carolina and to engage with diverse communities. His optimism and commitment to inclusion serve as a powerful reminder of the potential for positive change.