Featured Outdoor Diversity Organization: Camp Founder Girls
During the month of April, we will share the work of Camp Founder Girls, in our community effort to showcase organizations that are working towards social justice and more inclusive public lands.
We encourage our readers to familiarize themselves with the organization and their mission and to, if you’re able to, donate to their cause. You can read more about this month’s outdoor diversity organization below, visit their website. Feel free to share their content on your social channels and help spread the message.
About Camp Founder Girls
Based in San Antonio, Texas, Camp Founder Girls is a week-long summer camp program from Black Outside, Inc. Their mission is to connect Black girls to nature through culturally relevant programs, ensuring safe and equitable outdoor spaces.
Statistics show that only 1% of Texas state park recreators identify as Black/African-American and Black Outside, Inc. and their programs strive to bridge this statistical gap.
History and Today
In the summer of 2019, Black Outside, Inc. resurrected the first American overnight camp for Black girls, which was started in San Antonio in 1924 by a woman named Mattie Landry.
Even though Mrs. Landry didn’t receive funds or support from local organizations for her vision to start a summer camp for young Black girls, because of the color of her skin, she persisted and found ways to make the camp happen anyway. She, her husband and the Saint Paul Methodist community raised enough money to build a campsite in Boerne, Texas. The camp was named Camp Elvira (after Msr. Landry’s late mother).
Starting with 75 campers, the camp grew in popularity over the decades and by 1950, it consisted of 10 buildings with cabins, a dining hall to seat 150 people, and a music hall for up to 300.
After Mrs. Landry’s death in the 1960s, the camp shut down and the land was sold. Now, thanks to the help of Gaynell Gainer, the Saint Paul Methodist Church community and Black Outside, Inc., Camp Founder Girls is now back to serve Black girls and carry on the legacy of Mrs. Landry.
Support and Donate
Please consider supporting this organization directly. Donations can be made in the following way:
Direct Donations
Money contributions help fund the Camp Founder Girls program through things like day trips and park exploration, overnight camping stays, camping gear, and first aid training for volunteers.
Amazon Smile
Another way to donate to Camp Founder Girls is through Amazon Smile. Amazon donates 0.5% of eligible purchases made through AmazonSmile to an organization of your choice. By clicking the link above, your future purchases can support Camp Founder Girls and Black Outside, Inc.
Follow Camp Founder Girls
- Website: https://www.campfoundergirls.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campfoundergirls/
You Can Help Bridge the Race Gap in the Outdoor Industry
An overview of organizations we have supported can be found here. This document contains information about what these organizations are doing and how you can donate to them directly.
We also set up a submission form you can use if you know an organization that’s working to make the outdoors more diverse and inclusive. If you want to see them supported, please submit via this form.