STORIES OF IMPACT | Pauline O.
CatRock Creates Transformative Outdoor Experiences for Youth in Communities of Color
Date: TBD - 8202 #2
Skiing Vermont’s Jay Peak. Hiking and clearing trails in Montana. Paddling the Delaware Water Gap. Rock climbing in New York State. These are among the many outdoor adventures that CatRock Ventures shares with underserved Black and Hispanic students from New York City.
Volunteer Paulina O. finds being in the outdoors with CatRock students inspiring and meaningful. “I feel so connected to our students and their journeys. Coming from El Salvador, we were limited in our access to the outdoors because of the unfortunate violence in my country. When I arrived in New York, I discovered wonderful hiking and camping right outside the city. I wanted to share that opportunity with kids that traditionally wouldn’t have access to the outdoors, many of whom are Hispanic. CatRock made it possible.”
Through CatRock’s transformative outdoor experiences and community service learning opportunities, the high school students build a personal connection to the outdoors, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and a dedication to making a difference in their own communities. Along the way, these teens develop highly effective leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.
CatRock also ensures that these young Hispanic and Black students build a sense of their place in America’s wilderness areas and parklands. “There are so many stories about how people of color do not see themselves in outdoor-oriented stories,” explains Paulina.
“…I wanted to share that opportunity with kids that traditionally wouldn’t have access to the outdoors, many of whom are Hispanic. CatRock made it possible.”
And with good reason. Research indicates that ethnic minorities in the U.S. are vastly underrepresented in enjoying public lands. In fact, African-Americans, who make up 13 percent of the U.S. population, represent about one percent of visitors to national forests. Hispanics, 18 percent of the U.S. population, account for less than six percent of national forest visits. In contrast, non-Hispanic whites, who comprise 63 percent of the population, make up over 90 percent of visits to national forests.
CatRock opens a whole new world to the students beyond their neighborhoods and the city according to Paulina. “New York is great, but there’s nothing like hiking up a mountain or seeing a landscape without buildings. It’s so key for young people from Black and Hispanic backgrounds to experience the beauty and peace that you find in nature.”
Through CatRock, the students do more than just immerse themselves in the wilderness. The teens enjoy the fun and exhilaration of skiing, canoeing, and snowboarding. In addition, the CatRock students have the opportunity to make a difference in these natural environments. A yearly trip to Montana focuses on camping, hiking, and clearing trails. Urban Backpacking is a weekend of community service projects and camping in New York City. And the Wilderness First Aid Training program certifies students to be ready for any unforeseen medical emergency.
With CatRock, the students emerge completely at home in the outdoors as athletes, leaders, and environmental stewards.
“CatRock makes a huge difference in the lives of our students,” concludes Paulina. “We serve communities of color in a very unique way.”