fbpx

Black Chamber of Arizona (BCAZ)

Atabey Outdoors

https://www.atabeyoutdoors.org hello@atabeyoutdoors.org
7000 n 16th street Ste 120 #119 Phoenix Arizona 85020
We commit to providing safe & fun outdoor adventures for BIPOC girls ages 8 to 12. We combine outdoor adventure with enrichment activities that encourage social, emotional, physical and mental growth.
"Atabey Outdoors addresses the lack of representation and access to outdoor activities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) girls and non-binary youth, particularly those aged 8-12. In 2024, we began expanding our services to adults, families and young people ages 13-17. The organization seeks to create a safe and inclusive space where these young individuals can experience and enjoy outdoor adventures. This initiative is critical because historically, people of color have been marginalized and excluded from many outdoor spaces and activities. The National Park Service's most recent 10-year survey revealed that only 23% of visitors were people of color, whereas 77% were white. This is a significant disparity considering that minorities constitute 42% of the U.S. population. Furthermore, the U.S. Census Bureau projects that people of color will become the majority in America by 2044, a demographic shift that will inevitably affect not only park attendance and finances but will also lead to broader changes in societal dynamics. This shift will likely influence cultural representation, policy-making, and community engagement within the national park system and beyond. Community advocates emphasize that ensuring inclusive access to outdoor spaces is critical for the physical and mental health of minority communities, which have historically faced barriers to such resources​ (NPS.gov)​​ (NPS Homepage)​​ (National Parks Traveler)​. The organization's mission is to provide enriching outdoor experiences that promote social, emotional, physical, and mental growth. Atabey Outdoors integrates these activities with life skills training, aiming to empower participants to carry these skills back to their communities."