Camping Noire Magazine

There's something deeply personal about cooking a meal outdoors. The crackle of the fire, the scent of woodsmoke, and the rhythm of preparing food under the open sky connect us to something ancient. This stew is a celebration of that connection, blending the rich, hearty flavors of the American South with the communal tradition of a one-pot campfire meal. This stew is a rich and savory delight with a subtle sweetness. The use of sweet potatoes and collard greens creates a satisfying, filling meal that’s perfect for a chilly night under the stars. Serves: 4-6 people Cookware: A 5-7 quart cast-iron Dutch oven with a lid. Ingredients Protein: 1.5 lbs of stew meat (beef or lamb), cut into 1-inch cubes, or smoked sausage for a classic Southern flavor. Aromatics: 2 tbsp oil (bacon drippings are a great Southern touch!), 1 large yellow onion (chopped), 3-4 cloves garlic (minced), 1-inch piece of ginger (grated or finely minced) Veggies: 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed), 1 can (15...

Public lands aren’t just scenic—they’re sacred. They’re memory and medicine. They’re where we gather, grow, grieve, and get free. From forests and coastlines to city parks and ancestral trails, these spaces hold our stories. And they need us. Right now. 🌍 What Are Public Lands? Across the U.S., over 640 million acres of land are held in public trust. That includes: BLM (Bureau of Land Management) lands stewarded for mixed use—often lands with Indigenous roots National Parks (NPS) full of cultural sites, healing waters, and biodiversity USFS & USFWS managed trails, habitats, and wildlife sanctuaries But “public” doesn’t always mean protected, and access isn’t always equitable. Budget cuts, staffing losses, and corporate interests are chipping away at what belongs to us all. ⚠️ What’s at Risk: The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” This sweeping budget bill, already passed by Congress, includes provisions that threaten ecosystems, access, and climate resilience: 🚨 Provision 💥 Im...

As February unfolds, we are reminded that it's not just a month for exchanging valentines but also a time to cherish and safeguard something even more precious—our heart health. Amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, particularly for black women who often face unique challenges in healthcare, reconnecting with nature emerges as a powerful ally in this journey towards wellness. Camping, hiking, or simply immersing oneself in the great outdoors offers a myriad of benefits that can significantly bolster heart health, especially for black women. Here's why embracing nature should be a top priority this Heart Health Month: Stress Reduction: The natural world provides a serene sanctuary away from the stressors of everyday life. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and alleviate stress—all of which are significant contributors to heart disease. Physical Activity: Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking and camping e...

Happy Black History Month! If you're looking for some new authors to add to your book collection of inspirational nature writings, search no more; we've started a list of authors you can read and add some significant new perspectives about how Black authors see the natural world. Camille T. Dungy:  Black Nature: Four Centuries of African-American Nature Poetry Carolyn Finley:  Black Faces, White Spaces: African Americans and the Great Outdoors Cecil Griscombe:  Prairie Style Al Young:  Something About the Blues Harryette Mullen:  Urban Tumbleweed John C. Robinson:  Birding for Everyone: Encouraging People of Color to Become Birdwatchers Dianne D. Glave:  To Love the Wind and the Rain: African-Americans and Environmental History Norris McDonald:  Diary of an Environmentalist Mary Williams:  The Lost Daughter, A Memoir Eddy L. Harris:  Mississippi Solo, A River Quest Lauret Savoy:  Trace: Memory, History, Race, and the American Landsc...

Full Name: Lelia-Alice Shani Brinkley  What city and state are you repping? Plainfield  What made you want to join this expedition?   Once in a lifetime opportunity  What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special? Camp Koinania when I was in the 5th grade.  It was the 1st time I went camping, and my teacher and school friends made it fun. I remember hearing ghost stories by the campfire. And roasting marshmallows, yum. If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why?   Rose water spray. It smells good and is refreshing.  What's your go-to trail snack or meal when you need an energy boost during a hike or climb? Nuts. Give me nuts and dark chocolate!! If you could choose one song to be the theme for our Kilimanjaro summit, what would it be, and why does it inspire you?   "I want to Thank You" by Alicia Meyers. With the Most High...

Full name: Sheena Schuler What city and state are you repping? Lodi, NJ What made you want to join this expedition?   It feels like the opportunity of a lifetime and a fitting challenge for 2024. Why not? What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special?  My dad used to take us rock climbing on the weekends as kids. No equipment or any real plan, just going out to see who could make it too the top first. It taught me a lot about facing fears, trusting myself, and not giving up if you fall or things get difficult.  If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why?  Thoughts of my mom. She was always my biggest cheerleader and would never let me quit on myself.  What's your go-to trail snack or meal when you need an energy boost during a hike or climb?  Anything with peanut butter or nuts in general  If you could choose one song to be t...

 Full name:  Manika Love What city and state are you repping?  Roselle, NJ What made you want to join this expedition?  Trekking Kilimanjaro is on my bucket list. For the challenge and to join this adventure with an amazing group of women.  What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special?  Completing a century ride (Twin Lights Ride). Riding 100 miles in one day was something I always wanted to accomplish, and in the world of biking, completing a century ride is a huge milestone. Just a proud moment that tested not only my physical but also my mental endurance. What made it so special is being able to enjoy the ride and share the moment with other ladies I rode with that were completing their first century as well. If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why?  Well, when my son was young, he collected rocks and then gifted them to ...

Full name: Angie What city and state are you repping? Philly What made you want to join this expedition? Tasheea and Camping Noire What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special? Hiking and exploring with other Black women. The healing of nature and the camaraderie with sisters. If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why? An article of my grandmother’s clothing or a piece of her jewelry What's your go-to trail snack or meal when you need an energy boost during a hike or climb? Protein bar If you could choose one song to be the theme for our Kilimanjaro summit, what would it be, and why does it inspire you?   “MOVE” by Beyoncé & Grace Jones. It’s just celebratory of women taking up the space they need as queens. What's the most inspiring quote or mantra that keeps you going when things get tough during a challenging hike?   “I can do ...

Full name:    Nicole Taite What city and state are you repping?   Cliffwood, New Jersey What made you want to join this expedition?    It is a once in a lifetime adventure! What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special?    Climbing Devils Bridge in Sedona, Arizona. I cried with a feeling of freedom and relief as I tackled the red rock. I climbed with my brother, which made it special.  If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why?    An ice cream maker because ice cream makes me happy! What's your go-to trail snack or meal when you need an energy boost during a hike or climb?    Red grapes and water. If you could choose one song to be the theme for our Kilimanjaro summit, what would it be, and why does it inspire you?    Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys because we are badasses! What's the most insp...

Full name:  Tasha Graves What city and state are you repping?  Philadelphia, PA What made you want to join this expedition?   A personal quest for awesomeness! What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special?  Completing my first half marathon and confronting my fears on nature-based obstacle courses. There is nothing like pushing past your fears and perceived physical limits, in addition to the positive energy of training with a team. If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why?   Sisterhood!  What's your go-to trail snack or meal when you need an energy boost during a hike or climb? Granola/Trail mix, energy gels If you could choose one song to be the theme for our Kilimanjaro summit, what would it be, and why does it inspire you?  " You Won’t Break My Soul" by Beyoncé. What's the most inspiring quote or mantra that keeps yo...

Full name:    Kenya Kinyozi Barber  What city and state are you repping?    Lawrenceville, New Jersey  What made you want to join this expedition?    I'm looking for a challenge.  What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special?    Camping, of course!  If you could bring one item (besides essential gear) to Kilimanjaro that's not typically associated with hiking, what would it be and why?    My Bible! I can only accomplish this hike with God's help and guidance.  What's your go-to trail snack or meal when you need an energy boost during a hike or climb?    Peanut Butter! Yum! If you could choose one song to be the theme for our Kilimanjaro summit, what would it be, and why does it inspire you?   " Mercy Mercy Me" (Marvin Gaye), "All the Way Up" (Fat Joe), "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" (Marvin Gaye), and so many others. It's hard to choose just one.  What's the most...

Remember a few months ago when we announced that Sorako Tours, a remarkable black and (half) woman-owned travel company, had invited Camping Noire to join their upcoming expedition to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in June 2024?   Well, now we are overjoyed to bring you a significant update on our journey. and introduce you to the official Camping Noire Climb Team!  Meet the Trailblazers (shown left to right): Tasheea (Founder): Follow her journey on IG @tasheeasswissarmylife Sydney: Follow her journey on IG @schatziecunningham Angie: Follow her journey on IG @angiewrites Kenya: Follow her journey on IG @thunderblades032024 Manika: Follow her journey on IG @mlove351 Sheena: Follow her journey on IG @sheenamfschuler Shani: Follow her journey on IG @feedyourwellness Tasha: Follow her journey on IG @tgraves1908 Nicole: Follow her journey on IG @coco_taite85 In the coming weeks, we'll be featuring blog posts that provide you with an...

Full name:    Sydney Cunningham  What city and state are you repping?    Toms River NJ  What made you want to join this expedition?    Life! It needs to be lived..to the fullest! I gave a lot of my years to my children and want to give more to them, but this one...is for me... without hesitation.  What's your favorite outdoor adventure memory, and what made it so special?    My family of 5 and I went on an overnight campout for the fourth of July in 2020. Our day was listening to music, Barbequing, shucking corn, eating seafood, roasting marshmallows, taking pics and videos, drawing with the ash from the fire, and watching a movie on the projector. My youngest was only three months old at the time. As we all trailed off to sleep in the summer breeze of the lively woods my three-month-old and I had the best sleep ever since we been home from the hospital. HE SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT FOR THE FIRST TIME. HE ACTUALLY SLEPT LIKE A TEENAGE...

Planning to hike The Stairway to Heaven Trail in NJ? Here are a few things you should #knowbeforeyougo... 1. The trail is located in Waywanda State Park, which is the ancestral land of the Lenape Indians ("Wawayanda" is the name the Lenape Indians gave to a creek they called “water on the mountain.”). 2. To reach the destination, you're following the white trail to the blue trail. 3. The hike length is only 2.6 miles roundtrip but has an elevation gain of approx 900 feet. For the first 1/2-mile, anticipate a steady incline of about a 0% to 10% grade. Then, the mountain hits you with inclines climbing above 30% for the next 1/2-mile. Expect some sweat and prayers to enter the chat during this second half because you will be putting in that WORK!! Just activate that core and keep going!! 4. Did I mention that boulders are everywhere, so expect to do a bit of rock scrambling on these inclines as well (Sidebar: if bouldering is your thing, this is a great place to make it ha...

November, often referred to as the "month of gratitude," is a time when many cultures and communities around the world embrace the practice of thankfulness. As the holiday season approaches, it's an opportune moment to reflect on the importance of gratitude and why incorporating it into our daily lives can be truly transformative. In a world filled with constant change and challenges, the act of practicing gratitude takes on a renewed significance. It's a practice that can bring warmth and light to even the darkest days, transform our outlook on life, and improve our overall well-being.  And when you sprinkle in the magic of nature, the impact can be even more impactful. We’ve all read the blogs and seen the self-help guides that suggest gratitude and mindfulness exercises like: Keeping a gratitude journal and carving out time each day to write down a few things you're thankful for. This practice can help you focus on the positive aspects of your lif...

Photo Credit: Steven J. Roth Picture a tranquil evening by the beach, with the soothing sound of waves and the stars casting their glow upon the sand.  As the bonfire crackles, a shadow dances through the night, catching your attention. Intrigued, you direct a gentle beam of light toward the source, and lo and behold, a pair of foxes appear before you.    This was the scene during last weekend's weekend beach bonfire at Island Beach State Park, where nature had a delightful surprise in store for us. Amidst the laughter and warmth of our bonfire, we had the pleasure of sharing our sandy haven with some unexpected guests that decided to  make several appearances, serving as a gentle reminder that we were sharing our beachside sanctuary with these enchanting creatures.  Now, I'm not going to lie to you...it did cause a bit of a stir at first because who knew foxes and beaches were a thing? I surely did not, but here are the lessons we took away from our interaction...

Camping Noire embarked on an exciting adventure yesterday with our very first youth hike along the enchanting Fairy Trail in the heart of South Mountain Reservation. Despite a rainy start to the weekend, the weather transformed into a picture-perfect day with clear skies, a refreshing chill in the air, and nature's colors in full bloom, setting the stage for a magical day of exploration and wonder. Our spirited young adventurers had an absolute blast as they scoured the woods, discovering whimsical fairy houses, testing their agility on the tree bridge, bravely attempting to cross the "roaring" river (it wasn't really roaring, but their imaginations were), and even daring to conquer the climb along the side of a "massive waterfall." Laughter and shared triumphs filled the air as they made new friends and, in the spirit of unity, lent a helping hand to one another every step of the way.  Our young explorers didn't just soak in the beauty of the great outd...