Columbia, S.C. – Through a series of lighthearted, educational videos, celebrated head football coach of the South Carolina State Bulldogs, Oliver “Buddy” Pough, is encouraging everyone to experience South Carolina State Parks.
Now in its second season, the Coach Pough Knows South Carolina State Park digital education series was created to enhance awareness and knowledge about outdoor activities available in state parks. It’s a product of a passionate and collaborative partnership between South Carolina State Parks and Black Folks Camp Too, a company dedicated to promoting Unity in the outdoors.
The first series launched in summer 2022, and Coach Pough explored camping, hiking, biking, boating, and fishing in South Carolina State Parks. For the second series, he’s heading to the coast, to have some fun in the sun, surf, and sand.
The goal of the partnership is to connect with South Carolinians, and beyond, who may not currently use state parks to show what to expect, how to make the most of the experience, and to showcase the variety of activities that are available in our state parks from the mountains to the coast.
“I have enjoyed my South Carolina State Parks experiences,” said Coach Pough. “The goal is to help Educate, Invite, and Welcome folks to explore all that South Carolina State Parks have to offer from the mountains to the sea! I believe we scored a touchdown with this one!”
Watch the full video on social media now by visiting South Carolina State Parks (on Facebook or Instagram) and Black Folks Camp Too (on Facebook or Instagram).
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Pough to our beaches for the second series of Coach Pough Knows,” said Paul McCormack, South Carolina State Parks Director. “Our coastal parks are some of our busiest and most beautiful, providing vital public access to one of South Carolina’s most treasured and iconic landscapes. Working with Coach Pough and Black Folks Camp Too is helping us connect with more audiences – even those who haven’t traditionally used state parks – in approachable and meaningful ways. State Parks – and the fun, tranquility, and experience they offer – are important for everyone, and we want everyone to know they are welcome.”
“Our company overall mission is to Increase Unity in the Outdoor Community and Beyond,” said Earl B. Hunter, Jr., Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too. “Partnering with South Carolina State Parks and Legendary Coach Buddy Pough to Invite and Welcome more folks to camp, and experience the outdoor lifestyle is a championship winning formula! We are changing the world…one campfire at a time! We appreciate Coach Pough and South Carolina State Parks for joining us!”
A long-term goal of South Carolina State Parks has been to broaden its appeal to make sure the diverse visitation at state parks – especially for pursuits like camping and hiking – better mirrors the population. Partnerships like this one are helping build the next generation of park users and inspire the next generation of park rangers, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in our outdoor spaces.
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About Coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough
Legendary head football coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough has a long and winning history in the Palmetto State. Coach Pough is the all-time winningest head football coach in South Carolina State University history, and he announced in August that he plans to retire after the 2023 season. He has led the South Carolina State Bulldogs since 2002, bringing home Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference titles in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2019, and 2021. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs won the HBCU Football National Championship in 2008, 2009, and 2021. He has been named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Coach of the year four times. Before leading the Bulldogs, Coach Pough was a top-ranked high school coach, earning South Carolina High School League Coach of the Year honors. He was an assistant coach for the South Carolina Gamecocks under Lou Holtz for five seasons.
About South Carolina State Parks
Part of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism, South Carolina State Parks is responsible for managing and protecting thousands of acres of natural, cultural, and recreational resources, ranging from deep mountain wilderness and old-growth forests to battlefields, waterfronts, and wetlands. Today, the state park system includes 48 operational parks and six historic properties, offering thousands of campsites, two 18-hole golf courses, two saltwater fishing piers, lakes, ponds, and hundreds of miles of hiking and riding trails. Additional parks will be opening in the near future. Find photos, maps, and information about each park, and stay up-to-date on future park openings, at southcarolinaparks.com.
About Black Folks Camp Too (BFCT)
BFCT was founded in 2019 by Earl B. Hunter, Jr. with a mission of removing fear, adding knowledge, and inviting more Black folks to camp, and enjoy the outdoor lifestyle with any and every one. BFCT was created not only to inspire more Black folks to get outside, but to bring awareness to the reasons why more Black folks have not been participating in the outdoors, what the current industry and lifestylers can do to help create more Unity, and why they should. At the heart of BFCT is the belief that when more Black folks become active camping enthusiasts and begin enjoying the outdoor lifestyle, it will help break down barriers to create more inclusive communities and stronger relationships overall. Learn more at blackfolkscamptoo.com and by following BFCT on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.