Black Folks Camp Too

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brevard, NC – Black Folks Camp Too (BFCT), a leading organization dedicated to Increasing Unity in the Outdoor Community and BEYOND, is excited to announce the launch of its updated online training platform. The Unity Blaze Academy platform was originally launched in 2022 to serve America’s State Parks and DNRs as they prepare for demographic shifts. Already, Indiana, Oregon, Wisconsin, Arizona and South Carolina are using the ROI training platform, with many other state park and DNR systems in the planning phase. The new Unity Blaze platform offers three additional comprehensive courses designed to empower businesses, individual professionals and higher education staff in the outdoor industry to create a more welcoming and inclusive outdoor experience.

If you are a professional in the outdoor industry or if you own/operate a private campground, outdoor retail store, land conservancy or trust, RV park or dealership, summer camp or any other outdoor industry business or organization — this training program can help elevate your thoughts, grow your brand and your business.
If you are a professor or instructor in Higher Education Academic Programs or Student Affairs/ Campus Recreation Programs — you will be better equipped to prepare students for meaningful careers in the outdoor industry AND better address the underrepresentation of Folks of Color in outdoor recreation.
Demographics are changing and these courses will help prepare the outdoor industry for The Great Transfer which is taking place as seasoned traditional outdoor enthusiasts pass on the love of the outdoors to emerging demographics.

Unity Blaze Certification Course for Businesses & Organizations

The Unity Blaze Certification Course is tailored for businesses, entities, and organizations within the outdoor industry that aspire to become Unity Blaze Certified Partners. This course delves into the following key areas:
● Understanding Barriers to Participation: Explore the factors that hinder individuals from enjoying the outdoors, such as fear, lack of knowledge, and unwelcoming environments.
● Moving Beyond Access: Differentiate between physical access to outdoor spaces and the psychological comfort and welcome necessary for full participation.

● Recognizing the Impact of Exclusion: Analyze the negative consequences of a limited outdoor participant base, including public health risks and potential industry decline.
● Embracing the Spirit of Unity Blaze: Understand the significance of the Unity Blaze symbol and its message to invite and welcome.
● Implementing Strategies for Growth: Learn actionable strategies to increase outdoor participation, focusing on family engagement and creating welcoming experiences.

“Data shows that the outdoor industry faces significant challenges unless it learns to strategically invite and genuinely welcome emerging demographics. Our course is the first of many steps to produce sincere, meaningful, measurable and sustainable solutions.” said Earl B. Hunter, Jr., Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too.

Unity Blaze Certification Course for Individual Professionals

The Unity Blaze Professional Certification Course is designed for outdoor industry professionals seeking to enhance their skills and certifications. This course provides valuable insights into:
● Understanding the Lack of Diversity in the Outdoors: Gain knowledge about the reasons behind the underrepresentation of Black individuals and People of Color in outdoor spaces.
● Preparing for a More Diverse Outdoor Community: Learn how to better equip oneself to invite and welcome a more diverse audience of outdoor enthusiasts.
By completing the UB course, professionals can expand their knowledge, enhance their career prospects, and contribute to a more inclusive outdoor industry. It’s also important to know that outdoor industry businesses who become Unity Blaze Certified become part of the Black Folks Camp Too partner network, which includes a listing on our online directory and map, as well as access to partner marketing support and toolkit to PROUDLY promote Unity in the Outdoor Community and BEYOND.

Unity Blaze Certification Course for Higher Education

The Unity Blaze Certification is for Higher Education Academic Programs and Student Affairs/ Campus Recreation Programs.
● Academic Programs: Institutions seeking to enhance their curriculum, provide real-world experiences, and prepare students for meaningful careers in the outdoor industry.
● Student Affairs/Campus Recreation Programs: Organizations looking to equip their teams with the tools and strategies to address the underrepresentation of Folks of Color
in outdoor spaces.

It’s also important to know that outdoor industry businesses who become Unity Blaze Certified become part of the Black Folks Camp Too partner network which includes a listing on our online directory and map, as well as access to partner marketing support and toolkit to PROUDLY promote Unity in the Outdoor Community.
Outdoor professionals who complete the Unity Blaze training will receive a certificate that can be featured on their social media profiles to showcase their new skill.

About Black Folks Camp Too

Black Folks Camp Too (BFCT) is an award-winning company that is Increasing Unity in the Outdoor Community and BEYOND. BFCT is also the communication pathway to untapped markets which will lead to The Great Transfer. BFCT provides educational programs, resources, and community-building opportunities to help Folks connect with nature and build a sense of confidence and belonging in the outdoor space. Through education, advocacy, community building, and revenue driving projects, BFCT empowers companies, organizations and individuals to create a more welcoming outdoor experience for