Local Explorers

The Local Explorers program exists to support Black youth in seeking and cultivating their connection to the nature found around and within them in creative and sustainable ways.

This program was born out of the recognition that Black youth often do not have the opportunity or accessibility to safely engage in outdoor recreation programs; and being located often within densely populated urban centre’s, the challenge of connecting to nature becomes even greater.

The first cohort was launched in collaboration with Green Thumbs in 2021/2022 and engaged youth over the course of one year to build a sense of community and give the opportunity to practice various skills that encourage healing. The program had several themes around land-based healing, incorporating therapeutic, creative and artistic activities, skill sharing, and various guided conversations by community members and organizations that carried shared identities. It culminated in a canoe trip in Algonquin Park in the summer of 2022.

Eligibility

• 13-18 years old

• Identify as female or non-binary

• Identify as Black

• Live in the G.T.A.

• Available to participate in all programming

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

The hopeful takeaway of this program is that the Local Explorers feel able to connect to nature in ways that feel special, fulfilling, and sustainable to them. We will use our time together to connect with each other and ourselves, journal and reflect and support each other. We can’t wait to make magic together!