Reclaiming the Outdoors

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by Sofia Baum

Going into nature can be a complicated and multifaceted experience, pushing us out of our element. For our communities, we get to decide how we further engage with the natural world. As uncomfortable as it can be there is a stronger sense of connection, peace, and purpose that keeps us coming back for more.

Curious about other folx's experiences with the outdoors, I inquired about stories of reclamation, philosophies, and guiding principles with Wild Diversity's Adventure Leaders and Youth Ecology Coordinators: Loren (they/ them), Felicia (she/her), Viv (they/them), and myself, Sofia (she/her).

Loren and Felicia are Adventure Leaders for Wild Diversity. Loren enjoys leisurely backpacking and Felicia enjoys hiking. The role of Adventure Leaders, as described by Loren, is to facilitate, "...teamwork and expand knowledge to participants so that they can feel empowered and confident to embark on outdoor activities with self-sufficiency."

Viv and I are Youth Ecology Coordinators for summer 2020. We are working remotely and are tasked with creating educational video content, blog posts, interview scripts and lesson plans. Viv enjoys absorbing nature whenever possible and I love water sports. 
Columbia Gorge

Nature can provide an environment of peace, reflection, and acceptance. Loren described their perspective when bringing their whole self into the natural world, "As a queer, trans masculine person I feel at home in the outdoors. Everything seems so queer in nature opposed to urban or man-made environments and I guess I really like that feeling of relating to the outdoors more so than any other environment out there." For Viv, Felicia, and myself the outdoors allows us time and space to sit with our thoughts and is a phenomenal setting to share with friends. 

The first time I felt like I could bring my whole self into the natural world was a trip I took with three good friends, all femmes of color, to the Columbia Gorge in summer 2019.  During this trip we were sharing stories, eating good food, playing Spanish music, and laughing as loud as we wanted. We put together our knowledge and resources to create an awesome experience. I was comfortable and curious, fully able to appreciate and be present with the experience, setting, and my friends. 
Columbia Gorge: Angel's Rest

Our guiding philosophies for creating outdoor adventure experiences for BIPOC & LGBTQ+ communities center love, respect, and education. Felicia shared, "As an Indigenous person learning to love the land and practicing respect and reciprocity are important values I hold. I believe when we hold these values we are able to see the connection between ourselves and nature. Fostering that connection allow us to find peace and enjoyment within nature." I completely agree and also believe that in fostering that important relationship we also become more sensitive to our consumption, waste, and lifestyles. The reconnection to the natural world further fuels the awareness of environmental injustices, environmental racism, and climate change. Once we see that ecosystems are truly alive, and we can place ourselves within them, it becomes hard to deny that we are nature and nature is us. 

Accessibility and elitism of the outdoor industry are both discouraging factors that can drain our motivation and put up barriers. Loren explained how their guiding philosophy is, "...to show people that loving and experiencing the outdoors doesn't have to coincide with the outdoor industry and all the bells and whistles it claims we need. With a few guiding principles of safety and awareness it's possible to fully embrace and experience the outdoors for adventure, escape, healing, and reconnecting to the larger ecosystems we as humans have felt so detached from in recent times."

Viv and I center being present with the environment and the people when embarking on outdoor experiences. Viv is an adventurer at heart and shared that they, "let folks educate me, and let my experience speak for just myself," when prepping for and returning from a trip. I echo that and encourage everyone to fully embrace the extraordinary, peaceful, and healing experiences nature has to offer with some preparedness, essential 10, and safety precautions. Especially when participating in a facilitated experience leads are present to be validating and empowering sources to meet participants where they are at. 

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Sofia Baum (she/her) grew up in the Willamette Valley, specifically Junction City, OR. A recent graduate of Oregon State University with B.S. in Business Administration and Sustainability, Sofia is serving as a Youth Ecology Coordinator for Wild Diversity for summer 2020.  She is very passionate about creating opportunities that center equity, curiosity, authenticity, growth, and meaningful work through immersive programs, experiential learning, food security initiatives, social justice education, and civic engagement. 

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