Episode 61 - Leadership, Brotherhood & Inclusion in the Outdoors: Mentoring BIPOC Young Men with Manny Almonte

The loneliness and struggle that young men experience, especially young men of color, is one that happens silently, almost invisibly every day.  The opportunity to connect with older men and new friends and peers in the wild is literally life changing for them, and for the leaders and guides as well.

This episode shares the extraordinary journey that Manny discovered through finding his own healing in a circle of peers in Brooklyn.  When men of color share their gifts and strategies for resilience with each other, good things happen and Manny shares how those profound and beneficial experiences grew to include high school students in the surrounding boroughs.  It's a powerful story that continues today, where young men experience this 'circle of brotherhood' in the outdoors, where transformational conversations and perspectives can take root.

The needs of our current generation of young people exceeds the capacity of kind, connected men who lead these journeys, but the seeds of this work are powerful and are beginning to sprout and grow before our eyes.  Manny Almonte is a true gift to our communities, inspiring and passionate, and it is a joy to share his mission on this podcast.

Connect with Manny and Camping to Connect:

Website:   https://www.campingtoconnect.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/campingtoconnect/

Facebook:   https://www.facebook.com/campingtoconnect

YouTube:   https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsbypr_alrPe9vnaWQKCDWw

Short Film about Manny's Work:   https://www.campingtoconnect.com/wood-hood

Recent Achievement:   https://www.nationalrecreationfoundation.org/crawford-prize/

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