By Bhagyashree Chatterjee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

What makes a camping trip unforgettable? Is it the thrill of pitching your first tent? Spotting wildlife on a forest trail? Or maybe itB次元官网网址檚 the simple joy of roasting marshmallows by the campfire.

This past summer, participants gathered at Alice Lake Provincial Park to experience all this and more at an event hosted by Colour the Trails in partnership with Parks Canada.

B次元官网网址淭his was a chance for many people to try camping for the first time,B次元官网网址� said Lizzie Ojo Martins, Vancouver events co-ordinator for Colour the Trails, of the July event.

B次元官网网址淲e want participants to feel confident, comfortable, and excited about spending time outdoors.B次元官网网址�

Colour the Trails, the organization behind the event, is a national Black woman-owned business focused on increasing access to outdoor activities for individuals, including those who identify at the intersection of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) and the 2SLGBTQAI+ community.

B次元官网网址淧arks Canada runs these events across the country,B次元官网网址� Martins told The Squamish Chief.

B次元官网网址淪ome are smaller, booth-based sessions about things like tent setup or campfire safety. Others, like this one, offer the full overnight camping experience. We work together to make it as accessible as possible.B次元官网网址�

Participants arrived with family and friends and stayed in tents provided by Parks CanadaB次元官网网址攅ach fitting up to six people. B次元官网网址淧arks Canada took care of campsite bookings and arranged transportation, like buses, so transportation and cost wouldnB次元官网网址檛 be barriers,B次元官网网址� she said.

For many participants, this event marked their first camping trip in Canada. B次元官网网址淎 lot of attendees are immigrants or the children of immigrants, B次元官网网址渟aid Martins.

B次元官网网址淭hey tell us theyB次元官网网址檝e always wanted to try camping because they see it as part of the B次元官网网址楥anadian experience,B次元官网网址� but they didnB次元官网网址檛 have the right networks or knowledge. This event gave them the skillsB次元官网网址攁nd the courageB次元官网网址攖o feel included in that experience.B次元官网网址�

One of the most memorable sessions of the weekend was led by Cease, an Indigenous educator, who taught participants about the medicinal properties of local plants.

B次元官网网址淐easeB次元官网网址檚 teachings really resonated with people, B次元官网网址渟aid Martins.

B次元官网网址淎fter the event, I went camping with my partner, and he remembered a plant Cease showed us that helps with muscle pain. He found the plant, carried it with him, and tried it out. It was amazing to see how those lessons stick with people.B次元官网网址�

These teachings continue to ripple through Colour the TrailsB次元官网网址� community.

B次元官网网址淎t other events, people still talk about what they learned from CeaseB次元官网网址攍ike the frog leaves and mosses she introduced. ItB次元官网网址檚 wonderful to see participants remember that knowledge and use it in their daily lives,B次元官网网址� she said.

B次元官网网址淥ur team is made up of women of colour from different backgrounds,B次元官网网址� Martins said. B次元官网网址淏ut weB次元官网网址檙e always finding ways to invite the community in and learn from each other.

B次元官网网址淔or example, I wouldnB次元官网网址檛 feel comfortable teaching about Indigenous plants because thatB次元官网网址檚 not my area of knowledge,B次元官网网址� she said.

B次元官网网址淏ut itB次元官网网址檚 so meaningful to invite someone like Cease to share that wisdom with us. ItB次元官网网址檚 especially important for newcomers to CanadaB次元官网网址攖hey get to learn not just outdoor skills but also about the people and cultures that were here long before settlers arrived.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淩epresentation matters in outdoor spaces too.B次元官网网址� she said.

B次元官网网址淲e love collaborating with instructors of colour, helping them share their skills and take on leadership roles within the community,B次元官网网址� said Martins.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 inspiring to see how these events create new opportunities for growth and connection.B次元官网网址�

For Squamish residents, Martins left a clear message.

B次元官网网址淪quamish is, you know, the outdoor adventure capital,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淐ommunity starts with an invitation. If you have skills, gear, or experience, share them with people who want to learn but donB次元官网网址檛 know how to get started.B次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淚nvite someone on your camping trip. Invite someone to try skiing or mountain biking for the first time. Be patient with them as learners. And broaden your friend groupB次元官网网址攎eet new people and bring them into your circle. It will only help everyone have better access to the outdoors.B次元官网网址�