06/07/2026
Another Private experience in the books!!
Understanding our youth is important and so is representation.
Play Cousins Collective partnered with Black A*z Camping to have a daytime experience with their Big Cousins.
The Big cousins where between high school and high-school Graduates π₯π₯
We went on a hike at Jefferson Memorial Forest & Natural Areas
Before we got there the big cousins had to choose how they wanted their experience to be.
We at black a*z camping and Junior Black Campers believe in giving our youth autonomy instead of mandatory fun.
After careful deliberation we did our hike.
As we are hiking it is imperative for us to discuss our history and the environment.
The question at hand was...
What is a history lesson you learned this year?
(Comment your answer below)
The Big cousins brought up two different cases;
π¨Kalief Browder
π¨Central Park 5
They had to explain the cases to the ones who had knowledge.
The excitement in their voices as they regurgitated the knowledge that was given to them. The outrage, the injustice, and the disappointment of the cases as they were speaking so passionately throughout the conversation, confirmed our youths voices really need to be heard!!
We talked about what environmental Injustice is, and broke it down. They identified and learned several different cause and effects!
π¨ Air quality|Heat islands|Area
π¨ Parks|access|luxury|Location
The Big cousins where on a roll. We came to a halt as they checked the time to make it back to the campsite.
We identified leadership within the Big Cousins and honed in on emotional regulation as it effects the team and the people around you.
We made back to camp in enough time for them to learn how to start a fire using flint and Steal.
Some where excited
Some where scared
Some got frustrated
Some was definitely up for the challenge.
However; absolutely none of them gave up!
They roasted their turkey dogs, ate their chips, and just remained in community with one another.
They laughed, joked, shared, and understood what a safe space looked like!!
Thank you Playcousins for allowing us to host space with your Big cousins
*zcamping