By Kristen Oliphant, Events and Partnerships Manager
This past summer, a group of BIPOC youth embarked on an overnight camping adventure at White River Campground in Mount Rainier National Park. This camping trip wasn’t just an ordinary one. It provided an opportunity for youth who don’t typically have these opportunities or the resources to get outside, to get into a national park, and learn how to camp, set up a tent, and be in nature.
In the summer of 2023, Rachel Heaton was a part of the All-Native Climb of Mount Rainier (Tahoma) supported by Washington’s National Park Fund (WNPF). This climb highlighted the importance of increasing Native representation on The Mountain. The climb inspired Rachel to continue building on this momentum, leading her to create the idea of a BIPOC youth camping trip to Mount Rainier National Park.
Rachel and our team at WNPF developed a plan, gathered resources, and found crucial support from our partners, including REI, Patagonia, Rainier Watch, and Washington Trails Association to make this camping excursion come to fruition.
On a beautiful Monday afternoon in mid-August, 19 youth and their chaperones met Rachel in Enumclaw and made their way to White River Campground. The youth and chaperones represented the Muckleshoot Tribe and Pacific Islands from Hawai’i and Samoa, through the Asian Pacific Cultural Center in Tacoma.
There were a few core lessons that Rachel wanted each youth to carry with them beyond the camping trip, one of which was the importance of seizing opportunities to be outside. The outdoors offers more than just scenic views; It can be a sanctuary for mental and emotional growth. The ability to feel “childlike” is something she hoped they would hold onto, even as they grow older. She wanted them to understand that when they’re given the tools and resources to explore outside, their potential to grow and thrive is limitless.
We wanted to provide them with a chance to experience this park in a way that they may not know how to or get to otherwise. By bringing them to Mount Rainier, we hoped to open their eyes to the wonders of the world outdoors. It wasn’t just about learning how to set up a tent or learning about Leave No Trace, it was an invitation to view the outdoors as a space for self-discovery, mental well-being, and connection with nature and each other.
Watching them light up with each new experience, from setting up a tent to experiencing the trails that brought them closer to The Mountain was truly moving. What spoke to Rachel most was their open-mindedness and willingness to embrace an experience that was, for many, completely new. Many of them had no prior experience with hiking or camping, but with guidance and encouragement from Michael Beetham (REI), they discovered new interests and were able to set up their campsites in record time.
“I hope that this trip is the first of many for these youth and that they continue to see the outdoors as a place for healing, joy, and discovery.”
We learned that when youth are given the tools and support to get outside, they often find a world they didn’t know existed. Perhaps most striking was the realization that they had not previously associated nature with mental health and wellness benefits.
Through hikes, conversations with their fellow peers and park staff at Mount Rainier National Park, and moments of quiet reflection, they began to see the outdoors as a place for healing and well-being. This perspective can carry them forward with their lives as well as share it with their communities.
“When you teach youth to be outdoors and give them the resources to do so, we empower them to continue this way of life.”
One of the most inspiring parts of this trip was witnessing the youth rediscover their curiosity and playfulness as they explored the park. In a fast-paced world full of devices and distractions, it was refreshing to see them slow down and get creative with the natural world around them.
They delighted in their surroundings, captivated by everything from towering forest trees and icy glacial rivers to the powerful energy of The Mountain. Their excitement and openness to nature reminded us of the joy of discovery and how an adventurous spirit lives within each of us.
Their enthusiasm gave us hope that future generations will continue to seek out these special places and inspire others to do the same.
Park visits like this remind us of the importance of these national parks and help drive our mission of preserving and enhancing the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities of Washington’s national parks so that they remain vibrant, thriving ecosystems and cherished destinations for future generations.
If you’re interested in supporting park projects that foster an environment where all visitors feel welcome, learn about how we work and consider joining us in raising funds for Mount Rainier, North Cascades, and Olympic National Parks.
Cover photo and blog photos taken by Kristen Oliphant.