speak to his students at the Open World Learning Community, a charter school where he teaches outdoor education.
“The boys would really like to meet you,” he said.
The next day, I sat in a circle with 12 young men who enthusiastically expressed to me their excitement for the many programs that had introduced them to nature. Their lessons in outdoor classrooms brought them a better understanding of not only their role in environmental protection but also the joy of playing and learning outside as a normal part of their school day. Among these students was an African-American youth named Maleik, who Lysne told me had once said “black people just aren't made for the outdoors.” Now a mentor to his younger classmates, Maleik takes great pride in sharing photographs and stories of his adventures while camping and hiking throughout his home state of Minnesota. “Alright,” he said a bit self-consciously. “It is pretty cool.”
And just like that, the adventure gap begins to close.
James Edward Mills is a journalist and media producer specializing in stories about outdoor recreation, environmental conservation, and sustainable practices. Learn more at The Joy Trip Project.