*a heartwarming throwback with a message that still applies*
The proof is in the pudding as they say. When you raise them to be confident in who they are, what they do and who they can be, it comes out naturally.
Iāve found hiking and adventuring to be one of the easiest and most natural ways to support kids and help them develop more confidence.
With each outing, you never know what youāll encounter.
From physical obstacles to mental obstacles thereās always something and each one allows you to work through a new layer of who they are and who they want to be.
And because theyāll one day leave the safety nest called home, itās a confidence builder for parents too.
Seeing and hearing your child proclaim ā I got this mommyā letās you know, youāve done a good job and theyāll be ready to take on bigger and better obstacles as they come.
How do you help your child become more confident? Drop your suggestions below and help another parent out!
#blackadventurecrew #confidentkids #letthembelittle #hoursoutside #blackinnature #wildkind #blackboyjoy #adventurefamily #outdoorsy #blackpeoplehike #blackhikers #hikingwithkids #diversifyoutdoors #natureschild #visitnorthal #blackkidsdohike #montesanto #hikingadventures
#kidswhohike
Enrolling our oldest son in Scouting America has proven to be one of the best decisions for our family. Heās become a better leader, more goal-oriented, and has found joy in staying fit. Heās even acquired unexpected skills, such as interviewing during board reviews. #ScoutingAmericaPartner @boyscoutsofamerica As a family, we have gained new friends who genuinely care for and support our son, helping him become his best self. If you want to connect your child with new skills and opportunities, consider checking out Scouting America at beascout.scouting.org.
So, what started as our younger boys wanting to make dinner for our anniversary ended as a full on mini wedding ceremony .
Jr said āI want this to be your best anniversary everā and it absolutely was because we got to share this day and relive our wedding alongside our boys. They made our salads, pulled our broom from the garage, walked me down the aisle, served as Georgeās best man, officiated and served as videographer/photographer.
After changing clothes, we ate and literally danced the night away just like we did 16 years ago.
What a wonderful night! I hope you enjoy this different look into our lives and the impact our love and marriage is having on our sonsā¤ļø
PS) this is my first time in my gown since we got married. We couldnāt get it completely closed in the back, but it was so wonderful slipping it on again!
#blackadventurecrew #loveandmarriage #blacklove #blackfamily #blackloveexists #marriageworks #anniversary #vowrenewal
We love staying at the @kampgroundsofamerica Prizer Point in Cadiz, Kentucky and itās great place for a quick, camping trip from Huntsville.ā£. Hereās a few trip highlights: 3.5 hours from Huntsville Beautiful lake view sitesMany ways to camp (tent, cabin, rv). Tons of resort amenities: Clean bathhousesFree kayaks, SUPs and pedal boats includedInflatable water park Jumping pillows Life size chess TrailsFloating restaurant Customizable soft serve ice cream (this was a family favorite) Short drive from The Elk & Bison Prairie at land between lakes National Recreation area ā£I highly recommend this campground for quick trips from north Alabama or anyone interested in checking out western Kentucky. You will not be disappointed! ā£Are you camping this weekend?ā£ Donāt forget to share with someone planning a camping trip soon!ā£ā£ā£ā£#blackadventurecrew #camplife #findyourselfoutside #liveyouradventure #adventurefamily #tinybigadventure #letthemexplore #hoursoutside #blackfamilytravel #amplifymelenatedvoices #takeyourkidseverywhere #adventuregap #campingwithkids #campingwhileblack #blackfamilygoals #blacktraveljourney #blackfamilytravel #adventureisalifestyle #blacktravelfeed #travelnoire #blackcamper #glampinglife #blackoutdoors #koacamping #lifeontheroad #traveldifferent #blackfamilygoals
Iāll share this everytime it comes up in my timehop because how many times do you get say your name was written into a script?!
Shout to @resheidab for this life long memory ā¤ļø
PS: a friend was watching Being Mary Jane over the weekend and text me when she heard the name combo. She thought it was a coincidence. I was so happy to tell her it was not!
Who remembers this episode?
#blackadventurecrew #georgeandzenovia #beingmaryjane #blackmarriage #blacklove
Did you know families who spend time in nature develop strong bonds, better communication, and incredible memories? #NaturesWayPartnerKeeping kids interested in outdoor family adventures can be challenging but worth it, which is why we were excited to join the #VitaminNChallenge with @natureswaybrands and @children_naturenetwork! As parents, we aim to immerse our kids in the outdoors and adventure, cultivating love and a sense of belonging while balancing their interests.Hereās how we do it:Get them involved in the planning: Let your kids help choose the activities and destinations. This makes them feel invested and excited about the adventure, giving them ownership over their relationship with the outdoors. Keep it fun and light: Allow space for organic play and exploration instead of being pressed for time. Will you make it to the summit? Probably not, but learning to enjoy the journey now means they will want to make it to the summit later! Pack plenty of snacks and water: Snacks are the key to kidsā hearts, and keeping everyone energized and hydrated is essential. Bringing along new ātrail vitaminsā (aka candy) and other favorite snacks will motivate them to get outside. For extra encouragement, add a special post-adventure treat where you discuss your favorite moments from the day.Keep it fresh: While I could hike a new trail every time, our kids prefer variety. We mix our activities to include different outdoor adventures, ensuring everyoneās desires are met.Capture the moments: Be present in the moment but also capture memories. Kids can forget how much they enjoyed something. Having a picture to recall the fun inspires them to get out and do it again.Remember, the goal is to enjoy each otherās company and make lasting memories. So get outside and explore together!Visit the @children_naturenetwork website and join us in the Vitamin N challenge today. @natureswaybrands #VitaminNChallenge
Did you know families who spend time in nature develop strong bonds, better communication, and incredible memories? #NaturesWayPartner
Keeping kids interested in outdoor family adventures can be challenging but worth it, which is why we were excited to join the #VitaminNChallenge with @natureswaybrands and @children_naturenetwork!
As parents, we aim to immerse our kids in the outdoors and adventure, cultivating love and a sense of belonging while balancing their interests.
Hereās how we do it:
Get them involved in the planning: Let your kids help choose the activities and destinations. This makes them feel invested and excited about the adventure, giving them ownership over their relationship with the outdoors.
Keep it fun and light: Allow space for organic play and exploration instead of being pressed for time. Will you make it to the summit? Probably not, but learning to enjoy the journey now means they will want to make it to the summit later!
Pack plenty of snacks and water: Snacks are the key to kidsā hearts, and keeping everyone energized and hydrated is essential. Bringing along new ātrail vitaminsā (aka candy) and other favorite snacks will motivate them to get outside. For extra encouragement, add a special post-adventure treat where you discuss your favorite moments from the day.
Keep it fresh: While I could hike a new trail every time, our kids prefer variety. We mix our activities to include different outdoor adventures, ensuring everyoneās desires are met.
Capture the moments: Be present in the moment but also capture memories. Kids can forget how much they enjoyed something. Having a picture to recall the fun inspires them to get out and do it again.
Remember, the goal is to enjoy each otherās company and make lasting memories. So get outside and explore together!
Visit the @children_naturenetwork website and join us in the Vitamin N challenge today. @natureswaybrands #VitaminNChallenge
The real life connections that come from social media are the best!
India (@ourwanderlust_life ) and I met through these squares four years ago and have shared in each otherās adventures and growth as black women raising black sons.
Meeting her and her boys over the weekend during a @blackkidsadventures Family Paddle Day was everything and knowing the effort she made to join BKA on the water made it even more special.
But do you know the best part?
Knowing Iāll see her again! Why? because the boys told me ātheyād come backā for another paddle and Iām gonna take their word for it āŗļø
Happy Tuesday. Dont forget to get outsideāš¾
#blackadventurecrew #adventuremom #blackmommagic #womenwhoadventure #blackoutside #blackinnature #paddleboardingadventures
Today we wrapped up the paddle season with @blackkidsadventures and this is by far, the proudest moment from the season.
The baby of our family has graduated from passenger to solo paddler at the tender age of 6 all because heās been exposed to this environment, has watched, learned and been inspired to do damn thing!
His words āI can paddle on my own now, I want to stay foreverā
We are so proud of this future leader šš¾
#blackadventurecrew #blackkidsadventures #kidswhoadventure #familyadventures #blackfamilygoals #blackboymagic #blackinnature #optoutside #outdoorafro #weoutside
Yall promised not to laugh!
Knee boarding was definitely harder than it looked. Iām still determining if Iāll try again or not š
Big shout out to The Still family for taking us out for this wonderful adventure ā¤ļø
Now, who has tips in case I give it another shoot?
#blackadventurecrew #kneeboarding #blackkidsadventures #adventureethusiasts #blackinnature #familytravel #familyadventures #blackfamilygoals #blackboyjoy #funnyreels #outdoorafro #tnriver #womenwhoadventure
During the second semester of last year, our family time took a big hit. #NaturesWayPartner
We spent too much time shuffling kids around, eating dinner separately, and feeling tired from all the moving pieces. It didnāt feel good, and I didnāt feel good about all the time spent apart.
We committed then to refocusing and getting back to the basics. So when the Vitamin N Challenge rolled around, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to solidify our plan.
Proudly sponsored by @natureswaybrands, a trusted leader vitamins & supplements, and hosted by @children_naturenetwork, the Vitamin N challenge encourages families to get outside and explore, reaping the amazing benefits of nature while enjoying time together.
Itās easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, but I love that this challenge helps us prioritize what matters most to our family.
If this resonates with you and you want to get back to basics, visit ChildrenAndNature.org and join us in the challenge to reclaim your precious family time. @natureswaybrands #VitaminNChallenge
Vitamin N Challenge
During the second semester of last year, our family time took a big hit. #NaturesWayPartner
We spent too much time shuffling kids around, eating dinner separately, and feeling tired from all the moving pieces. It didnāt feel good, and I didnāt feel good about all the time spent apart.
We committed then to refocusing and getting back to the basics. So when the Vitamin N Challenge rolled around, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to solidify our plan.
Proudly sponsored by Nature's Way Brands, a trusted leader vitamins & supplements, and hosted by Children & Nature Network, the Vitamin N challenge encourages families to get outside and explore, reaping the amazing benefits of nature while enjoying time together.
Itās easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, but I love that this challenge helps us prioritize what matters most to our family.
If this resonates with you and you want to get back to basics, visit ChildrenAndNature.org and join us in the challenge to reclaim your precious family time. @natureswaybrands #VitaminNChallenge
This video is from @blackkidsadventures Black Hikers Week celebration hike in 2022.As you can see from the video, the little one is being carried by @mr.blackadventurecrew. The only time he walked was when we got back to the trailhead. How heās so tired is beyond me, but I guess feeling the wind and watching everyone else trek up the trail was enough to make him speak up about how tired he was šWhatās even funnier is that he only refused to walk when George was with us. When it was just me and the boys, he knew he had to carry his own weight. George is truly the MVP here, showing how fatherhood allows him to carry these boys to incredible places, quite literally on his backā¤ļø#blackadventurecrew #hikingwithkids #blackhikersweek #blackhikers #blackinnature #adventurefamily #familyadventures #optoutside #blackfathers #fatherhood #outdoorafro #alltrails
For me and @mr.blackadventurecrew, it was an unexpected visit to @alstateparks DeSoto State Park with these falls sealing the deal.
While media and even many outdoor brands will have you believe you can only see and experience things like this in certain parts of the country, Iām here to tell you itās not true.
If youāre willing to seek it, you can find adventure anywhere!
šDeSoto Falls
ā£
#blackadventurecrew #visitnorthal #thisisalabama #alabamaoutdoors #blackinnature #waterfalls #huntsvilleblogger #travelblogger #travelnoire #blacktravelfeed #blackfamilylove #exploremore #visitalabama #liveyouradventure #adventurenthusiasts #blackhikers #outdoorsy
Huntsville Parks and Recreation splash pads open tomorrow!! 4 four FREE locations to keep you cool and comfortable all summer long:Bridgestreet Pop Jets315 Fountain Circle SW, Huntsville, AL 35801BAC pro tip: Stop by @marbleslabhuntsville for ice cream first and rinse off in the jets afterRichard Showers Sr Splash Pad4600 Blue Springs Road NW, Huntsville, AL 35810BAC pro tip: Get there early to claim a table under the pavilion for freeEverybody can play Splash Pad3771 Ivy Ave. SWBAC pro tip: Skip the towels and head to the playground to dry off. Bring cash; the ice cream truck stops here frequently during summer.Bicentennial Park Splash Pad315 Fountain Circle SW, Huntsville, AL 35801BAC pro tip: Bring plastic cups and watch them fly as the jets shoot water into the skyWhich will you visit first? #blackadventurcrew #wearehsv #summerfun #thingstodoinhuntsville #familyadventures #1000hoursoutside #explorealabama #visitnorthalabama #ihearthsv #rocketcity #rocketcitymom #rocketcitykids #huntsvillealabama #blackhuntsville #huntsvillewithkids
āØShare with someone looking for summer adventuresāØMonte Sano Nature Preserve features over 25 miles of trails and is home to many of our favorite short-distance hikes, such as Wildflower Trail.Decked out with beautiful, native wildflowers during Spring and a creek running beside the trail, itās easy to see why so many Huntsvillians and kids love visiting. With summer temps coming in hot, this is a great place to spend some time splashing around and cooling off in the wild. Pack a picnic, stay awhile and enjoy!š„¾ Weāre The Stephens, a Black family passionate about outdoor adventures, travel, camping, hiking, paddling, and experiencing new things. Through our exploration, weāre shattering stereotypes and busting down myths about Black people and the outdoors. To see our work in action, check out @blackkidsadventures š„¾#blackadventurecrew #outsideculture #blackinnature #visitnorthal #outdoorafro #blackkidsadventures #blackhikers #optoutside #blackfamily #melaninbasecamp #beanoutsider #visitnorthal #thingstodoinhuntsville #wearehuntsville
Itās the last week of school and almost time for the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloon Classic!
We started going to this event when Ace was a baby and itās become one of our favorite ways to kick off summer. A few years ago, we took up a notch and spent the entire weekend exploring Decatur. Being immersed in the area for a few days gave us a deeper appreciation and helped us discover new places that we still visit today.
If youāre taking in the festivities over the weekend, checkout some of our āmust dosā while visiting:
Must Doās in Decatur, AL
āØvisit @cookmuseum of natural science. The boys love the interactive kinetic sand table where they sculpt and erupt volcanoes
āØCheck out the historic downtown. I enjoyed how walkable the downtown area was and all the quaint shops and boutiques. We found the cutest vintage store with super fun sunglasses that we all tried on.
āØGet the brown butter butter bourbon ice cream from Tessā Place. So good!
āØShop for books and have coffee at @brownbooksandmore ! They carry local authors and artist such as @toyapoplar.
āØStep into nature at Delano Park Rose Garden. Thereās a great playground across the street.
āØTry the Maple Donut from Donut Express
āØFind all the stops on the Alabama Mural Trail
āØStay in a luxury cabin at @wheelerlakekoa
Drop a šif youāre planning to visit the festival this year!
ā ā ā ā ā ā ā ā ā
PS: the Decatur @kampgroundsofamerica has a beachš
ā ā ā ā ā ā ā ā ā
ā ā ā ā ā ā ā ā ā
#blackadventurecrew #visitdecatural #visitnorthal #alabamatravel #thisisalabama #thingstodoinhuntsville #summeradventures #familytravels #familyadventures
But itās also the hardest job Iāve ever done. Even so, I wouldnāt trade it for a thing.
Happy Motherās Day my friends ā¤ļø
#blackadventurecrew #motherhoodunplugged #blackmothers #runwildmychild #thisisalabama #mothersday #boymomma #familyadventures #beanoutsider
Listen, if you ask me beforehand to do something sketchy Iām almost always going to say no.But once in the moment, you can count on me to likely jump in. Thereās something about living in the moment and tackling my fears head on that gives me a push of courage when I need it. There are some things that are a hard NO (seriously not squeezing in tight spaces) but more often than not Iām going for it and will encourage whoever is with me to do the same! Would you climb into a hole in a cave to see a waterfall?Thanks for the inspiration @myadventuregang š#blackadventurecrew #cavingadventure #caving #visitnorthal #thisisalabama #chasingwaterfalls #outdoorslife #adventurelife #womenwhoexplore
Aldridge Creek Greenway in south Huntsville is by far my favorite greenway of all.
Why? Because it leads to one of my favorite places and the riverside views are the best you can get in town.
Now that almost all the boys are able to bike themselves from home to the river, weāll definitely be hitting the greenway for even more trips to @dittolanding.
Weāll see you there!
If you have a favorite, local greenway let me know so we can check it out if we havenāt already.
#blackadventurecrew #tnriver #thingstodoinhuntsville #everydayadventures #weoutside #alabamaoutdoors #familybikeride #blackfamily #blackinnature #naturelovers
