Across nearly every category of outdoor activity - snowsports, water sports, even hiking and camping - about 70% of participants are white. And that's not an accident; current participants are not always welcoming of others who do not look like them.

In fact, a recent Penn State study bears this out. Because of pandemic, a full 13% of U.S. adults stopped participating in outdoor activities altogether.

And according to that study, that group "were significantly more diverse, tended to reside in more urban environments, and earned less annually than existing or new recreationists."

So why'd they stop getting outdoors? They didn't feel safe or welcome.

This campaign supports up to 5 BIPOC, LBGTQIA+ and/or ADA in becoming outdoor guides with resources and funding. Because that's the only way we will have a more welcoming outdoor industry.

Return to WelcomeFund.org.