Social Forestry Foundation is proud to support the Detroit Outdoors program via funding of over $4,000 made to the Sierra Club in early December, creating opportunities for Detroit youth to enjoy overnight camping experiences at the Scout Hollow campground in the city’s Rouge Park.

Rouge Park is Detroit’s largest park at 1,184 acres and contains beautiful sections of river and forest for visitors to explore. Nestled within the park is Scout Hollow, Detroit’s only campground, which is comprised of just over 17 acres. The Detroit Outdoors program provides training, gear rental and programming for youth groups, scout troops and school classes to have an overnight camping experience right in their own city.

“We could not be more honored than to support the efforts to get Detroit youth into nature-based experiences,” said Tod Hardin, a founding board member and co-director of SFF. “It perfectly aligns with our mission to provided access to these kinds of experiences for those from typically underserved and underrepresented communities. Scout Hollow and Rouge Park are amazing assets for the city, so it’s wonderful to see the Sierra Club, Detroit Parks and Recreation and the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit uniting to make this program a reality – and we’re proud to support it.”

Some happy campers participating in Detroit Outdoors.

Scout Hollow is a tremendous natural asset that is equipped to accommodate up to 30 campers. The campground is open to all youth serving organizations and is primarily focused on supporting groups from Detroit and surrounding communities. The goal is to connect the neighboring communities with the local natural environment and inspire youth to spend more time outdoors.

“There are definitely barriers, both real and perceived,” said Garrett Dempsey, campaign manager with the Sierra Club and its Detroit Outdoors program director, speaking to Planet Detroit in 2021. “Transportation is always the really big challenge. That’s why we wanted to put energy into reactivating a campground in the City of Detroit; to embrace the nature that’s nearby so one doesn’t feel they have to go far and pay a lot of money to experience nature.”

Once youth group leaders participate in the Camping Leadership Immersion Course they gain access to training materials and a gear library that contains all the equipment needed to outfit their group for a safe and memorable camping trip at Scout Hollow. Trained leaders can also borrow gear to lead camping trips outside of Detroit.

Garrett also has said that he believes that experiences in nature will help young people build positive self images and develop healthy lifestyles, and that this engagement also encourages appreciation and respect for the environment we all share.

Camping at Scout Hollow is a Detroit Outdoors program, run in partnership with the city of Detroit’s Parks and Recreation Department, Sierra Club ICO, and YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. Our team at the Social Forestry Foundation are delighted to be empowering them in their important work.