Black Girls Go Camping Trip: My Experience

It All Started From Twitter

My last camping experience was as a teenager which I enjoyed. However, I never considered camping again as I got older… anyway, I saw the Black Girls Camping Trip on Twitter and I was like:

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Staying on the site was only £10 per night and you were given the option to stay one or two nights. On Twitter, a page and hashtag #BlackGirlsCampingTrip was used so girls could find other people within their borough to attend and share a tent with. It also helped to created familiarity and split the costs of equipment/food needed. I decided to stay for two nights.

Getting There

The Camping centre was based in Debden on the central line. Imagine on the very few occasions I use the central line the Piccadilly Line was suspended, this meant the central line was busier. I had a suitcase and I couldn’t be asked to try to squeeze on the tube. I waited a while before I decided to hop on the train ( lol I waited like 5 minutes). From Debden station I took a taxi to the camp, however, the founder Tianna was offering lifts too. As I came late the activities already started so I took a taxi which was only £5.00.

Weather

Throughout my stay, the weather warm but LARD GOD I am getting a flashback of the nights. When I tell you it was cold yeah, I never experienced cold like that. If you could see the stupid little blanket I packed I think I really lost my senses. Luckily my tent mate had a thick blanket because I really suffered. When you go camping make sure you pack with sense by bringing comfy clothes and a thick blanket.

10 Essentials For Camping

• THICKKKKKKKK Blanket and Pillow
• Sleeping Bag and/or Blow Up Bed
• Shower Caddy. This provides ease if there are shower facilities so you do not forget anything.
• Fluffy Socks to keep your feet warm while sleeping.
• Bite Cream. I am even confused about how I ended up with bites.
• A Power Bar
• Torch or Lantern to keep your tent lit and for walking in the evening.
• Snacks
• Pocket Knife
• Rain Gear. We all know UK weather is unpredictable

What Went On

Black Girls Camp Fire

Now there was no way you can go camping without a campfire. Imagine black girls drinking, dancing, roasting marshmallows and listening to music by the fire. It was a calm atmosphere where everyone was socialising or making something to eat. It was a great place to be peaceful and just enjoy your surroundings. I can’t lie I was so excited to see the stars in the sky because I don’t usually see that.

Black Girls Circle 

This was my favourite activity. We all sat in a circle, had balloons and wrote down any microaggressions we experienced. We then wrote it down on a ballon and let it go. Everyone shared their comments and it was crazy how we had the same or similar experiences. Being in that circle made me realise how important it was for us to have these spaces, it was like therapy. We could share our thoughts, feelings and find comfort in each other.

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The Scavenger Hunt

As there were black girls from different boroughs and cities we were put in mixed groups and did a scavenger hunt in the forest. We had a sheet of things we had to find in the forest and although some of us only spent like an hour before we gave up (lool us) it was a great way to meet new people in the group.

Free Time

Everyone just went about their business whether it was going into the local town to eat, chilling in their tents or making something to eat on site. It was an opportunity for us to enjoy our surroundings and socialise too. When I had been camping as a child it always felt like we were doing activities. However being older I appreciate being able to relax and enjoy nature. I visited the town of Loughton which was nice and peaceful, it is worth taking a look if you are in the area.

Painting

Although I am not an artist I love painting because I find it therapeutic. We sat in a circle and were given small canvases and did abstract painting. I am not going to point out which was mine but there was beautiful artwork produced while listening to UK Rap. What better combo?

TURN UP FRIDAY NIGHT

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All I can say is I really wished I brought alcohol so I enjoyed the vibe more. Basically, it was drinking games by the fire and it really got mad. There was so much laughter and everybody had a good time. If you drink and go camping bring the alcohol it finna get lit!!! I wish I took pictures but that’s when you know you had a really good time! (btw you don’t need to drink to have a good time too).

Here is the lowdown of what went on during the Black Girls Camping Trip. I made some lovely friends (Heres your shout out Helda lool) and had a great time. There are plans for a Black Girls Camping Trip next year so follow the Black Girls Camping Trip account to be updated. This trip is open to all black women you don’t have to be from London. Secondly, do not be discouraged if you decide to go by yourselves you will meet and make new friends too!

Final Thoughts

I think this initiative was great in introducing black girls to different activities and also for us to have a space to be unapologetically black. People find it difficult to understand why we need our own space and feel we are segregating ourselves from other races. As black women, it is important for us to have complete freedom to be who we are and share our experience and feelings without being deemed “aggressive” or being told our experiences don’t exist. Thank you to the founder Tianna and all the organisers involved for the Black Girls Camping Trip concept it was an amazing event! Tianna is lovely and she is as funny on Twitter as she is in real life trust me! Make sure you check out her Twitter to find out all the great things this creative does!

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