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Pickens – Oct. 15, 2020 – The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism entered into a partnership with the marketing company Black Folks Camp Too, to encourage more African Americans to use and explore state parks.

The partnership kicked off today at Table Rock State Park with a Tailgate Tour headlined by SC State University Head Football Coach Oliver “Buddy” Pough. Over the next several days, Pough will experience camping at state parks for the first time. He’ll also host campfire conversations, go hiking, fishing, biking and take part in other recreational activities at both Table Rock and Sesquicentennial state parks.

“I’ve done a lot of things in my life, but I’ve never been camping,” said Coach Pough. “Since I have some time off this fall, I’ll be headed to South Carolina State Parks with Black Folks Camp Too. I’m proud to support Earl and his mission to start more conversations around the campfire.”

A long-term goal of the South Carolina State Park Service has been to broaden its appeal to make sure the diverse visitation at state parks – especially for pursuits like camping and hiking -- mirrors the population.

“State parks were entrusted to us by the people of South Carolina,” said SCPRT Director, Duane Parrish. “With the help and influence of Coach Pough and Black Folks Camp Too, we can remind South Carolinians that these treasures, and the invigorating recreational opportunities they provide, are here for everyone to explore.”

Under the agreement, Black Folks Camp Too and the Park Service will collaborate to promote state parks camping and outdoor recreation on a platform that speaks specifically to African Americans. Among several benefits, State Parks in South Carolina will be the only campgrounds promoted in the “state parks” category on Black Folks Camp Too’s website for the remainder of the calendar year. State Park campgrounds also will be featured on the website’s interactive resource map. SCPRT will have opportunities to capture images from the Tailgate Tour for future marketing programs. And the Park Service will be listed as an official partner of Black Folks Camp Too with links to the website at SouthCarolinaParks.com.

“The more Black Folks who experience camping, the more they will visit these beautiful South Carolina State Parks, buy tents, outdoor gear and the latest RVs,” Hunter stated. “But more importantly, the more diversity we’ll bring together around the campfire for amazing conversations.”

For more information, contact Craig McAnsh at craig@blackfolkscamptoo.com or Dawn Dawson-House at ddawson@scprt.com or 803-467-0202.

About South Carolina State Parks

The South Carolina State Park Service manages and protects more than 80,000 acres of natural, cultural and recreational resources, which range from deep mountain wilderness and old-growth forests to plantation homes, battlefields, waterfronts and wetlands. The state park system includes 47 operational parks and six historic properties. The system also includes more than 1,500 separate buildings, 155 cabins, 80 motel rooms, 3,000 campsites, two 18-hole golf courses, two saltwater fishing piers, 42 ponds, 156 miles of paved roads and more than 300 miles of hiking and riding trails.

About Black Folks Camp, Too

Black Folks Camp Too was founded in 2019 by Earl B. Hunter, Jr. Before founding Black Folks Camp Too, Earl was an experienced business leader across multiple industries and a leading sales executive in the RV Industry where he grew the business from $1 million to $17.5 million in sales in 4 years. In 2015, Earl embarked on a road trip around North America with his 7 year old son, Dillon. Along their three-month journey they explored the highlights of the continental US and Canada and visited 49 campgrounds! The journey was as eye-opening as it was adventurous—they saw only one other Black family during the entire trip. That disparity and the desire to share the camping experience and outdoor lifestyle with other Black Folks drove Earl to found Black Folks Camp Too and drive its mission of removing fears, adding knowledge and inviting Black Folks to camp with any and everybody. Learn more at www.blackfolkscamptoo.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram.

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