ABOUT
Our Story.
Atabey Outdoors is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. We are the only BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) led organization providing outdoor adventures to BIPOC youth in the area. Atabey is unique in that currently, 100% of our Outdoor mentors and administrative team are Women of Color (WOC).
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Historically, Women of Color lack representation in outdoor spaces, and it continues today. It has only been 50 years since the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This means that the BIPOC, specifically the Black community has only been legally allowed to recreate in outdoor spaces with white people for 50 years.
Atabey Outdoors exists to offer safe spaces for BIPOC girls to experience the outdoors with respect, empathy, protection and celebration.
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Black, Indigenous and Girls* of Color ages 8-12 years old.
*Any person who identifies as a girl or non-binary.
Note: Our priority is to provide a safe outdoor experience to Black, Indigenous and Girls of Color. However, any girl who can demonstrate a commitment to our Mission & Vision is encouraged to register.
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Currently we provide a variety of outdoor adventures to BIPOC girls & Non-Binary kids ages 8-12 years old.
Our adventures are generally free.
*As of 2024. We have implemented a suggested donation of $30. We offer scholarships.
$30 includes: Gear, meals, merch and any adventure fees applicable i.e. park entrance.
Additional fees may be applicable for overnight adventures.
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Atabey Outdoors is based on the Theory of Change model. To create lasting impact, all activities are linked to outcomes.
We plan adventures with one question in mind.
How can we link this outdoor adventure to an important life skill that youth can take with them into their communities?
Our Mission.
We commit to providing safe & fun outdoor adventures for BIPOC girls ages 8 to 12. We combine outdoor adventure with enrichment activities that encourage social, emotional, physical and mental growth.
Our Vision.
To ensure BIPOC youth feel safe, confident and worthy of taking up space outdoors & to empower the next generation of mindful leaders.
Atabey (Ah-Tah-Bay) is the Earth Mother and Supreme Goddess of the Taino community. Taino’s inhabited the land of the Antilles before Columbus arrived. Between diseases and forced slave labor brought by Spanish settlers, the Taino tradition has all but disappeared.
Our Values.
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Fortitude
Girls gain strength and confidence both physically and mentally. It takes resilience and courage to participate in Atabey activities and conversations.
“I am brave.”
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Innerstanding
Girls learn what it means to have insight into their thoughts and emotions. We provide a safe space for girls to show up as their true, authentic selves.
“I am enough.”
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Respect
Girls work in teams and individually to achieve goals and are expected to interact with regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.
“I am thoughtful.”
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Empathy
Girls build long lasting relationships with mentors and peers, plus learn how to be curious and considerate of perspectives outside of their own.
“I am open-minded”