Vasque Partners with Camping to Connect Project
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Julie Atherton
JAM Collective
julie@jamcollective.net
415-839-7546
Vasque Partners with Camping to Connect Project
The Iconic Outdoor Footwear Brand Announces Support of Young Mastermind Initiative's Outdoor Mentorship Program
Red Wing, Minn. – (February 1, 2024) – Vasque Footwear, with nearly 60 years of experience delivering functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts, is proud to announce a strategic, long-term partnership with Young Masterminds Initiative (YMI), Inc. Through this partnership Vasque will support YMI’s Camping to Connect program, bringing outdoor experiences and educational opportunities to young individuals, and fostering a connection with nature and personal growth.
Young Masterminds Initiative is a nonprofit organization, founded by members of Mastermind Connect, a collective of progressive men of color who believe in inspiring change by nurturing camaraderie, fostering accountability, and cultivating trust, leadership, and support. Camping to Connect is a BIPOC-led experiential mentorship program that uses outdoor recreation and nature immersion to address the diverse issues faced by young men of color in America’s cities—from mental health to healthy masculinity. Camping to Connect provides young men of color with a safe space for meaningful conversations, connecting them with nature, their peers, and dedicated mentors.
Manny Almonte, founder and chief executive officer of Young Masterminds Initiative, Inc., expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Joining forces with Vasque Footwear is a welcomed step forward in our Camping to Connect project. This collaboration signifies a shared commitment to providing transformative experiences for young individuals, fostering a connection with nature and personal growth. Together, we aim to create a positive impact on the lives of young men of color, promoting leadership, positive self-awareness, and the pursuit of excellence through unique outdoor experiences.”
At the heart of this collaboration is Vasque's active promotion of the Camping to Connect project, offering support for student excursions, transportation, and programming assistance. Vasque will also provide hiking boots and shoes, ensuring that each step of the journey is accompanied by comfort and durability. As a testament to its commitment, a portion of the proceeds from Vasque's e-commerce sales will be contributed to the Young Masterminds Initiative, Inc., reinforcing a commitment to supporting meaningful initiatives.
Bryce Wernsman, President of Vasque, echoes the sentiment, "At Vasque, we believe in the transformative power of outdoor experiences. This partnership allows us to contribute significantly to fostering a connection with nature and personal growth for young individuals. Through this partnership, we hope to propel Camping to Connect's mission, a cause that harmonizes seamlessly with Vasque's dedication to outdoor enthusiasts and our firm belief in the vital importance of reconnecting with the outdoors for personal well-being."
About Young Masterminds Initiative:
The Young Masterminds Initiative, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded by members of Mastermind Connect, a collective of progressive men of color who believe in inspiring change by nurturing camaraderie, fostering accountability, and cultivating trust, leadership, and support. At the Young Masterminds Initiative, including its Camping to Connect program, the organization is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The commitment extends to all persons involved in the operations and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type, irrespective of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. The organization admits participants to its programs based on merit and the potential to benefit from the transformative experiences offered. It does not discriminate against applicants for any reason other than their suitability for the programs. The Young Masterminds Initiative promotes leadership and positive self-awareness by creating unique experiences that teach young men of color about the value of brotherhood, community, and the pursuit of excellence, using a combination of peer learning, outdoor education, and mentorship programs.
About Camping to Connect:
Camping to Connect, A Young Masterminds Initiative program, is a BIPOC-led experiential mentorship program that uses outdoor recreation and nature immersion to address the diverse issues faced by young men of color in America’s cities—from mental health to healthy masculinity. Camping to Connect provides young men of color with a safe space for meaningful conversations, connecting them with nature, their peers, and dedicated mentors. Camping to Connect’s leadership reflects the backgrounds of its youth participants, fostering a vital paradigm shift in their self-perception and understanding of their place in the world.
About Vasque:
Vasque Footwear has delivered functional, durable footwear to millions of outdoor enthusiasts since 1964. We believe that you don’t have to go far to change your perspective. By simply stepping outside we can change how we feel on the inside. When we disconnect, we reconnect. Vasque Footwear – Trail Footwear Since 1964. Visit us at Vasque.com