About Us
YOUR PLACE TO BORROW CAMPING AND OUTDOOR GEAR
The Gear Library initiative aims to enhance outdoor experiences for families by offering high-quality camping gear at low or no cost. Serving as more than just a lending service, it also conducts Camping 101 workshops, providing essential skills to community members. Additionally, the program organizes two immersive camping trips each year, fostering a sense of community and adventure. To further support families, a comprehensive resource hub has been established, connecting them to outdoor opportunities, discounted programming, and valuable information, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the benefits of nature.
It is our aspiration that all families will come to see their own narratives mirrored within the rich tapestry of these landscapes. Abundant research substantiates the myriad emotional, spiritual, and physical advantages that come with outdoor recreation. We believe that by immersing themselves in the historical tapestry of these natural settings, families can unlock a profound connection with the therapeutic and transformative dimensions of outdoor experiences.
Our
Mission
Our mission is to make nature accessible for all individuals & families, especially those of color, by lending high-quality camping & outdoor gear, sharing educational resources, and planning camping & other day trips.
Nature is a necessity for everyone’s health and wellbeing, yet 74% of majority nonwhite communities live in nature-deprived areas compared to 23% of majority white communities.
~
Center for American Progress, The Nature Gap
How it Works
MEMBERS GET FULL ACCESS!
01
Become a member
Individual memberships are $35 per person, per season.
Family memberships are $65 per family, per season.
Institutional memberships are $95.
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02
Reserve your Gear
Browse the online gear library, reserve your gear and check out by making arrangements to pick up your gear.
You will get an email confirmation. Our Gear Librarian will prepare your order and email you to let you know when it's ready
03
Pick Up your Gear
04
Return Your Gear
After returning from your camping trip, work with our librarian and decided on a time to return the gear and bring it back to the library. Once the gear has been returned our librarian will mark it as returned on the online gear library and you'll be ready to reserve your gear for your next trip. If any gear is lost or damaged you may be charged a fee.
Once you've reserved your gear and our gear librarian lets you know your order is ready to be picked up, let our librarian know when you'll come to the library to pick up your order in the week before your trip. When you come to pick up your gear our librarian will bring it to you and can help you pack your gear into your car if your wish.
Gear Kits
Romatic Getaway
Introducing the Romantic Retreat Package, a thoughtfully curated collection of camping essentials to enhance your intimate getaway amidst nature. Nestle into our Wildseed Gear, an inclusion that sets the tone for a romantic escape, providing comfort and warmth for you and your partner. Picture yourselves cozied up in our two enchanting camping chairs, positioned perfectly for stargazing and sharing quiet moments together.
The Explorer
Embarking on a camping expedition, whether alone or with a friend, reveals a personal connection with nature. They leave the hustle of daily life behind, carrying their backpacks and setting out into the wilderness. The scent of pine, the rustle of leaves, and the gentle babble of a nearby stream envelop them. The campfire they build becomes the heart of their journey, a source of warmth and sustenance, and a place for contemplation under a star-studded sky.
Family Vacation
Introducing the Family Adventure Package, a carefully assembled set of camping essentials tailored to enhance your outdoor escapades with loved ones. Dive into the heartwarming embrace of our Wildseed Gear, a delightful addition designed to cater to the diverse needs of every family member, ensuring a cozy and enjoyable camping experience. Envision your family gathering around our spacious camping table, the perfect hub for shared meals, laughter, and the creation of cherished memories.
Outdoor Explorer's Essentials Kit
Ultimate Family Adventure Guide, a meticulously crafted package brimming with exciting activities and adventurous suggestions designed to elevate your outdoor experience. Immerse your family in a world of exploration with our carefully curated list of activities, providing endless opportunities for shared thrills and memorable moments.
Staff
Executive Director
Lisa Bleich
Gear Librarian
Henry Ramsey
Board
Board President
Pickett Slater Harrington
Founder and Managing Principal
Joltage Innovation
https://www.joltageinnovation.com/
Member
Member
Areca Sampson
Communications Director
Secretary
Rachel Wallach
Editor, JHU Alumni Magazine
Johns Hopkins University
rwallach@gmail.com