Join Us in Expanding Outdoor Horizons for Youth in 2026!
Bringing Snowboarding, Camping, and Mentorship to Underserved Communities—Together, We Can Create Lasting Change.
At Hoods to Woods, we believe the outdoors should be a place where everyone belongs. Founded in 2009 by Brian Paupaw and Omar Diaz, our mission is to introduce youth from underserved communities to the transformative power of snowboarding and outdoor experiences. Growing up in Brooklyn, Brian and Omar saw firsthand the barriers that kept kids like them from accessing nature. Today, we’re breaking down those barriers—one snowboard, one bus ride, and one life-changing adventure at a time.
Every year, Hoods to Woods provides free snowboarding programs to over 125 children, equipping them with gear, lessons, and mentorship. But we don’t stop at the slopes. Our programs also build confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the environment.
Why It Matters
For many of the kids we serve, a day on the mountain is more than just a fun outing—it’s a chance to escape the challenges of their neighborhoods and experience something entirely new. They leave behind the concrete and discover a world of possibility, one that fosters creativity, teamwork, and determination.
The impact doesn’t stop with the kids. By creating more diversity in winter sports, we’re shaping a future where the outdoors is truly for everyone. Programs like ours challenge stereotypes, open doors for underrepresented communities, and inspire the next generation of outdoor leaders.
How You Can Help
Hoods to Woods is growing, and so is our vision. In 2026, we’re expanding our programming to include overnight camping experiences, giving kids the opportunity to deepen their connection to nature and build lasting memories. But we need your help to make this happen.
Your donation directly supports:
- Transportation: Providing safe rides from urban neighborhoods to outdoor spaces.
- Equipment and Gear: Ensuring every child has what they need to participate.
- Programming: Offering lessons, mentorship, and new opportunities like camping.
Every dollar you give helps us say "yes" to more kids, taking them on journeys that spark confidence, resilience, and joy. Together, we can inspire the next generation to explore, grow, and thrive in the great outdoors.
Make an Impact Today
Join us in creating a more inclusive future for outdoor recreation. Your support will change lives, one snowboard run, one campfire story, and one child at a time.