After spending most of the summer in national and state parks, I was excited to see an invitation for Brown Girls Rooted’s “A Weekend at Aunties” Campout at Indian Springs State Park, October 24th - 26th. I received so much peace while hiking and just being in the great outdoors that I wanted to make sure folks realized Brown Girls Rooted existed. Nicole Ross, known as Coach Niki, founder of Brown Girls Rooted, discusses her organization.
I asked Ross how the organization was started. She speaks about raising a special needs child and needing a village. After moving from Florida, the land of beaches, she found herself in Georgia, a land of forests, creeks, and rivers. She began a girls' hike with high school students, taking place on the last Sunday of every month. Ross and a group of girls took a hike and explored trails.
The upcoming A Weekend at Aunties is the first overnight hike, and information sessions are taking place with aunties, parents, volunteers, and girls about the event. Brown Girls Rooted is more than a return to nature; girls will leave with new skills, community, and confidence. All participants will earn an official Park Ranger Badge. Ross explains that his event is a preview for the launch of a full-fledged year-long mentoring program in January 2026.
To secure a place in this check Eventbrite-Link here first overnight camping trip, or to avoid fees, reach out via email info@browngirlrooted.org and request an invoice.
Ross explains that this event is a preview for the launch of a full-fledged year-long mentoring program in January 2026.