Changing the World One Adventure at a Time

She Who Wanders

May 31

A Convo with Zenovia from @blackadventurecrew

Meet Zenovia. Wife and mom to 3 boys, she’s passionate about travel and creating new experiences for herself and her family. Her belief that it doesn’t take much to live adventurously inspires thousands of others to get outside for both big and small adventures. The founder of the not-for-profit organization, Black Kids Adventures, she’s on a mission to change the narrative and empower other Black families to take up space in nature and experience all the beauty and goodness it has to offer.

Tell us a little about you and your family like where you’re from, where you live now, how old is your little guy and anything interesting or unique you’d like people to know.

My name is Zenovia Stephens, I’m from Chicago, and live in Huntsville, Al with my husband, George, and our 3 sons. Something interesting about me: I grew up visiting Birmingham, AL as a kid and couldn’t stand it. I thought it was the most boring state and would’ve never dreamed of living in it. Fast forward to a college scholarship (Alabama A&M University- Track and Academic scholarships) and meeting the love of my life while attending, and now Alabama has not only become home, but I’ve learned how amazing the state is in the process.

The Great Wanderlust is all about moms stepping outside of the box and diving deeper in both travel and in life! The mission is to inspire mamas and families to feel fully alive through adventure and exploration! What is your great wanderlust? What most makes you come to life??

Truthfully, I’ve always found life and excitement in trying new things. It was there when I went away to camp for 2 weeks after the 6th grade, when I ran a marathon after finishing my collegiate track career, and when I became a mom and took my son to all the wonderful community activities as a baby. While all different, those moments have fueled me and allowed me to enjoy the many ways life has played out.

I am so amazed and inspired by the impact you’re making with your organization, Black Kids Adventures. Share with us about the story of your organization of how you came up with the idea, what is your mission and vision behind it and what does it mean to you? Take us back to a moment when you felt most proud of what you’ve built.

Black Kids Adventures, Inc. (@blackkidsadventures on instagram) is a Huntsville based, not-for-profit organization paving the way for Black and Brown families to connect and participate in nature and recreational based outdoor activities. We serve families across Alabama and beyond, and we’re redefining, reimagining and challenging the idea of those that enjoy outdoor adventures. The organization was born out of a place of need. While participating in our own family adventures and noticing the lack of families that looked like ours, it became clear that community was needed to encourage others to get out.

Our mission is to expose, educate and empower families through adventure. We believe our approach of asking the whole family to participate will create a cultural shift and lead to a more beautiful and diverse outdoor world.

I love how you talk about what adventure means to you and how it doesn’t have to be far away or grand. What constitutes adventure for you? What characteristics does your favorite kind of adventure possess?

I love trying new things, and I especially love trying new things alongside my kids, but the truth is that as long as we’re together every adventure and trip is my favorite at that moment. More than anything I want to leave my kids with the notion that adventure exists wherever they are. Be open to new things, even in old places, and have a mindset of appreciating what’s right in front of you. That always leads to the best times!

What is your biggest dream for yourself and/or your family? How do you stay connected with your big vision in the midst of the chaos of everyday life/work/parenting?

My big dream is that the life we’re living today will carry over into the lives my children will live when mom and dad are long gone. When things get hard, I think of the rich legacy we’re planting in our kids and how it will one day play a part in the lives of our grand and great grandchildren.

What are the top 3 values you come back to when you’re making tough decisions in life?

Courage, Confidence, Empowerment

As an outdoor adventure mom to three boys, what are your top tips for getting them excited to hit the trail and enjoy time outside as a family, especially as they’re getting older?

SNACKS lol. Snacks are always helpful in getting the kids excited about anything. Maybe that looks like buying a new snack to pull out on the trail or a promise to stop for a special treat when a hike is over. Snacks can go a long way in motivating young kids.

We also like to include them in planning whenever possible. It gives a sense of ownership, which is empowering for kids. Lastly, let them take the lead. Every hike can’t be focused on reaching a certain point, letting the kids explore and lead us is also a great way to empower them and help them connect with the outdoor world in a way that’s most organic to them.

Where are you off to next and what are you most looking forward to about it??

When I received this it was Oklahoma, and we were really excited about exploring a new state. Neither of our immediate family members had ever visited and many wondered why we’d visit. I was looking forward to sharing the beauty and adventure that exists in this part of the country with family, friends and our online community.

Who inspires you to dig deeper in travel and life?

I love Sonya & Necota Staples from @staplesintents. They have a beautiful story that can inspire many!