Out of the 'Hood, Into the Woods

Finally, it looks as though spring may be peaking its head out a bit for New Yorkers.

But with the abundance of unrelenting snow that blanketed Brooklyn this winter, it was the perfect weather for... snowboarding!

Hoods to Woods provides an outlet for neighborhood teens to snowboard as well as gain an awareness and appreciation for the great outdoors.

Founded in 2009, Hoods to Woods serves inner city youths from 13 to 19 whereby they actively participate in indoor and outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, camping and hiking.

Currently, Hoods to Woods offers two programs: A six-week beginner snowboarding class, which is held at a host mountain once a week, and rock climbing, also offered at the beginner level.

Emphasis is placed on media awareness where students can document their endeavors in the great outdoors. Hoods to Woods founder, Brian Deka Paupaw, has traveled and conquered snow covered mountains in both North and South America.

A native of Bed-Stuy and an avid snowboarder, Paupaw found the sport of snowboarding to be a gateway out of the harsh realities that plague inner city communities. Hoods to Woods gives youths valuable skills to possibly pursue a career track in the outdoor and action sports industry.

Paupaw was able to bring Hoods to Woods to Bed-Stuy through the Burton Snowboards Chill Foundation. The Chill Foundation provides nurturing experiences to youth by providing the necessary tools for students to learn snowboarding.

Media skills also are an important aspect of Hoods to Woods.

“As a broadcast designer and film maker, I felt it was important to add media into the outdoor experience for various reasons," said Paupaw. "One is allowing a teen to document his or her experience outdoors and also develop products through partnerships with companies.”

Flat Fitty and Thirtytwo Apparel, along with several students at Hoods to Woods, collaborated and developed limited edition baseball caps embroidered with snowboarding designs. The proceeds from the designs are used to fund their outdoor programs.

“I would like to see our program expand in other urban centers across America. Also to have strong partnerships with educational institutions and offer college scholarships for participants who choose to gain higher education," he said.

Hoods to Woods is still awaiting their status on their 501(c)3 non-profit. This exempt section of the United States Internal Revenue Code provides organizations exemption from federal income taxes and enables them to receive donations that are tax deductible. Hoods to Woods would fall under this exemption, as the organization is operated exclusively for educational purposes to foster national amateur sports competition.

In the meantime, donations are accepted on an ongoing basis for their outdoor programs. 

"Hoods to Woods: The Movie" is a documentary available for purchase and download on the organization's website. Donations are also accepted in the form of: snowboards, goggles, helmets and pants.

“We have a fundraiser and film screening this coming November 2011 at Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). We’re also starting an indoor rock climbing program this summer and everyone is excited about it.” 

For more information on Hoods to Woods contact: brian@hoodstowoods.com. If you would like to donate, contact: donate@hoodstowoods.com.