Braving New Heights with Steffen Jean-Pierre

For Steffen Jean-Pierre, introducing more Black people to the outdoors has been something of a lifelong goal.

As a member and self-proclaimed "guru" at Camp Yoshi (a collective that aims to create a space for Black folks and allies to unplug in the outdoors), he is able to connect with others who also share the same commitment to reclaiming space in nature.

An avid-climber himself, he gives us an inside look at the physically (+ mentally) challenging sport and simultaneously sparks the motivation to pick up gear of our own and experience it first-hand.

What type of landscape did you grow up in and how did that influence your relationship to the outdoors?

I actually grew up in Brooklyn far away from the green mountainous landscapes where I currently seek to spend a lot of my time. Despite growing up in the concrete jungle some of my fondest memories as a child are of the times I spent either vacationing or visiting family in states like Virginia or Florida. We would spend a lot of time hiking through the woods, fishing in the lake, swimming in the ocean.

Looking back, I think the reason we would do these activities is because it is not only a great way to spend time with your family but also because these activities were free. Whatever my parents' motivation, I loved those experiences and I was constantly looking forward to the next one.

What first inspired or motivated you to join camp yoshi? What are some of the most memorable lessons from your time with camp yoshi so far?

I've known the founder of Camp Yoshi for a few years; he reached out to me when he was starting Camp Yoshi because he knew of my experience in and love for the outdoors. He was looking for people with experience in the outdoors with a background in hospitality. I immediately told him I was on board; introducing more Black people to the outdoors has been my goal for a long time, and Camp Yoshi was a way for me to take action on that goal.

Being a part of Camp Yoshi has shown me that it is vital for Black people to take up space in these environments that we may not always feel welcomed in. Camping and exploring beautiful locations with Camp Yoshi is something that every person should be able to experience.

How has your Haitian identity and culture intersected with your love for the outdoors?

I am a second-generation Haitian; both my parents were born there. I grew up with my parents' stories about growing up in Haiti. They were constantly sharing stories about climbing mango trees and going down to the river for water. Even though my childhood in Brooklyn was very different from theirs, their stories helped me see myself in those spaces.

Haiti is a beautiful Island that has gone through terrible economic and environmental hardship. There is a strength that exists within the Haitian people to be able to persevere despite those challenges. I imagine that I access that strength when I climb.

What are your favorite places to escape to nature in NYC/ your neighborhood?

Fortunately, I live across the street from a lovely park in Brooklyn called Owl's Head Park. Taking walks around the park with my partner Janelly and our pup is a great way for us to escape from the hustle and bustle of our lives. One of our favorite activities is to hop on our skateboards and skate around the park while our puppy O'keeffe is chasing us.

What is your idea of time well spent?

For me, time well spent Is when I'm doing something that inspires, touches, or moves me or when I'm able to do that for someone else. I also try to make time to try new things, this is how I found both climbing and woodworking.