Join Us in Expanding Outdoor Horizons for Youth in 2027!

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.