We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shunte Mcclellan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shunte, appreciate you joining us today. What’s been the best thing you’ve ever seen (or done yourself) to show a customer that you appreciate them?

One of the most meaningful ways we’ve ever shown appreciation to our community actually came through our nonprofit, Melanated Cares Foundation.

A couple reached out to us who had been wanting to attend Melanated Campout for years but were going through a really tough season financially. Instead of simply telling them we understood, we quietly made arrangements through the foundation to cover their camp registration and make sure they could be there.

When they arrived at camp, they didn’t just show up to an event. They walked into a community that welcomed them like family. I remember seeing their faces that first evening around the campfire. They kept saying how much they needed that moment, that space to breathe, laugh, and just be around people who understood them.

What made it so powerful is that Melanated Campout has always been about more than camping. It’s about healing, connection, and reminding people that they belong in these spaces. Being able to remove a barrier for someone and watch them experience that joy and peace firsthand was incredibly special.

Moments like that remind us why we do this work. It’s not just about hosting events. It’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into camping actually started because of one very persistent friend. My friend and co-founder, Cayela Wimberly White, used to invite Jocelyn McCants and me to her camping trips all the time. In the beginning, we came up with every excuse in the book not to go. Camping just didn’t seem like something we would enjoy.

Eventually, we agreed to come during the day to hang out with her, but when nighttime came, we would pack up and head home to the comfort of our own beds. Cayela never gave up on us though. She knew how healing camping could be and she was convinced that if we gave it a real chance, we would fall in love with it.

One day she finally convinced us to stay overnight on a trip to Helen, Georgia, and that trip changed everything for me. That’s also when I realized Cayela wasn’t a “rough it” camper at all. She was what we now call a Bougie Camper. She believed you could enjoy nature and still be comfortable. Fun fact, that experience inspired us to launch our Bougie Camper apparel line last year.

During that trip it rained, and at first I thought the whole experience was going to be miserable. But we were prepared and it actually turned out to be amazing. We went fishing, tubing, built a campfire, went on a small hike, and spent real uninterrupted time connecting with each other. No phones buzzing, no everyday life distractions. Just friends, nature, and good conversation.

At the end of that trip, I realized I had gotten some of the best sleep I’d had in a long time. I felt more connected to my friends, and I discovered something about myself too. I was more resilient than I thought when it came to camping.

Now when I camp, you will absolutely find me in an instant cabin tent that takes about five minutes to set up. I have a cot with a foam pad for my bed, a Jackery portable power station, tray tables, an outdoor rug, and a portable fan for warm months. When it gets cold, I have my Mr. Buddy heater ready. I truly believe camping should be enjoyable, and everyone should do it at their own comfort level with no judgment.

That philosophy is exactly what inspired us to create Melanated Campout.

When you come to Melanated Campout, it’s not just camping. It’s a cultural experience wrapped in community, love, and care. It’s a safe haven where people can relax, laugh, reconnect with nature, and reconnect with each other.

Our weekends are full of joy and activity. You might see grown adults playing kickball, participating in our legendary water gun battles, hiking together, or learning new skills like fishing in our Fishing 101 class. We have yoga and meditation led by wellness coaches, and we even have line dance instructors teaching the latest dances so everyone can join in the fun.

One of our signature experiences is Dinner in Orange, where campers bring their own meals but gather around beautiful orange-themed family-style tables while enjoying live music, a comedy show, and incredible community energy. Later that night we host a silent headphone after party where people can dance under the stars.

While there is definitely a fun and celebratory element to the experience, Melanated Campout is also deeply rooted in wellness and healing. We host a men’s fireside chat and a women’s healing hike where campers can have honest conversations and support one another.

We also welcome campers of every style and experience level. Whether you prefer RV camping, tent camping, van life, overlanding, safari glamping tents, cabins, or even villa hotel rooms, there’s a place for you. Some campers bring their boats since there’s a marina nearby, and others bring their golf clubs because there is an 18-hole golf course on the property.

Through our nonprofit, Melanated Cares Foundation, we also sponsor six military veterans and their guests each year so they can attend the weekend and experience the same healing power of nature and community.

Our next Melanated Campout Adult Camp Homecoming will take place September 25–27, 2026 at Lake Blackshear Resort in Cordele, Georgia.

Whether you are an experienced camper or someone who has never slept in a tent before, our goal is simple. We want people to experience the joy of the outdoors, build meaningful connections, and leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and part of something bigger than themselves.

Because sometimes the healing you didn’t know you needed is waiting around a campfire, surrounded by people who feel like family.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience for us looked a lot like politely hearing “no” over and over again and still packing up our vision and taking it to the next place.

When my business partners, Cayela and Jocelyn, and I first created Melanated Campout, we were incredibly excited. We had a full plan with security, programming, and logistics mapped out. We were even willing to rent entire properties so there would be no concern about disturbing other guests. On top of that, we were booking more than a year in advance. Still, many camping locations across Georgia told us the same thing: their property wasn’t available for events.

That response was interesting because we had heard about college meetups and corporate outings being hosted at some of those same places. Whether it was hesitation, misunderstanding, or something else entirely, we never really got a clear answer. What we did get was a lot of practice hearing the word “no.”

The good news is that we’re persistent.

Gatewood Park in Cartersville was the first property to say yes. The park attendant Chris and his team gave us a chance. We still had to show them our event plan and provide assurances, but they welcomed us. For three years we hosted Melanated Campout at that beautiful state park on Lake Allatoona. The experience was incredible, and eventually we grew so much that we outgrew the location.

Right when we needed it, D&D Outdoor Retreat stepped in. It’s a beautiful Black-owned property in Wrightsville, Georgia owned by Josh and Amber Gordy, who also own Wathern RV Park. Our campers loved the peaceful rural setting and the chance to really connect with nature there. And yes, we eventually outgrew that space too.

Next came Lake Blackshear Resort in Cordele, Georgia. With its scenic lake views, marina, and 18-hole golf course, it opened up even more possibilities for our camp family. Campers can stay in RVs and tents, but we also have vanlifers, overlanders, and even some “bougie but fun” campers who prefer cabins, safari glamping tents, or hotel villas.

The community in Cordele has really supported us. We’ve met with the Crisp County Chamber of Commerce, local business leaders, and Commissioner Isaac Owens. By our third year at Lake Blackshear, we were able to secure the airfield for tailgating-style RV and tent camping. That expansion allowed us to grow and accommodate up to 700 campers.

Looking back, resilience for us meant not letting a few closed doors stop the vision. Every “no” just pushed us closer to the right “yes,” and today Melanated Campout continues to grow because we refused to give up on creating a space where our community could gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors together.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

What really helped us build our reputation was doing exactly what we said we were going to do and doing it well. In the event world, that alone will get people talking.
When we first started Melanated Campout, a lot of people didn’t quite know what to expect. Camping? Music? Community? Black folks intentionally hanging out in the woods having a great time? For some people it was a brand-new concept. But once folks arrived and saw that we were organized, welcoming, and actually had a full plan in place, the reputation started building on its own.
We like to have fun, but we’re also very intentional. From the beginning we created detailed event plans, security plans, and structured programming. So yes, you might see people line dancing in one area, someone grilling in another, and a group learning how to set up their first tent for the first time. Behind the scenes though, everything is coordinated like a well-run production.
Our campers can feel the heart behind it too. Melanated Campout was never just about hosting an event. It’s about creating a space where people can relax, connect with nature, and build community. Despite the name, we don’t discriminate. Everyone who respects the vibe, the community, and the outdoors is welcome. The name reflects the culture and community that inspired it, but the campfire has room for everybody.
People come once and realize this isn’t just a camping trip. It’s a whole vibe. You might meet someone at the campfire Friday night and by Saturday you’re sharing food like cousins at a family reunion.
Word of mouth has been huge for us. Campers bring their friends, their families, their camping groups, and sometimes coworkers who have never camped before but are curious. We also intentionally get out into the community. We attend other outdoor and cultural events to support what others are doing and to invite both new and experienced campers to come experience Melanated Campout.
Social media has also played a big role. We’re very strategic about how we tell our story online, showing the real experiences our campers have and highlighting the diversity of people who attend, from tent campers to RV owners to vanlifers.
Because of that mix of passion, professionalism, and community support, we’ve continued to grow every year. We’re excited that Melanated Campout is now expanding toward welcoming over 1,000 campers. Watching something that started as an idea between three people grow into a thriving outdoor community has been incredibly rewarding.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://melanatedcampout.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MelanatedCampout
• Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/MelanatedCampout
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/MelanatedCampoutwww.Facebook.com/MelanatedCampout
• Other: TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@melanatedcampout

Image Credits

Michael Rhea Photography

Photography by Purple Orchids