Why I Volunteer With AMC: Crystal Williams, New York–North Jersey Chapter
As told to Steve Holt, senior editor for engagement content. Edited for clarity and length.
Chapter: New York–North Jersey
Favorite spots to Be Outdoors: Fire Island, N.Y.; Montauk, N.Y.; Central Park, Manhattan; Riverside Park, Manhattan
Next big adventure: Hawaii, Ecuador, or Panamá
I grew up in Long Island. My first real taste of the outdoors was in the Girl Scouts. When I was in the third grade I sold the most cookies in my troop and won two weeks at summer camp. My mom said I should go but my dad didn’t like the idea of me going away. My mom won, and I went. It was one of the best experiences I remember.
Fast-forward, I became a parent and living in New York City was very different. I wanted to find a Girl Scout troop, and they pulled me into an office and convinced me to be a leader. I began taking these young girls on trips, including camping and hiking and canoeing. As our activities and adventures grew, the boys in the school became very jealous, so I wound up having a Girl Scout troop with boys in it.
I joined AMC as a member in 2017, and I started bringing my students up to Harriman State Park, outside of NYC, which was wonderful. I love Fire Island; it’s my favorite beach in New York besides Montauk. I noticed there are not so many folks that looked like me when I was attending AMC chapter dinners and different events. I said, “I’m going to keep showing up and making myself known.” After I experienced a racially tinged incident on an AMC outing, I became involved with the AMC New York–North Jersey Chapter Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Now, I’m the chair of that committee.
The first reason I volunteer with AMC is because I love the outdoors. The second is because I want people who look like me to know that this space is available to them. I think when you haven’t done a certain activity like canoeing or hiking, you feel more comfortable if there are people who are doing that same activity that look like you.
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