April 2024 Update

This month we are excited to host our  Environmental Leadership Cohort’s “ Outdoor Heritage at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and our College Ambassador Cohort Initiative.  We have also included a brief overview of our upcoming annual fundraiser Miles for Soul, in May. Looking forward to seeing you at these great opportunities!

Next we have our monthly Bouldering Night at the Bouldering Project-DC on Eckington Pl in NE Washington on Sunday, April 7 from 4-6pm. The event has moved from first Wednesday to first Sunday of the month. Bouldering Night is a community centered program offered at no cost to the first 25 Soul Trak participants, community members thereafter pay an entry fee but receive free rentals. We’re looking forward to seeing  new faces at our popular climbing event. Volunteers are available to show first-timers how to boulder.

Join Soul Trak and the Canoe Cruisers Association at the pool for “Kayaking Pool Sessions” to gain comfort and confidence in a kayak while in a safe, supportive environment for practicing. Volunteers from CCA will provide gear (life jacket/PFD, boats, and paddles) as well as guidance and pointers to practice maneuvering in a kayak. By practicing in a pool, participants gain confidence in rolling and exiting a kayak while in the water. Participants will have the opportunity to meet experienced kayakers, learn about whitewater kayaking, and gain confidence in a kayak in preparation for outdoor adventures! No experience necessary, just come ready to get wet and with enthusiasm to practice! These pool sessions will prepare participants to take the Soul Trak Whitewater Kayaking Class in July on the Potomac River in conjunction with Calleva River School.

We added a rolling session on April 2.

Learn how to Scuba dive with Soul Trak’s Scuba Diving Cohort! This certification course will prepare you with the necessary skills and knowledge for underwater adventure.  Swimming Requirement: A prerequisite for the certification is to be able to continuously swim 200 yards (4 down/back laps any swim style) and survival float (or tread water) for 10 minutes.

Health Requirements/Doctor’s Note:
A medical form must be completed which may require a doctor’s note.
Payment can either be made in full, or over a 3 part payment plan ($183.33 each)

We are partnering with Sportrock Climbing Center for a 6 course outdoor climbing  program. This course will take club members through a 6 part developmental climbing program that will build climbers confidence and technical climbing skills outdoors. Climbing workshop include – Knot tying, belay training, and anchor setting, Outdoor Climbing Clinics will take place in both Carderock Recreation Area and Great Falls National Park, just 15 minutes driving outside of DC. 

Join Soul Trak’s Environmental Leadership Cohort to celebrate the history of our native lands. Activities will include live performances, native plant workshops, and art. The event will highlight indigenous culture, foraging, and contribution to National Parks land. The cohort aims to provide a better understanding of indigenous DC’s connection to Land/Parks in the area, build a coalition between SoulTrak and Piscataway-Conoy tribes and capture peoples’ history/stories about the Park. The programming will feature performances of historical dance and theatre by the PASA dance group and 2 spirit nation as well as learning on plant identification from the aquatic center.
Light snacks will be provided, but please feel free to bring snacks and water for the day. Participants should wear close toed shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. We will gather at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens entrance, 1550 Anacostia Ave NE, Washington DC, 20019, at 10 a.m.

What is the Miles For Soul 5k?

Soul Trak hosts an annual celebration that brings together our partners, participants, and supporters to honor community engagement, inclusion, outdoor equity, and leadership development. This event serves as our primary fundraising initiative, aiming to provide over one thousand Black and Brown residents with affordable access to outdoor programming opportunities throughout the city. Central to this celebration is a 3.2-mile run or walk along the Anacostia riverfront trail and across the historic Frederick Douglass Bridge. While optional, this activity encourages participants to embrace the outdoors and enjoy the stunning landscape along the Anacostia River and park—a true reflection of Soul Trak’s essence and our appreciation for the natural ecosystem in the heart of the city.

Following the 5k, our celebration continues with food, music, and guest speakers who spotlight the impactful work of our organization. This event is eagerly anticipated and has garnered significant community interest, with hundreds of attendees joining us for our inaugural in-person celebration in 2023.
Date: May 19, 2024
Location: Dacha Beer Garden (Navy Yard) 79 Potomac Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003
Tickets go on sale: Thursday April 4

You can find all our April programs on our events page. We look forward to seeing you in the outdoors!