Coach Pough Knows South Carolina State Parks - Beach Edition!
Park News
Through a series of lighthearted, educational videos, celebrated head football coach of the South Carolina State Bulldogs, Oliver “Buddy” Pough, is encouraging everyone to experience South Carolina State Parks.
Now in its second season, the Coach Pough Knows South Carolina State Park digital education series was created to enhance awareness and knowledge about outdoor activities available in state parks. It’s a product of a passionate and collaborative partnership between South Carolina State Parks and Black Folks Camp Too, a company dedicated to promoting Unity in the outdoors.
The first series launched in summer 2022, and Coach Pough explored camping, hiking, biking, boating, and fishing in South Carolina State Parks. For the second series, he’s heading to the coast, to have some fun in the sun, surf, and sand.
The goal of the partnership is to connect with South Carolinians, and beyond, who may not currently use state parks to show what to expect, how to make the most of the experience, and to showcase the variety of activities that are available in our state parks from the mountains to the coast.
"I have enjoyed my South Carolina State Parks experiences,” said Coach Pough. “The goal is to help Educate, Invite, and Welcome folks to explore all that South Carolina State Parks have to offer from the mountains to the sea! I believe we scored a touchdown with this one!”
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Pough to our beaches for the second series of Coach Pough Knows,” said Paul McCormack, South Carolina State Parks Director. “Our coastal parks are some of our busiest and most beautiful, providing vital public access to one of South Carolina’s most treasured and iconic landscapes. Working with Coach Pough and Black Folks Camp Too is helping us connect with more audiences – even those who haven’t traditionally used state parks – in approachable and meaningful ways. State Parks – and the fun, tranquility, and experience they offer – are important for everyone, and we want everyone to know they are welcome.”
"Our company overall mission is to Increase Unity in the Outdoor Community and Beyond,” said Earl B. Hunter, Jr., Founder and President of Black Folks Camp Too. “Partnering with South Carolina State Parks and Legendary Coach Buddy Pough to Invite and Welcome more folks to camp, and experience the outdoor lifestyle is a championship winning formula! We are changing the world...one campfire at a time! We appreciate Coach Pough and South Carolina State Parks for joining us!”
A long-term goal of South Carolina State Parks has been to broaden its appeal to make sure the diverse visitation at state parks – especially for pursuits like camping and hiking – better mirrors the population. Partnerships like this one are helping build the next generation of park users and inspire the next generation of park rangers, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in our outdoor spaces.
Check out this year's video, here:
2023 video excepts:
- Coach Pough Knows Birdwatching
- Coach Pough Knows Camp Etiquette
- Coach Pough Knows How to Find That Hardware
- Coach Pough Knows How to Rest and Relax
Our 2022 video with Coach Buddy Pough:
2022 video excerpts: