Connecting Through the Outdoors: Tony Diliberto’s Camping Initiative

Tony Diliberto has always felt a pull toward the great outdoors, and now he’s sharing that passion with others. What started as a casual idea a few years ago has evolved into a heartfelt mission, using Alabama State Parks to guide families into the beauty of nature while also providing a break from everyday distractions. It originally involved just a handful of fathers and their kids; now, it’s become an annual gathering he refers to as “Father and Children,” boasting about 25 participants.

Originally from Birmingham but raised along the Gulf Coast, Diliberto was involved in scouting from a young age. His father, also named Tony, served as a scout master in the Gulf Coast, making camping and outdoor experiences integral to their family life, along with all the beach adventures that come with it.

“My dad would watch me and my friends camp,” he recalls. “Little Tony back then was all about the outdoors. Honestly, I’d rather sleep in a hammock under the stars than do just about anything else.”

Diliberto’s love for nature extends beyond just camping. He engages in activities like whitewater kayaking, mountain biking, paddleboarding, and paddling on both rivers and lakes.

“In my friend group, if someone wants to go camping, I’m the go-to guy,” he noted.

In 2021, as he and his friends were chatting about their outdoor adventures, a question arose about Diliberto’s experience in the wilderness.

“My buddy, who was playing football at UAB, just sat there while I mentioned my desire to camp,” he said.

The first camping trip took place at Oak Mountain State Park near Birmingham and included three fathers and their sons, all around 5 or 6 years old.

“Ironically, it started pouring rain, and honestly, it was probably the worst scenario to introduce kids to camping. They didn’t seem to mind, though,” Diliberto laughed. “I swung by Walmart before heading to the park, thinking it might be fun to grab a squirt gun for some lake fun.”

“The kids ran wild in the woods. They didn’t care that they were getting bitten by mosquitoes. They should have been crying—but instead, they were filthy and having the time of their lives.”

When renovations at the Oak Mountain campground began, Diliberto had to rethink plans just a month before the next camping weekend.

“I called Guntersville State Park and explained the situation. They welcomed us like a scouting army. That year, about 24 people came along,” he remembered.

With such a crowd, Diliberto spends considerable time preparing for each camping trip. He maps out menus, being cautious of food allergies, and organizes Saturday activities. He emphasized that paddling is typically the main Saturday attraction, barring any weather issues, after which they might explore local treasures like the Cathedral Cave and visit High Falls.

“Guntersville is stunning. After our activities, we usually gather for hot dogs and basketball, while I also run nature classes,” he added. “The folks at the camp headquarters really help us out—it’s been great.”

“One neat thing I do is create memory books every year. Every dad sends me their photos, and within a month, I compile them into memory books.”

Since launching the camping initiative, both the children and their fathers have picked up valuable outdoor skills.

“Each year, they come equipped with better gear,” Diliberto observed. “They started with those flimsy tents that barely survived the night. One dad even showed up in a pickup truck! You wouldn’t think these guys were outdoor novices. Another dad rolled in with a Tesla, and the kids had a field day teasing him about it.”

Diliberto’s group brings together fathers from diverse backgrounds. This year’s camping weekend even included comedian Roy Wood Jr. and his son.

Aimed at educating those with minimal outdoor experience, Diliberto begins with the basics of camping, like hiking, exploring nature, and the importance of avoiding poison ivy during meal prep. He also includes responsibilities like chores to foster collaboration.

“Then comes fire-making,” he stated. “It’s a must for everyone. What I’ve found is that they love lighting fires for fun, but getting wood—well, that’s a different story. They’d rather play!”

Diliberto also serves as the president of the Alabama Cup Racing Association, overseeing whitewater paddling events. Through this association, he has access to a 10-foot x 20-foot tent, which serves as their camp base, where most meals are prepared except for dinners where everyone gets involved.

“We refer to it as a hobo dinner,” he chuckled. “Dads and kids help chop carrots, onions, and potatoes—they make their own foil pack dinners. It’s a group effort!”

There have been times when the kids, exhausted from activities, were eager to crawl into their sleeping bags, forcing some plans to be shelved.

“We always seem to have kids sleeping everywhere. There’s, uh, a good bit of snoring,” Diliberto noted with a grin.

He sees his own father’s excitement mirrored in the way he watches his children thrive in their outdoor adventures.

“We’re getting fathers out of their comfort zones,” he said. “My sons witness their dads in unfamiliar territory. The goal is to help them become comfortable in nature. Truly, my top priority is to ensure they feel at ease in an environment they typically don’t engage with.”

“In today’s busy world, these kids often miss out on simply being kids, and when they go camping, it’s clear they relish it.”