Can UCLA come out to play? How about the University of Minnesota, or Bowling Green…. If Outdoor Nation has its way, a lot more students will find their way outdoors in the coming years.
Outdoor Nation, which is the signature program of the Outdoor Foundation, and The North Face, are searching for the schools with the best ideas on inspiring students to enjoy the outdoors.
In May, the top ten colleges in the Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge will be announced and awarded a grant and additional resources to activate on their ideas. $50,000 is up for grabs, divided up among the schools.
An online platform will track progress, recognize school and individual leaders, and reward participation. A national champion will be recognized at the end, earning bragging rights and gear prizes.
If you are interested in supporting the Campus Challenge or getting involved as a student or university, visit the Campus Challenge Application. Deadline for application is May 2, 2014.
“We are extremely proud to be a founding partner of this groundbreaking initiative, bringing young leaders together to share their passion for the outdoors and ultimately find better ways to connect people and nature,” said Ann Krcik, director of Outdoor Exploration at The North Face.
An individual achievement award, “Outsider of the Year,” will be given to the student that inspires the most people to get outdoors — they will win a year’s worth of outdoor gear, an internship with the Outdoor Foundation, and an outdoor trip.
“College students are among the most creative, innovative and influential group of people in our country today,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation. “If we are truly going to inspire a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts the ideas and energy must come from them.”
—Sean McCoy
