Fall Outdoor Recreation Student Retreat A Success
In early October, CU Boulder Outdoor Recreation Economy students from around the country gathered in Boulder for the annual student retreat, hosted by Associate Director Mark Gasta and program managers Pilar Devolx and Carly McNiece. The purpose of this weekend was to bring the ORE community together for a weekend of learning, growth and reflection.
Day One
We kicked off the weekend early, gathering on Friday morning at Oberalp Group, an international house of brands in the mountain sports industry, to learn more about sustainable business practices in the outdoor industry. Drew Saunders and Loren Morshead of Oberalp, presented to the cohort on the positive trajectory of the group and what they attribute to its success – especially in a tumultuous post-pandemic economy. We wrapped our morning with a facility tour and in-house introductions with their US-based team members before grabbing lunch at the local Boulder Depot.
Later that afternoon, we ventured to the foot of the Front Range to meet with Topher Downham, the Education and Outreach Program Manager of Accessibility at the City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks. During this session, we learned about accessibility challenges in the outdoors, with specific attention paid to trails and transportation in Boulder County. To stave off an afternoon slump, and infuse some good, old-fashioned fun into our day, students and faculty took to the accessible outdoor equipment provided free of cost to individuals experiencing disabilities when visiting Boulder Open Space – and it was a riot, to say the least!
Day Two
Saturday was spent on campus and centered around town hall-style discussions about program updates. With the possibility of elective and project course updates on the horizon, it was wonderful to hear real-time feedback from current and returning students who will reap the benefits in the coming terms.
To round out the day of discussions, we enjoyed a visit from Jason Swann, the founder of local non-profit Rising Routes and the Conservation Finance Program Director for the Trust for Public Lands. He spoke about his career path in the outdoor industry and the lessons that he has learned in the business world, such as networking, being open to opportunities, and starting before you feel ready.
Following a day of discussions, our group headed out on a campus tour – as a remote learning program, many students had never had the chance to explore CU Boulder’s pristine grounds and facilities. Together we explored the campus, touring Folsom Stadium, and walking Farrand Field, all while learning about Ralphie the Buffalo and other campus fun facts! Our night ended in celebration of the new connections and relationships we had formed with one another while enjoying a delicious meal at the Rio Grande, a popular Mexican restaurant in Boulder.
Day Three
On the last day of the long weekend, the cohort gathered at Centennial Trailhead for a midday hike to round out the retreat in true outdoor rec fashion. Exploring the red rock formations, we reflected on the weekend’s festivities while enjoying the company of one another before setting off on our journeys home. Gratitude flowed from all in attendance for the planning and preparation done by staff to make the retreat weekend possible, with many students asking “When will we see each other again?”
Thank you to the staff who dedicated their time, energy, and attendance to make the retreat weekend a success - Mark Gasta, Pilar Devolx, Carly McNiece, Natalie Ooi, Chris Sword, Gregor MacGregor, Clif Harald, and all others working in the background to support the program and its student's success.