The Outdoor Foundation and Aramark, which provides food and hospitality services for national and state parks, awarded five universities Outdoor Nation Activation Grants to increase outdoor recreation within their campus communities. Ultimately, the program aims to bolster the existing network of outdoor clubs and programs on college campuses across the country by getting more young people outside and active.

“Thanks to Aramark’s leadership and support, we are investing in the ideas, ingenuity and energy of college students to drive a massive increase in outdoor participation on campuses and in communities across the country,” said Chris Fanning, executive director of the Outdoor Foundation, which founded Outdoor Nation. “Through these Outdoor Nation Activation Grants, we will inspire a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts, environmental stewards and park supporters.”

“Outdoor Foundation has taken an active role in leading efforts to encourage Millennials to experience and embrace the outdoors,” said Bruce W. Fears, president of Aramark’s Leisure division. “Our partnership with Outdoor Nation is part of our commitment to providing new and creative ways for the next generation of leaders to connect with their natural surroundings and local communities.  By encouraging college students to explore National Parks and other outdoor recreation areas, we hope to inspire future outdoor participation.”
Grants of $3,000 were awarded to five schools that submitted the best proposals for engaging their campus communities in outdoor recreation.  Schools selected were:

  • Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO,
  • University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ,
  • University of California Merced in Merced, CA,
  • University of Maryland in College Park, MD, and
  • University of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT.

Requirements include an initial campus gathering to engage new audiences in the outdoor community, ongoing yearlong outdoor activation, two outdoor activities with local youth-serving organizations and a National Park outing. Additionally, each university will organize at least five outdoor outings over the course of six months.
In 2010, the Outdoor Foundation launched Outdoor Nation to engage and activate a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts, champions and leaders. Today, Outdoor Nation represents the largest and most active community of young people championing outdoor participation and recreation. Working with more than 50 colleges nationwide, Outdoor Nation is empowering students to spearhead outdoor outreach efforts on their campuses and in their communities.

Aramark’s Leisure division delivers authentic and memorable experiences at national and state parks, national forests, conference centers, specialty hotels, museums and other tourist destinations throughout the United States. In partnership with its clients, Aramark enhances the guest experience by offering industry-leading hospitality, environmental stewardship, recreational and interpretive programs.