Outdor University Continues Momentum in Northeast

Attendees put trail shoes to the ultimate mud test at the first Northeastern Outdoor University held May 9-11 in Becket, MA. Despite the cold and wet weather, the retail education program secured a foothold in the Northeast/ Mid Atlantic with this successful event.

Held at Camp Becket near Becket, MA., the Northeastern Outdoor University drew over 74 retail attendees from 45 stores and ten states, including Michigan (yes, Michigan). Sales reps from 55 companies offered 400 hours of instruction on everything from Nordic trekking poles to tents. Combined with its two upcoming sister events later this month, the three Outdoor University events aspire to reach and influence over 400 specialty retailers representing over 150 stores and 25 states.

“This first hand knowledge is invaluable and helps me answer my customers' questions,” remarked Caesar Gomez, Department Sales Manager from Gander Mountain in Middletown, NY. The unique Outdoor University curriculum gave Northeastern retailers the opportunity to expose their employees to hands-on, experiential training.

After improving their retail skills by day the participants enjoyed evening entertainment including an Adventure Race program by Golite/Timberland athlete Chris Boyd and an inspiring show entitled “Big Walls to Breadfruit” by North Face athlete, Kevin Thaw. The troops kept lively conversation – and kept out the cold – with a campfire during the waning daylight hours.

The Northeastern event was the first to integrate a Timberland Service Project, held on the last day of Outdoor University. With the wet conditions it was a small crew for the trail project, but they demonstrated hard work and real progress. Timberland's Colin True helped coordinate the project and reported success. “The small crew accomplished quite a bit in the short time they were there. They spread wood chips over some worn out pieces of trail and installed a bridge over a perpetually wet area of a trail that circumnavigates the lake. The Camp Becket camp director was very pleased with the effort that was put forth.”