By Lou Dzierzak


With the goal of proactively encouraging healthier children, healthier communities and healthier businesses, the Outdoor Foundation is launching its “I Will” campaign at this Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show.


“Think about it,” says Frank Hugelmeyer, Outdoor Industry Association president and a board member of The Outdoor Foundation. “With outdoor participation trends rapidly evolving, and some activities declining sharply, that could mean there would be no consumer with whom to share our love of the outdoors, to outfit with our products, and to work with as stewards of the environment. Our beloved outdoor community will not thrive, businesses will not survive and worse, the protection of the environment will fall by the wayside. It’s a world we cannot allow to become reality.”


As part of the “I Will” effort, The Outdoor Foundation will ask each person at the Outdoor Retailer show to pledge to take two kids outside during the next year in an effort to connect youth with the outdoors and to help reverse downward participation trends in our industry. “Together, we will work to improve the mental and physical health of children in our country,” says Hugelmeyer.


According to Hugelmeyer, “The campaign is simple. By signing our pledge, the industry will take immediate action. Sign the pledge and promise to take two kids outdoors this summer. It’s that easy. Then ask your company to take the pledge, as well. By joining this effort and inviting others to participate, we can reach The Outdoor Foundation’s goal of aggregating 10,000 pledge signees at the coming Outdoor Retailer Summer Market show.”


The pledge will be highly prominent and visible throughout Outdoor Retailer Summer Market, appearing at the Open Air Demo, in hotel rooms, and throughout the Salt Palace at more than 30 exhibitors’ booths-including the OIA booth (#56000) and in the Paddlers’ Lounge (#36108).


Following the Outdoor Retailer show, The Outdoor Foundation will bring the pledge to the national stage to better position the outdoor industry as a leading and visible force for change on these critical societal issues facing youth today.