USU Competes to Be Named National Outdoor Champion

Hiking. Kayaking. Backpacking. Bicycling. Even bird-watching. These are just a few of the activities students and faculty at Utah State University will be participating in from September 18 through October 15 as they compete to win the 4th annual Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge. Participants may include students, faculty, as well as community members not currently associated with the Utah State.

Hosted by the Outdoor Foundation, a nonprofit committed to reconnecting millennials with the outdoors and sponsored by REI, The North Face, Hydro Flask and ENO, the Campus Challenge aims to get students from more than 90 universities off the couch and into the wilderness. To participate, individuals simply download the Campus Challenge app, join their university’s team and log their outdoor activities during the challenge to score points. Prizes for winners include national titles, free outdoor gear and most importantly, bragging rights.

This is Utah State’s first year competing in the Campus Challenge. With a team led by students and faculty, students have their eyes on the top prize: the title of National Outdoor Champion.

In addition to the National Outdoor Champion award, there are more than 30 other individual and regional awards up for grabs. The top winners will receive gear compliments of REI and The North Face. Each sponsor will also host a weekly challenge, giving students even more opportunities to score free gear.

The Outdoor Foundation is a not-for- profit organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor enthusiasts. Through groundbreaking research, action-oriented outreach and education programs, the foundation works with partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great outdoors. In 2010, the foundation launched Outdoor Nation, a pioneering initiative that aims to empower young leaders to champion the outdoors on campuses and in communities across the United States.

To learn more about the Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge, visit oncampuschallenge.org 

Chase Anderson, chase.anderson@usu.edu, 385-350-5503