Outdoor Recreation Economy at CU Boulder

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Outdoor Recreation Economy at CU Boulder

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Outdoor Recreation Economy at CU Boulder, College & University, 4001 Discovery Drive, Boulder, CO.

The Outdoor Recreation Economy (ORE) program at CU Boulder offers fully online and flexible master's degrees, graduate certificates, and professional development courses for the next generation of outdoor industry leaders.

09/18/2026

New KOA data shows camping is up 24% nationwide since 2019 — but campers are going less often, with most now camping just once a year instead of several times.

Still, the impact is clear: 60% say camping helps families connect, 80% feel more present with their kids, and nearly 80% report a positive mental health impact from time outdoors.

As KOA CEO Toby O'Rourke notes, campers are seeking wellness through unstructured time in nature and meaningful connection.

Read the full 2026 Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report: https://lnkd.in/gc3cf2YQ

09/16/2026

Meet Incoming Student: Adam Karcz!

Based in Atlanta, GA, Adam brings 26+ years of storytelling experience, from 14 years as a Video Producer and Editor at CNN to his current role as Sr. Video Producer and Director for Institute Communications at Georgia Tech.

Two years ago, Adam documented a program called Tech Treks, and it changed the direction of his career. His goal in the ORE program is to work with a university outdoor recreation program, helping create and support experiences like it for others.

Outside of work, Adam is an ultrarunner who prefers trails over pavement, currently training for a 50k called "Pumpkin Butt" (yes, it involves carrying a pumpkin up a mountain). He's also hoping to pick up kayaking or crew during his time in the program.

Welcome, Adam — we're excited to have you! 🏔️

09/12/2026

🎉 Fun Fact Friday!

Last week we shared how 83% of Americans would spend more time outside if a healthcare provider recommended it. This week, the conversation zooms out even further: parks and recreation systems are increasingly being recognized as public health infrastructure.

That's a key theme from the National Recreation and Park Association's September 2026 issue, covering the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's National Executive Forum. As ORR President Jessica (Wahl) Turner put it: "The research is clear, the momentum is real, and the partners are in the room. What comes next is alignment — across health systems, insurers, schools, employers and land managers."

From individual behavior to systems-level change — the outdoor + health movement keeps building momentum. 🌲

Read the full piece: https://parksandrecmag.mydigitalpublication.com/september-2026/page-54

09/09/2026

We're excited to be exhibiting at the Veterans Outdoor Recreation Summit (VORS) in Park City, October 1-3! 🏔️

Join us for a virtual Q&A session with during the summit, and connect with us while you're there. Learn more and check out the full agenda here: https://www.trailheadstrategiesgroup.com/vors-summit-agenda

Use code CUBO26 for an exclusive discount on registration.

Proud to support this event, led by ORE alum Erick Burgos ()!

09/04/2026

Fun Fact Friday!

Did you know 83% of Americans say they'd spend more time outside if a healthcare provider recommended it — but only 20% actually have? That's one of the standout findings from REI's new American Nature and Health Survey, developed with the Nature and Health Alliance.

A few more highlights:
→ 75% go outside to improve mental health; 85% do it just to feel good
→ 79% use outdoor time to unplug from screens
→ Weather and lack of time, not access or safety, are the top barriers to getting outside
→ Time spent in nature (under 2 hrs/week) has risen 20% over the past decade

A huge opportunity for healthcare and outdoor recreation to work together. 🌲

Read the full survey here:https://natureandhealthalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/NHA-American-Survey-Final.pdf

09/03/2026

🎉 Student Highlight: Chris Griffith

ORE student, Chris, summited Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 at 14,505 feet , during a 5-day solo backpacking trip between summer session and the start of fall term. The full trip covered over 38 miles, with roughly 7,000 feet of climbing and 9,000 feet of descent.

After a failed attempt last year, Chris made it to the summit this time around, carrying a memorial patch made in honor of his late sister, a lifelong Girl Scout.
Huge congrats, Chris — an incredible personal accomplishment. 🏔️

08/31/2026

From career pivot to community impact, meet ORE alum ! 🏔️

After leaving a career in higher ed to pursue her passion for the outdoors, Carly found the ORE program's flexible, online format and built a strong community along the way — from a memorable student ski trip to Steamboat Springs to close faculty collaboration through the Building Resilient Communities certificate. That real-world project work led to a connection with the Rails to Trails Conservancy at Outside Days in Denver.

Now, as Membership Engagement Manager at the Lake Tahoe Chamber of Commerce, Carly is helping build a more resilient, connected business community, and even considering future leadership in public office.

Read her full story here! https://online.colorado.edu/2026/08/14/building-resilient-communities-tahoe

08/28/2026

🐾 Fun Fact Friday!

National Dog Day was yesterday, so it felt right to revisit this one- a quick reminder that Leave No Trace applies to your four-legged hiking buddy too! 🥾🐕

A few of the basics:
🐾 Plan ahead, check if dogs are permitted and always bring a leash 🐾 Stick to the trail, protects erosion-prone areas and nesting wildlife 🐾 Pick up the p**p, every time, no exceptions 🐾 Respect wildlife, a leash protects your dog, wildlife, and you 🐾 Respect other trail users, not everyone loves a surprise off-leash greeting!

Next time you're out together, keep these in mind- the trail (and its wildlife) will thank you!

08/27/2026

Meet Incoming Student: .vonderharr!

Emily is joining this fall with a focus on Introduction to the ORE, Sustainable Business, and a mix of electives spanning the community and environmental sides of the program. Emily currently works in Adaptive Outdoor Recreation, helping create outdoor access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. 🏔️

Based in Seattle, WA, Emily brings a love for the outdoors that goes well beyond the office. She is an avid rock climber, regularly bikepacking and gravel biking, and loves crafting outdoors from a hammock

We're thrilled to welcome Emily into the ORE community as she begins this next chapter, combining her professional passion with her love of the outdoors! 🌲⛺✨

08/21/2026

🎉 Fun Fact Friday from !

Did you know Nevada just invested $250,000 in youth outdoor recreation? Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation announced the second round of funding through the Youth Outdoor Growth and Innovation (YOGI) Grant Program — completing a $500,000 biennial investment aimed at expanding outdoor education for Nevadans 18 and under.

States investing directly in getting the next generation outside is a trend worth watching for anyone in this field. 🏜️

Address

4001 Discovery Drive
Boulder, CO
80303

Website

http://colorado.edu/program/ore/

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