Summit Discussions

Howdy All!

I'm curious what everyone is hoping to discuss while at the summit in Denver. Personally, I'd like to talk about ways to encourage youth to utilize their state parks. It's a resources (usually a short drive away) that I think gets underestimated.

But tell me what you'd like to talk about! I want to be prepared for anything at the summit!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Maren Nilsen on May 8, 2011 at 11:05pm

I second that idea, and would add how can we ignite a strong sense of stewardship and volunteerism in state parks and in the areas closest to home.

Permalink Reply by stefanie michaelson on May 12, 2011 at 4:03pm

I know that there's more to talk about than just state parks, but I gotta vent a little. I work for state parks in Utah and we took a big budget hit from lawmakers in January. In July, visitors will have less access to parks with reduced hours and staff.

Three dear coworkers of mine are being let go, since their positions have been cut to save money. Somewhere around 24 positions have been cut total, some were vacant, some were not. This is a very real consequence to de-funding parks, and a very alarming trend. Fewer services, fewer open hours, fewer programs, fewer staff.

Makes me sad :( So let's do something to save our parks!!

Permalink Reply by Sara McLaughlin on May 31, 2011 at 7:44pm

I really want to find a way to get to kids in the classroom. Budget cuts are causing science programs to narrow and are eliminating field trips. How can we still get students excited about the outdoors?

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Banzhaf on June 9, 2011 at 9:11pm

I think it would be great to set up a grant program to schools for buses. It's SO incredibly important to get the schools outdoors!

Permalink Reply by Parker Lindsay on September 17, 2012 at 7:02pm

I volunteer for a nonprofit called Teens4Oceans. T4O installs webcamera systems in the oceans, streaming live HD footage back to the internet viewable by any web enabled device in the world. This is one way that we have been able to "connect" students with the oceans from land-locked Colorado. We will be at the Outdoor Summit this year, seek me out, Parker Lindsay if you are interested in learning more about T4O.

Permalink Reply by stefanie michaelson on June 3, 2011 at 10:05am

BTW Kim, Cute pic!

Let's talk about the role of technology in the outdoor movement!

Permalink Reply by Sara McLaughlin on June 3, 2011 at 12:00pm

Definitely! Technology is out biggest obstacle but can be our closest friend. How can we use it to our advantage and overcome the barriers it presents?

Permalink Reply by Alvin Mites on June 6, 2011 at 4:13pm

Perhaps ways to incorporate the use of technology, while maintaining independence.

First example that comes to mind is GPS - great thing to have when hiking in the back country
yet knowing how to read a compass and a time keeper will keep you on course and allow for shifts along the way if you know how to use them

Permalink Reply by Cam Stanley on June 9, 2011 at 10:25pm

Geocaching!

If you dont know what it is, it basically uses GPS technology to help you find hidden caches throughout the world.

It links together computers, GPSrs, and the outdoors!

Permalink Reply by Parker Lindsay on September 17, 2012 at 7:03pm

As I wrote above, T4O utilises webcameras to allow students to connect to their environment. Look above for more information.

Permalink Reply by Tj on June 14, 2011 at 1:16pm

I would like to hear discussion about incorporating the education of youth in some of the basics that have fallen by the wayside, plant and animal identification, map and compass navigation, constellation identification, track and scat, etc, both out of the classroom and in.

Also, ways to make time away from the smart phones and video games to get outside. Both to volunteer and to enjoy what we have while we still have it. There are so many volunteer opportunities out there that encourage conservation, education, and supporting local agriculture.

Permalink Reply by Todd Webb on June 22, 2011 at 8:42pm

I can't begin to tell you how pumped I am for the 303 Summit! I think all of these ideas are great!

What I want to maybe try and shed some light on is how simple and fun it is to enjoy the great outdoors! Kids these days think that going camping or hiking is lame...SO NOT TRUE! How do we get them to shut off their X-Boxes and open their eyes to the wonders of the outdoors?

What about family time outside? Spending time outside is a cheap and great way to spend time with our families.