What is the AORE Campus Community Challenge?
The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education Campus Challenge is a playoff-bracket-style competition in which 98 universities compete to see who can get the most people outside. We are reaching for the ultimate goal this year… to become #1 in the nation! The school with the most logged outdoor activities on the AORE Campus Challenge app wins the title of National Outdoor Champion. Other titles include Outsider of the Year, Regional Winners, Recognition Awards. The best part is that participants can also win individual awards, free prizes and gear! Anyone, anywhere, can log points for us and compete for prizes, as long as they self-identify as part of the UMaine Community.
Why are we encouraging people to spend time outdoors?
The average person spends 8 hours a day in front of a screen and only minutes outdoors, but by participating in the outdoor campus challenge and encouraging your peers to do the same, you can be part of the solution. So spread your love for the outdoors and get involved in all the unique events we will be hosting!
What are the key dates, and how do I participate?
After September 3, 2019, you can download the AORE Campus Challenge app to your smartphone. Then, from September 16 to October 13 you can log outdoor activities. An outdoor activity is any nature-based activity where you are intentionally engaging with the outdoors for at least 30 minutes.
Step 1: Download the AORE Campus Challenge App after September 3
Step 2: Register your account under the University of Maine
Step 3: Get outside — check our Events list for ideas!
Step 4: Log activities by taking and uploading a photo of yourself – you must be in the photo in order to receive points! (You don’t have to include your face.)
Official AORE Campus Community Challenge Events
Monday, September 16 @ 12:00 Noon – 5:00 PM
-Kickoff Day Events
- Outdoor Campus Community Challenge kickoff event
- Zip Line and Giant Swint Fundraiser – Climbing Club
- Portable Climbing Tower
Saturday, September 21 @ 12:00 Noon – 4:00 PM
Paddle Fest on the Stillwater River. Free rentals!
Wednesday, September 25 @ 3:00 p.m.
The Clifton Climbers Alliance in partnership with Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School will be hosting a community climbing day at Eagles Bluff to support the Outdoor Campus Community Challenge!
Friday, September 27 @ 8:00 p.m.
Head Lamp 5k – behind the Rec Center. BYO Head Lamp!
Friday, October 4 @ 3:00 p.m. on the Mall
Outdoor Yoga 3:00 – 4:00 PM (EVENT HAS BEEN CHANGED)
Tuesday, October 8 @ 5:00 p.m. DPC 100
Speaker: Abby Rowe
Abby Rowe is an Outdoor Educator with 25 years of experience in the field! Abby also identifies within the LGBTQ community and will speak to how to make outdoor program more incluse as well as how to develop a culture of outdoor recreation within the LGBTQ community.
We can’t wait to see all the awesome, creative ways the Black Bear Community gets outside!
Download The App Here!
