UMaine community to compete in national outdoor challenge
University of Maine and town of Orono community members are encouraged to participate in an annual contest to become the “most outdoorsy” campus community in the country.
The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) Campus Challenge allows more than 100 communities nationwide to go head-to-head in the most outdoor activities completed from Sept. 16 through Oct. 13.
Each school gains points when students, faculty, staff, alumni and local community members get active outside. The school with the most points will be named the National Outdoor Champion.
During the monthlong competition, Maine Bound Adventure Center will offer several free events, including a kickoff Sept. 16, Paddle Fest on the Stillwater River Sept. 21, a headlamp 5K trail run Sept. 27, a petting zoo and goat yoga Oct. 4, and an Oct. 8 presentation by Abby Rowe, who will share insights from 25 years as an outdoor education professional who identifies within the LGBTQ community.
Maine Bound is hosting the events with several UMaine groups, as well as sponsors, including Hydro Flask, Alpenglow Adventure Sports, and Clifton Climbers Alliance.
To participate in the challenge, download the AORE Campus Challenge App and start logging outdoor activities daily during the challenge month. More information on events and participation is online.