Shortly after I was asked to write about creating veteran-friendly outdoor pro-gramming, I was speaking with a U.S. Army veteran and student at the University of Connecticut about his experience with outdoor recreation programs offered to him on campus. When I asked if he would participate in any programming during the school year, he simply replied, “Why would I?” That’s a great question.
We all want outdoor recreation to be inclusive. Many of us have explored how to increase the involvement of marginalized populations in our outdoor programs, or how to increase diversity through more equitable practices, staff training, and outreach. We know that inclusive programs create opportunities for all to explore and enjoy nature while enjoying the benefits of experiential programming. We also know that inclusive programs require field staff to become allies of marginalized com-munities, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome from the moment they sign up for a trip or meet at the trailhead. Inclusive programming overcomes obstacles to participation for everyone.
When asked about the benefits of an outdoor recreation program, Dr. Christine Norton, an associate professor in Texas State University’s School of Social Work, says, “Retention, social connectiveness, and engagement are well-documented ben-efits. But outdoor recreation departments on college campuses are often very siloed, meaning they don’t interact with larger student issues on campus. Outdoor recreation programs on college campuses today have an opportunity to reach out to marginalized student groups to promote equity and inclusion through outdoor, experiential programming.”
As an outings program designer and trainer with the Sierra Club Military Outdoors, I have recruited, trained, and mentored veterans from student bodies across the Northeast and Texas, and I wholeheartedly agree with Norton. Outdoor recreation appears to mirror the outdoor industry’s historical lack of inclusion, and the veteran population often is further marginalized due to unique demographics that include age and family status. I am convinced that even the smallest of outdoor recreation programs can support veterans.
Your first step is to better understand your veteran population.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs defines a veteran as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service, and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.” There are about 21 million
veterans
into your outdoor recreation program nature
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Bringing
By Aaron Leonard