The University of Central Florida has been chosen to compete against nine other schools in the Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge to get more students active and outdoors.
The eight-week campus competition, sponsored by North Face, begins this Saturday, Sept. 27 and runs through Nov. 22. The school that gets the most people outdoors will take home the national outdoor championship title.
“If we win, we will get a school wide outdoor festival,” said Allison Hughes, graduate assistant of Recreational Wellness Center’s Outdoor Adventure program. “Like the Victoria Secret contest, we will get a big party on campus.”
Faculty, students, alumni and community members are allowed to enter but must create an account and join their school’s team. One person from each school will be named the most outdoorsy individual and receive North Face equipment gear and a Colorado internship with Outdoor Nation.
Over 30 schools applied to compete in this challenge. Ten schools have been chosen to compete — Appalachian State University; California State University, Long Beach; The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University; George Mason University; Michigan Technological University; Spelman College; The University of Central Florida; The University of Iowa and The University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“I think UCF competing is great. It’s a big chance for school spirit. People always come out for tailgating and that’s super fun,” said Jacques Werleigh, garden manager and leadership liaison at the UCF Arboretum. “I think it’d be a shame if the second largest university in the nation, tree campus USA, didn’t win something like this.”
So far, the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University have 400 people signed up. Ninety individuals have signed up with UCF.
Outdoor Nation is partnering with Outdoor Adventure to get students active and outdoors. The first event, Paddle Fest, takes place this Saturday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake Claire. Free food, prizes, games and paddle board lessons will be provided.
The second event, Mile High Climb, will be held from Oct. 6 to Nov. 20 at the Rock Tower in the RWC. Individuals who climb are eligible to receive prizes like hammocks or travel mugs. Other RWC events are to be announced. Outdoor Adventure will also get new gear, which means they can potentially offer new trips to students.
“I put in this grant because the community we have here can win,” Hughes said.
Visit oncampuschallenge.org to enter your school for the Outdoor Nation Campus Challenge.
