Switchback at TRE sharpens focus on outdoor industry growth with robust retail education roster and deep confirmed brand list

PORTLAND, MAINE (September 15, 2026) –   Switchback, the education and business gathering for the outdoor industry, this week announced the initial list of confirmed education sessions at The Running Event (TRE). 

Led by a broad range of retailer-focused topics from A.I.-informed marketing to cutting-edge merchandising tactics, and supported by a strong roster of industry voices – including both official event partner Outdoor Industry Association as well as The Conservation Alliance – Switchback at TRE is delivering tangible events with real value for outdoor industry businesses seeking growth. 

By building its forward-looking outdoor educational slate on top of the historically successful foundation of the running industry’s largest and most energetic gathering, Switchback at TRE has taken another positive step forward in refining – not just reimagining – its role as the national gathering for the outdoor industry. 

“For brands and retailers looking for growth more than guessing, Switchback at TRE is the right place to be. It stands on a solid and proven event foundation, it has an unmatched combination of legacy brands and retail-ready new faces, and it has been crafted from the ground up to be an opportunity factory for all attendees,” said Sean Smith, Switchback event director. 

Switchback at TRE will be held December 1-3, 2026, in San Antonio, TX, at the Henry B. González Convention Center.  The gathering will open with a dedicated retail education day (Dec. 1), followed by two days of retailer and brand meetings with educational sessions continuing on the main exhibition floor.   

A selection of confirmed exhibitors in the Switchback section of the event floor include Berghaus, Chaco, Cotopaxi, Crocs, Danner, Free Fly Apparel, Gossamer Gear, Huckberry, KEEN, Klean Kanteen, LOWA Boots, Mammut, Patagonia, Scott Sports, SKIDA, Smartwool, Sunkski, TEVA, The North Face and Toad & Co.  A selection of outdoor brands on the main TRE floor include Arc’teryx, Birkenstock, Brooks, Buff, CamelBak, Darn Tough Vermont, Garmin, Goodr, GU Energy Labs, Hydrapak, Hoka, La Sportiva, LEKI USA, Lems, Merrell, MiiR, On, Petzl, prAna, Salomon, Saucony, Sea to Summit, Superfeet, Suunto, Tifosi Optics, and Vuori. 

Confirmed presenters in the TRE Education program include representatives from Outdoor Industry Association, The Conservation Alliance (TCA), The North Face, KEEN, Circana, The Rut Mountain Run, Max Retail, Blaze Partners, Karnan Associates, Strava, and others. A selection of scheduled sessions include: 

  • KPI Kitchen: A Recipe for KPIs That Actually Matter, presented by Karnan Associates on Day One; Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 AM. 
  • Beyond Margin: A Discovery Workshop on Smarter Retailer Profitability, presented by Max Retail on Day One; Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 AM. 
  • If AI Can’t See You, Runners Won’t Either: A Guide to AI Visibility for Retailers, Brands & Events, presented by Blaze Partners on Day One; Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 9:30 AM. 
  • The Mobile Retail Blueprint: Taking Your Store on the Road, presented by Sidewalk Athletics on Day One; Tuesday, Dec. 1 at 2:30 PM. 
  • A New Era in Marketing – How Brands and Retailers Can Leverage Media Partnerships, presented by Flo Sports on Day Two; Wednesday, Dec 2 at 9 AM. 
  • Trail Access + the Power of Community to Protect it, presented by Patagonia, RDIC, and TCA on Day Two; Wednesday, Dec 2 at 1 PM. 
  • The Trail Ahead: Consumer & Industry Trends Shaping Trail Running, presented by UltraSignup on Day Three; Thursday, Dec. 3 at 11 AM. 

 For updates on education at Switchback at TRE and The Running Event, visit  TRE Education Program | Switchback. 

To register for TRE and Switchback at TRE, visit www.therunningevent.com/register. 

ABOUT SWITCHBACK 

Switchback is the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry owned and operated by Diversified, a leading international media company with a portfolio of face-to-face exhibitions and conferences, online communities, and digital and print publications. Scheduled at optimal times for discovery and buying conversations, Switchback is held each fall in conjunction with The Running Event and each spring as a standalone event. Blending an accessible format with a schedule of education, peer connection opportunities, and business meetings, Switchback is a dedicated gathering place for all sectors of the outdoor industry community. Upcoming dates for the event include Switchback at TRE (Dec. 2-4, 2025; San Antonio, TX) and Switchback Spring (June 16-18; New Orleans, LA). To learn more about Switchback, please contact Michael Collin (michael@palemorning.com) or visit www.switchbackevent.com. 

About Outdoor Industry Association 

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting — and growing access to — the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org. 

rePurpose Global Becomes an Approved 1% for the Planet Impact Partner

New York, NY, September 15, 2026 — rePurpose Global announced today its official approval as an Impact Partner within the 1% for the Planet network. The partnership brings together 1% for the Planet’s global giving network and rePurpose Global’s network of verified plastic recovery projects strengthening waste systems worldwide.

As an approved Impact Partner in the network, rePurpose Global has completed 1% for the Planet’s robust vetting process and is now eligible to receive contributions from 1% for the Planet Members—companies that are held accountable for directing at least 1% of annual revenue to vetted and approved environmental organizations. This gives businesses a simple way to fund verified plastic recovery and take meaningful action on plastic waste while meeting their 1% commitments.

To date, rePurpose Global has enabled the recovery of more than 110 million pounds of plastic waste across India, Indonesia, Colombia, Cameroon, Kenya, and beyond. The impact extends far beyond the tonnage recovered: funding this work supports dignified incomes for waste workers, strengthens community waste management systems, and helps protect coastlines and ecosystems from plastic pollution.

Businesses that direct their environmental giving to rePurpose Global’s projects receive clear visibility into where their contributions go and the specific impact they help create, backed by transparent, traceable reporting. This gives businesses verified impact data to support credible plastic recovery claims and ESG reporting, while also bringing the impact behind the numbers to life through stories of the people, communities, and ecosystems their contributions support.

“We have long admired how 1% for the Planet mobilizes businesses around a model that is simple by design yet profound in its impact. We’re incredibly proud to join this global community and excited to reach more businesses committed to environmental action. For rePurpose, that means helping more resources reach the people doing the hard work of tackling plastic pollution every day — recovering waste, building stronger local systems, and creating dignified livelihoods in communities around the world.”

— Manika Doshi, CEO, rePurpose Global

“1% for the Planet is rooted in the belief that every business, everywhere, has a responsibility to invest in solutions so our planet and future generations thrive. Our core work is to grow corporate support for the organizations delivering these critical environmental solutions so they can create even greater impact. We welcome rePurpose Global into our global network of members and impact partners working together to create a thriving future.”

— Kate Williams, CEO, 1% for the Planet

Together, rePurpose Global and 1% for the Planet are connecting more businesses with meaningful environmental action and more resources with the people and communities delivering it on the ground.

Businesses interested in supporting verified plastic recovery through rePurpose Global can learn more at repurpose.global or book a call.

Media contact

For rePurpose media inquiries, reach out to hello@repurpose.global.

For 1% for the Planet media inquiries, contact media@onepercentfortheplanet.org.

Outdoor Alliance heads to D.C. this week to advocate for public lands and waters

Washington, D.C. (September 14, 2026) — Days before a comment deadline that will affect 45 million acres of National Forest land and the recreation experiences on them, Outdoor Alliance and more than 60 outdoor recreation leaders representing 18 states are on Capitol Hill this week meeting with members of Congress. They will urge Congress to focus on conservation priorities such as protecting public lands and investing in the agencies that manage them as major decisions over the future of America’s national forests and other public lands come to a head.

The delegation includes representatives from national and regional recreation organizations, outdoor businesses, and conservation groups, including Patagonia, American Whitewater, Winter Wildlands Alliance, The Mountaineers, Runners for Public Lands, Washington Trails Association, Colorado Mountain Club, Bikepacking Roots, and others.

Organized by Outdoor Alliance, the annual fly-in brings together outdoor industry leaders, nonprofit organizations, and recreation advocates for meetings with lawmakers and federal agencies. This year’s meetings come just days before the close of a public comment period on the proposed rescission of the Roadless Rule.

Last summer, lawmakers rejected proposals to sell off millions of acres of public lands after an unprecedented outpouring of public opposition. But the pressure on public lands has continued. Over the past year, the administration has moved to roll back the Roadless Rule and other conservation policies, reconsider how motorized use is managed across national forests, and reduce staffing and capacity at federal land management agencies.

Congress has an opportunity to chart a different course. Fly-in participants will ask lawmakers to protect America’s backcountry forests, reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund, oppose future public-land sales, and ensure federal land management agencies have the staffing and resources needed to steward public lands and recreation.

“Public lands and outdoor recreation are bipartisan American values that have long united people across political lines,” said Adam Cramer, CEO of the Outdoor Alliance. “Last summer, Americans sent a clear message that they want public lands to stay in public hands. Keeping them healthy and accessible also requires smart conservation policy, sustained investment, and strong, well-resourced land management agencies. This week, more than 60 outdoor leaders are bringing that message directly to Congress.”

The following issues will be top priorities with lawmakers this week:

  • Keep Public Lands Public: Fly-in participants will urge lawmakers to oppose proposals that sell or transfer public lands or prioritize private interests over public benefit. Outdoor Alliance’s recent Public Lands at Risk report highlights more than 20 recreation landscapes on Forest Service and BLM lands facing current threats.
  • Protect the Roadless Rule: The administration is moving to rescind protections for 45 million acres of national forests, including more than 25,000 miles of trails and more than 10,000 miles of mountain biking. Fly-in participants will urge lawmakers to defend the Roadless Rule and the backcountry recreation, clean water, wildlife habitat, and communities it supports.
  • Reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund: With the fund expired and land management agencies facing a roughly $41 billion maintenance backlog, fly-in participants will urge Congress to renew investment in trails, campgrounds, roads, bridges, visitor facilities, and other recreation infrastructure.
  • Travel Management: The Forest Service is considering changes that would move toward an “open unless designated closed” approach to motorized use on national forests. Fly-in participants will raise concerns about impacts to human-powered recreation, natural and cultural resources, and the additional decision-making burden this could place on already understaffed local Forest Service offices.

Fly-in participants representing outdoor recreation organizations, businesses, and communities across the country are available for interviews about the national and local impacts of these public-land policy decisions.

To learn more, please visit www.outdooralliance.org.

About Outdoor Alliance

Outdoor Alliance is a nonprofit coalition of organizations that includes American Whitewater, American Canoe Association, Access Fund, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Winter Wildlands Alliance, The Mountaineers, American Alpine Club, Runners for Public Lands, Colorado Mountain Club, and Surfrider Foundation. For more than ten years, Outdoor Alliance has united the human-powered outdoor recreation community to achieve lasting conservation victories. Our work has helped to permanently protect 40 million acres of public land, secure $5.1 billion in funding for the outdoors, and convert more than 100,000 outdoor enthusiasts into outdoor advocates. For more information, visit www.outdooralliance.org

Peter Rauch Named President of Mountain Hardwear

PORTLAND, Ore — September 11, 2026 — Columbia Sportswear Company (Nasdaq: COLM), a leading innovator in active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, today announced that Peter Rauch will be the new President of the Mountain Hardwear brand.  Mountain Hardwear’s mission is to encourage and equip people to seek wilder paths. With over 30 years of wild wisdom, Mountain Hardwear continues to offer premium technical apparel, accessories and equipment products for climbers, mountaineers, skiers, snowboarders, and trail athletes. Troy Sicotte will transition to a new role as Global Vice President, Sales for Mountain Hardwear.

Mr. Rauch transitions from his current role as General Manager of Columbia Brand North America and brings nearly 20 years of experience across the Columbia family of brands, deep industry expertise, and a genuine passion for the outdoors.

“Throughout his career, Peter has built strong cross-functional partnerships, developed high-performing teams, and delivered meaningful business results,” said Peter Bragdon, President, Columbia Sportswear Company. “His deep understanding of our business, combined with his commitment to the outdoor industry and consumers we serve, positions him well to lead Mountain Hardwear into its next chapter.”

Since joining Mountain Hardwear almost eight years ago and serving as President for nearly five years, Mr. Sicotte has played a pivotal role in strengthening the brand and building a strong foundation for future success. In Mr. Sicotte’s new role, he will focus on strengthening marketplace relationships.

“We are grateful for Troy’s contributions and are excited about the leadership he will continue to bring to the brand,” said Craig Zanon, EVP, Europe Direct, Asia Direct and Emerging Brands. “His deep industry expertise, strong retailer partnerships and global perspective position him well to help drive the Mountain Hardwear brand’s next phase of growth and success.”

“As I transition into this new role, I am excited about Mountain Hardwear’s future and the opportunities ahead. I look forward to strengthening relationships with our marketplace partners globally and helping drive the brand’s continued growth,” said Troy Sicotte. Mr. Rauch and Mr. Sicotte will begin their new positions on September 28.

About Mountain Hardwear

Mountain Hardwear, Inc., was founded in 1993 and is based in Richmond, CA. We exist to encourage and equip people to seek a wilder path in life. For over 30 years, we’ve built essential equipment for climbers, mountaineers, and outdoor athletes and have supported expeditions on the world’s highest peaks. Relentless precision continues to inspire everything we do — our designers sweat every stitch and detail to continuously improve function, durability, and comfort.

Mountain Hardwear is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia Sportswear Company, which distributes its products through specialty outdoor retailers in the United States and worldwide. www.mountainhardwear.com

UDisc Uncorks List of 10 Best Disc Golf Courses at Wineries

MINNEAPOLIS — September 10, 2026 — UDisc, the leading disc golf course directory and smartphone app, is revealing its tasting notes for the 10 Best Disc Golf Courses at Wineries for 2026. This year’s vintage includes scenic properties in eight U.S. states and one Canadian province, proving that disc golf and wine make for a perfect pairing.

“There’s nothing quite like a day at a vineyard, and adding disc golf makes that experience even more memorable,” UDisc Co-Founder and CEO Josh Lichti said. “Whether it’s the views, the hospitality, or the varietals on offer, each venue on this list provides a unique way for visitors to also enjoy one of the fastest-growing forms of recreation in the world.”

Pennsylvania’s Aviator Vineyard & Winery tops the list with its challenging Preserve at AGA Farms.  Courses in California’s Paso Robles and New York’s Finger Lakes bring well-known wine regions to the list, while dual-purpose vineyard/breweries in Virginia and North Carolina also stand out.

That geographic spread reflects disc golf’s continued success: More than three courses were built per day in 2025, according to UDisc’s Disc Golf Growth Report, bringing the global tally to more than 17,000 places to play in over 100 countries.

Download the UDisc app to record your rounds, discover more winery courses, and experience disc golf near you.

About UDisc

UDisc is the world’s #1 disc golf app, trusted by millions of players to record rounds, discover courses, and measure their progress. UDisc’s mission is to empower the world to play more disc golf by supporting players and organizers around the globe. Now the industry standard for measuring disc golf participation, infrastructure, and reach, the company’s Disc Golf Health Index focuses on the places where new courses can be most impactful. Learn more at UDisc.com.

LOWA and Summit Scholarship Foundation Complete Matterhorn Adventure

September 10, 2026 – Salt Lake City, Utah – LOWA, a global footwear brand renowned for over 100 years of premium craftsmanship, celebrates the successful completion of the LOWA Matterhorn Adventure in partnership with the Summit Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit that provides women access to mountaineering through training, mentorship, and financial assistance.

On September 2, scholarship recipients Tiffany Diep of New Hampshire and Noemi Kreuz of Germany set out to climb the iconic Matterhorn under the guidance of world-class alpinist Ines Papert. Despite months of rigorous preparation, getting to the summit was not straightforward. Conditions on the 14,692 ft mountain proved to be challenging for weeks leading up to the attempt, and the team continuously reassessed the situation with the counsel of local mountain guides.

“In mountaineering, success is not measured solely by reaching a summit,” said Sunny Stroeer, Founder of the Summit Scholarship Foundation and LOWA Athlete. “Equally important is the ability to assess risks carefully and make the right decision for one’s own situation.”

Following a training day on the Riffelhorn and improved conditions on the Matterhorn, the team decided to make a summit attempt via Hörnli Ridge. Ultimately, Noemi Kreuz reached the summit along with mountain guide and LOWA ambassador Ramona Volken, while other members of the team decided to turn back at Solvay Hut after carefully evaluating their individual circumstances.

“This project was more than climbing a mountain,” said Summit Scholarship recipient Tiffany Diep. “Despite feeling drawn to the outdoors as a kid, it never crossed my mind that it was a place for me. Our journey is now documented, telling the story of the importance of gender equity in the outdoors. I hope that we can be those female role models I so desperately needed when I was a kid.”

Amidst a successful summit as well as individual turnaround decisions, the outcome of the 2026 LOWA Matterhorn Adventure reflects the program’s broader goal: creating opportunities for women to gain experience, confidence, and access to mountaineering through structured training, coaching, and support. The expedition was accompanied by an all-female film crew, with a documentary scheduled to premiere at the Tegernsee International Mountain Film Festival, October 14–18, 2026.

For more information about the Summit Scholarship Foundation and how to apply for future scholarships, visit summitscholarship.org. To learn more about LOWA USA and the latest brand news, visit us.lowa.com or contact Katie Richter at katie@darbycommunications.com.

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About LOWA

With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, trail running, lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.us.lowa.com.

About Tecnica Group

A global leader in outdoor footwear and ski equipment, Tecnica Group boasts a portfolio of some of the industry’s most historic brands: Tecnica (ski boots and footwear), Nordica (skis and boots), Moon Boot® (footwear), LOWA (trekking and outdoor shoes), Blizzard (skis), and Rollerblade® (inline skates). Founded in 1963 by the Zanatta brothers, the company has been highly innovative from the very beginning, pioneering the first double-injection plastic ski boot that revolutionized the industry and creating iconic design products such as the legendary Moon Boot.

Today, Tecnica Group is an international company with 10 subsidiaries, along with more than 40 distribution partners, exporting to over 80 countries worldwide. The company employs 3,722 people, around 400 of whom are based in Italy, primarily at its headquarters in Giavera del Montello (Treviso). In 2017, the Zanatta family, still at the helm of the Group, opened the company to external capital with the entry of Italmobiliare as a minority shareholder. For more information, visit www.tecnicagroup.com.

Selkirk names Doug Thielen as president and chief marketing officer

COEUR D’ALENE, IDAHO – Sept. 10, 2026 – Selkirk Sport, a leading manufacturer of pickleball paddles and equipment, today announced that Doug Thielen has been named president and chief marketing officer. Thielen has served as Selkirk’s CMO since November 2023.

As president, Thielen will oversee the company’s revenue channels, emerging brands, marketing strategy, and global growth and vision as Selkirk continues to expand into international markets. Co-founders Mike and Rob Barnes will continue to serve as co-CEOs.

“Doug has helped shape how Selkirk approaches the market, and he deeply understands our brand and our business,” Mike Barnes said. “As we enter this next phase of growth, his experience will help us align our operations, marketing and product strategy around the needs of players worldwide.”

Thielen brings more than 20 years of experience in outdoor and lifestyle brands, leading award-winning campaigns for companies such as REI, Filson, Mtn Dew and Dickies. As president and CMO, Thielen will focus on aligning the company’s sales channels and marketing strategy, supporting international growth and building the infrastructure needed to serve Selkirk’s expanding customer base.

“My priority is to help our teams grow in a way that keeps us focused, connected and accountable,” Thielen said. “Great companies grow when their people grow with them. That means developing strong leaders and processes, giving teams the tools to succeed and creating alignment around where we’re going and how we’ll get there.”

The leadership transition is part of Selkirk’s long-term strategic plan to scale its operations globally. In January 2026, the company accepted its first major investment from BlueStone Equity Partners, totaling $20 million.

Selkirk now operates two international headquarters in Estonia and Malaysia to support its international markets. In May 2026, Selkirk acquired Bread & Butter Pickleball to reach a broader base of pickleball players.

About Selkirk Sport

Selkirk Sport, a premium manufacturer of pickleball paddles and accessories, is a family-owned and operated company. Selkirk Sport is based in Hayden, Idaho, in the shadows of its namesake, the Selkirk mountain range. Founded in 2014, Selkirk Sport was born from a passion for sport and the Western outdoor leisure lifestyle that was afforded to the company’s founders, Rob and Mike Barnes, along with their father Jim. Selkirk Sport is committed to manufacturing products that deliver the highest performance with unmatched quality and service.

Media contact: Brynn Grissom, Sr. Manager of Public Relations: Brynn@Selkirk.com

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Outdoor Foundation Launches National Thrive Outside Day Campaign to Connect Thousands of Kids and Families to the Outdoors

BOULDER, Colo. (Sept. 9, 2026) — The Outdoor Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), today announced the launch of 2026 Thrive Outside Day, kicking off a month of free, community-led outdoor events and programming across the country that will reach an expected 4,000+ participants. Thrive Outside Day is officially recognized on October 10, with the full activation window running September 26-October 31. From surfing in San Diego to rock climbing in the Midwest, roller skating in DC to hiking in Atlanta, 15 Thrive Outside communities are hosting more than 25 events for kids and families.

This year’s campaign carries the tagline “Dozens of local outdoor events. One national movement. We all Thrive Outside,” reflecting an approach that pairs hyper-local programming with a single, unified moment of national recognition.

“Thrive Outside Day is about more than getting outside for a day — it’s about building a future where every young person has the opportunity to develop a lifelong connection with the outdoors,” said Lesford Duncan, Executive Director of the Outdoor Foundation. “That future starts in communities, with local leaders who understand their young people, their neighborhoods, and the places that make them unique. By investing in their leadership and connecting their work through a national movement, we can turn thousands of individual outdoor experiences into something much bigger: a generation that knows the outdoors is a place where they belong.”

The campaign responds to a real and growing challenge. According to OIA’s and OF’s 2026 Participation Trends Report, outdoor outings among youth ages 6–17 have dropped 26% since 2012, as screen time increasingly displaces time spent outside. Cost, gear access, transportation, confidence, and a sense of belonging all keep families from participating — barriers that trusted local organizations are uniquely positioned to help overcome.

The Outdoor Foundation empowers the next generation of outdoor participants by expanding access, strengthening community-led outdoor ecosystems, and helping every child and family build lasting connections outside. Multi-year, capacity-building grants help partners build and strengthen networks that deliver repeat, reinforcing outdoor experiences.​ In 2025, the foundation and its network of more than 600 partner organizations, schools, and agencies reached more than 972,000 children, youth, and families. Roughly two-thirds of those partners also engage youth in environmental conservation and stewardship.

Community Events Bring the Campaign to Life

More than 25 Thrive Outside Day events are taking place across the country this year:

In Atlanta, a network of four partner organizations is hosting a full month of events that encapsulates the variety and value of programming offered by Thrive Outside Communities. West Atlanta Watershed Alliance (WAWA) is kicking things off Sept. 26-27 with the WAWA Westside Campout, an overnight experience featuring tent setup, s’mores, guided hikes, African storytelling, and a live drum circle from the Eguma Drum & Dance Company. On Oct. 1, the network comes together for a citywide Collective Celebration of forest activity stations, macroinvertebrate sampling, tree identification, and nature crafts, in partnership with the City of Atlanta Parks & Recreation afterschool program, Metro Atlanta Boys and Girls Clubs, and Grove Park Foundation Youth. The activity comes to a close on Thrive Outside Day, Oct. 10, with WAWA’s third annual Westside Chattahoochee Paddle, an 11-mile guided kayaking journey down a culturally significant stretch of the Chattahoochee River.

In Chicago and the greater Midwest, the events open Sept. 26-27 with Midwest Rock ‘N Routes, a weekend rock climbing and camping festival built for historically marginalized communities and supported by an extensive partner network, including BIPOC Beta, Adaptive Climbing Group, Escala, Latino Outdoors, Queers on the Rocks, the Asian Climbing Collective, Climb Big Chicago, Chicago Climbs, and the American Alpine Club. Chicago Adventure Therapy then leads three more events with the Chicago Park District, Openlands, and the Forest Preserves of Cook County: a community paddling and climbing day at Beaubien Woods on Oct. 3, a paddle along the African American Heritage Water Trail on Oct. 11, and a community climbing and paddling day at Steelworkers Park on Oct. 17.

In Pittsburg, a series of community-centered outdoor experiences are designed to connect young people and families with adventure close to home. Activities include the Wild Path Outdoor Festival, a two-day celebration October 3–4 at Boyce Park and Action Park featuring climbing, running, BMX, skateboarding, and other hands-on outdoor activities for all ages and skill levels. Thrive Outside Pittsburgh is also partnering with Pittsburgh Public Schools to host Thrive Outside Field Days, creating opportunities for students to experience outdoor recreation, build confidence, and discover new ways to get active outside. Together, these events showcase the power of schools, community organizations, and outdoor partners working collectively to make outdoor experiences more accessible and welcoming for Pittsburgh youth and families.

In San Diego, youth storytelling will be center stage, giving young people meaningful opportunities to learn, explore, and connect outdoors. On October 10, Framing the Outdoors, presented by San Diego Foundation in partnership with the San Diego County Office of Education and Media Arts Center San Diego, will showcase short documentaries created by youth fellows who spent the summer filming with outdoor nonprofits across the region, featuring film premieres, filmmaker Q&As, and awards celebrating their work. In addition, Thrive Outside program partners Outdoor Outreach, California State Parks, The Preuss School UC San Diego, and Nature Collective will bring approximately 240 7th and 8th grade students to San Elijo Lagoon and Cardiff Seaside State Beach for two days of beach exploration, surfing, ocean play, and educational hikes, building connection to nature, confidence, and a sense of belonging outdoors.

In Washington, D.C., Friends of Anacostia Park is hosting a large-scale celebration on Oct. 24 that brings together free roller skating lessons, nature-based arts and crafts, boat rides and fishing on the Anacostia River, and a live Go-Go band with additional cultural programming, alongside community health, wellness, and environmental education stations. The event is a partnership with the Anacostia Park and Community Collaborative, the Anacostia Watershed Society, the National Park Service, and more than a dozen other community organizations.

These are just five of the 15 communities hosting Thrive Outside Day programming this fall, with others including a stargazing celebration in Boulder-Denver to a group paddle down the Penobscot River with the Penobscot Nation in Maine. A more comprehensive list of community events is available at www.outdoorfoundation.org.

“Every young person deserves the opportunity to see the outdoors as a place where they belong — a place to explore, learn, create, and discover what they’re capable of,” said Heather Rossetti, Assistant Director of Environmental Initiatives at the San Diego Foundation, and lead for Thrive Outside San Diego. “That’s what makes Thrive Outside Day so powerful. Across San Diego, our partners are creating experiences that range from a student’s first time playing in the ocean to young filmmakers telling their own stories about what the outdoors means to them. Together, these moments show what’s possible when a community comes together around young people — and we’re proud to join the Outdoor Foundation and communities across the country in making those opportunities possible for more youth.”

“We witness a lot of magic when people experience the outdoors in restorative ways,” said Akiima Price, Founder of Friends of Anacostia Park & Lead Practitioner of Restorative Park Engagement. “At Anacostia Park, that might be a first boat ride, skating, fishing, music, or simply having a positive place to be. It’s a big deal for stressed communities to have access to safe spaces, especially natural, open spaces where they can sit, laugh, and spend time with people who care about them. Those moments of joy, culture, connection, and ease matter. They support well-being in ways that feel natural and familiar. Thrive Outside Day is another chance for people to come outdoors, feel welcome, connect, and be part of something. We’re grateful to the Outdoor Foundation for helping lift up this work.”

Community members can find a local Thrive Outside Day event, volunteer with a partner organization, or support the Outdoor Foundation directly at www.outdoorfoundation.org. Families and supporters are encouraged to share their own Thrive Outside story using #ThriveOutside and #ThriveOutsideDay, and to follow @OutdoorFoundation on Instagram and Facebook.

About the Outdoor Foundation

The Outdoor Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association, with a mission to empower the next generation of outdoor participants by expanding access, strengthening communities, and mobilizing a community-driven outdoor ecosystem. Through multi-year, capacity-building investments and partnerships, the Foundation supports locally led efforts that connect more children, youth, and families to the outdoors and build lasting pathways for participation, belonging, and stewardship. Learn more at outdoorfoundation.org.

About Outdoor Industry Association

Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a catalyst for meaningful change. A member-based collective, OIA is a passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth while protecting — and growing access to — the benefits of the outdoors for everyone. For more than 30 years, OIA has catalyzed a thriving outdoor industry by supporting the success of every member company across four critically aligned areas: market research, sustainability, government affairs, and inclusive participation. OIA delivers success for its members through education, events, and business services in the form of solutions and strategies, consultation, collaboration, and opportunities for collective action. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.