1:00 PM - 2:00 PM EST
Building strong, inclusive outdoor communities doesn’t have to start in the backcountry. From college campuses to local parks, there are countless opportunities to foster meaningful connections in non-traditional outdoor spaces. This session will explore innovative strategies for creating welcoming outdoor experiences that engage diverse participants, encourage long-term involvement, and strengthen social bonds.
Join Steve Sassaman (Arizona State University) and Courtney Schultz, PhD (Outgrown) as they share creative approaches to community-building, including programming ideas, partnership opportunities, and engagement tactics designed for urban and campus-based outdoor recreation. Whether you're looking to revamp your existing programs or start fresh, this session will provide inspiration and practical tools to help you cultivate connection in the outdoors—wherever that may be.
About the Presenters
Steve Sassaman
Dr. Steve Sassaman (he/they/ki) is an experiential educator and researcher whose work is centered on enhancing community interdependence through healthy engagement with nature. Steve has over 15 years of experience in outdoor education, including residential summer camp management, professional guiding, and collegiate recreation program development. Steve’s research agenda includes identifying best practices to achieve positive mental health outcomes through engagement with the more-than-human and examining how socialized gender norms influence social and environmental injustice. What drives Steve is guiding individuals to realize their unique talents, skills, and abilities while helping to reconnect humans to our sense of being a part of, rather than estranged from, nature.
Courtney Schultz, PhD
Dr. Courtney Schultz is the Executive Partner at OutGrown, a national nonprofit that for more than a decade has been dedicated to bridging the Baby Nature Gap by helping families with children aged 0–5 connect with nature. With extensive experience leading projects for local, state, and federal agencies, Dr. Schultz specializes in designing behavioral research that improves health outcomes through parks, natural landscapes, and outdoor recreation. Her work emphasizes inclusive design practices and systems thinking to enhance visitor experiences, focusing on underserved communities and ensuring that conservation and recreation support public health goals. Dr. Schultz is also the Executive Director of Health & Technology Partners, a social science research consultancy, and Adjunct Faculty for the University of Missouri. Dr. Schultz holds a Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management from NC State University, along with a BS and a MS in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of Missouri.
--
About the Series: Reaching New Heights: Reaching New Heights: Marketing, Community, and Risk Management
The outdoor industry continues to evolve, bringing new challenges and opportunities for organizations, educators, and program leaders. Reaching New Heights is a four-part webinar series designed to equip outdoor professionals with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate key aspects of outdoor programming. From building strong partnerships and fostering community connections, plus leveraging digital marketing, and managing risk, this series will provide actionable insights from industry experts.
Each session dives into a critical topic, offering expert perspectives, real-world examples, and interactive discussions to help you strengthen your outdoor initiatives. Whether you’re a program coordinator, guide, educator, or marketing professional, this series will provide valuable tools to elevate your work and create more inclusive, engaging, and safe outdoor experiences.
This series will offer free learning credits to participants in partnership with American Trails.
This webinar series is free for AORE professional members, $5 for AORE supporter members, and $20 not yet AORE members.