The outdoor recreation industry is no longer just about fun weekends on the lake or a hike with friends—it’s an economic powerhouse. In 2023, the Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that the outdoor recreation economy generated $1.2 trillion in gross output, outpacing industries like farming, mining, and utilities. Even more impressive, it grew three times faster than the U.S. economy as a whole.

That growth translates into opportunity. The industry now supports 5 million jobs nationwide, ranging from conservation and wildlife management to outdoor retail, adventure tourism, and professional guiding. For today’s students, the outdoors isn’t just a pastime—it’s a pathway.

Outdoor Adventures: Connecting Students to Outdoor Industry Skills

That’s where Outdoor Adventures (OA) comes in. Currently reaching nearly 170,000 students across 1,700 schools in all 50 states and Canada, OA equips the next generation with skills that matter—both for life and for future careers.

Whether it’s through skills such as boating, camping, orienteering, wildlife conservation, or fishing, OA introduces students to activities that spark confidence and connect them to the booming outdoor economy. By partnering with local businesses and industry experts, OA ensures students don’t just learn skills in theory—they practice them with real equipment and professional guidance.

Local Partnerships: Building Career Bridges Through Outdoor Recreation

Take DeWitt, Arkansas for example. Local sporting goods store owner Bobby Webb of Webb’s Sporting Goods partnered with PE teacher Lindsay Beaton from DeWitt Elementary School to host a fishing derby. With Bobby’s support, every student had access to a fishing pole or gear to take home—making the experience both memorable and empowering.

This is just one example of how OA collaborates with local sporting goods stores and outdoor professionals nationwide to give students hands-on experiences that can spark career interest. These partnerships help students see the real-world applications of their skills and expose them to potential career pathways in the outdoor industry.

Why This Matters

According to the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable:

• Outdoor recreation represents 2.3% of U.S. GDP.
  
• It accounts for 3.1% of U.S. employees.
  
• It continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy.
  

By introducing students to the outdoors in a structured, skill-based way, OA is doing more than teaching lifelong hobbies—it’s preparing the workforce of tomorrow. From conservation officers to outdoor gear designers, from guides to park rangers, today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders in a trillion-dollar industry.

Building the Future of the Great Outdoors, Together

Outdoor Adventures is proud to be part of this momentum. By supporting teachers, students, and local businesses, we’re helping young people discover their potential while strengthening the industry that fuels our economy.

The outdoors is more than a place to play—it’s a place to build futures. And with programs like OA, we’re ensuring that the next generation is ready to lead the way.

Data pulled from https://recreationroundtable.org/resources/national-recreation-data/.