Outdoor Recreation Program Directory and Data/Resource Guide

Ventura Beach House - ODR Trip (Photo credit: Presidio of Monterey: DLIFLC & USAG)

A book I keep within arm’s reach is the Outdoor Recreation Program Directory and Data/Resource Guide. Started by David Webb, M.A. and continued by Dr. Raymond Poff, this is a listing of college and university recreation programs: degree, non-degree and activity. The book also includes military programs. It is a very comprehensive look at what is happening at colleges, university, cities, government and military programs in the outdoors.

This is the staggering information. The book identifies $50 Million in Gross Income and 522,000 Participants Reported by Outdoor Recreation Programs in 280 programs. That’s participants, not user days; a pretty staggering figure.

If you need information on the how, when, why and who of military and higher education recreation programs, this is your book. The press release for the book and more information is below:

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/3/08

CONTACT:

Dr. Raymond Poff

E-mail: info@raymondpoff

Website: http://www.raymondpoff.com

VALUED MARKETING TOOL FOR OUTDOOR INDUSTRY VENDORS & ORGANIZATIONS

Dr. Raymond Poff of Western Kentucky University www.wku.edu, released (May 2007) the 4th edition of the Outdoor Recreation Program Directory & Data/Resource Guide, a marketing tool for outdoor industry vendors and organizations. Originally created and published by the late David J Webb in 1991, 1996, and 2000, this updated 361 page resource includes survey data from more than 280 outdoor recreation programs at: four-year colleges and universities; two-year colleges; government agencies – cities, counties, park commissions; U.S. Military installations, schools, operations; and nonprofit organizations. This represents a 30% percent increase in the number of outdoor programs being previously detailed (up from 220 programs in the 3rd Edition).

This publication addresses the needs of several audiences. Equipment vendors and sales reps interested in establishing business accounts with outdoor recreation programs will find the Outdoor Recreation Directory & Data/Resource Guide an essential tool. Equipment manufacturers trying to market pro-purchasing programs will benefit by connecting with the programs included in this edition. Training companies offering first aid, rescue, and activity specific training will discover organizations dedicated to high quality staff training.

Administrators of outdoor recreation programs at colleges, universities, military installations, cities, and counties can use this resource to network with their peers, benchmark their programs, and monitor trends. Employers such as camps and outfitters may find this resource helpful when searching for trained outdoor leaders to hire. Researchers interested in studying outdoor recreation programs will find the 4th edition invaluable in contacting potential research subjects.

This survey data helps communicate the size and scope of this sector of the outdoor recreation industry. Included in the resource is: an overall summary of survey data; detailed information about each outdoor program in the survey and their survey responses; financial information with 18 reports detailing various financial aspects; program activity information with 15 reports detailing trips/clinics/events; participation and climbing wall/ropes course facility information; and the top 35 trips/clinics/events ranked by participation. The “Research/Commercial” edition includes the printed book plus a data file containing mailing addresses for the institutions in the book to help companies and organizations share marketing materials for products and services. A “Vendor” edition includes the “Research/Commercial” edition plus the opportunity to be listed on the Outdoor Recreation Program Directory & Data/Resource Guide website.
For more information visit http://www.raymondpoff.com or e-mail info@raymondpoff.com