Choosing Outdoor Recreation Equipment
By: Dr. Dan Wegner
Kayaking down a raging river, fishing from a mountain stream, climbing a sheer rock wall, hiking in the “wilderness,” sailing a small boat across the harbor, cross-country skiing over the golf course, bicycling through the countryside--all of these outdoor activities can be enjoyable and challenging for youth and adults alike and may become valuable learning experiences as well.
On the surface, outdoor recreation and outdoor education may seem one in the same. The academic literature also uses terms like experiential education, environmental education, wilderness advocacy and adventure education. Related applications in recreation include recreation education, which includes lifetime sport and activity skills that may foster human developmental skills and social service.
For the purpose of this article, outdoor recreation is defined as an outdoor activity, usually natural resource-based done purely for the “fun of it,” while outdoor education combines the academic school curriculum with an outdoor activity venue. Although many benefits accrue to individuals through outdoor recreation (for example fitness, socialization, skill development, etc.), in outdoor education, there is a concerted effort on the part of the “instructor” to incorporate the lessons of science, math, history, art, etc. into the outdoor activity.
Many schools are realizing the advantages of outdoor education to student motivation and learning, and they are incorporating formal outdoor education programs into their schools’ curriculum. Others are incorporating outdoor recreation as part of their institutions’ extracurricular or health, physical education/kinesiology and leadership activities, although it could be argued that these are an integral part of the learning curriculum.
As a school administrator, teacher or leader, what factors should you consider when choosing to purchase equipment for outdoor recreation activities by your students? There are several factors to consider.
First, you need to decide what the goals and objectives will be of your outdoor recreation/education program.
Then, decide what activities will be the most effective and appropriate for your situation. For example: If the purpose of your outdoor recreation program is just to provide enjoyable outdoor experiences for students, you might want to take a survey of your students’ interest in different activities.
Is your school located by the beach, the mountains, near some large parks and forests, or is it located in the desert or on the prairie? Choose activities that are appropriate to your geographical region. Outdoor-dependent activities need outdoor resources. If you live by the beach in Florida, your activity choices may be different than if you live in the mountains of Colorado, or the deserts of Utah. Even if the activity is the same, your choice of equipment may be different because of your school’s geography.
Let’s say the school is located in the Rocky Mountains. Outdoor recreation activities may revolve around camping and activities suited for mountain terrain like hiking and climbing, and stream activities like fishing, and boating, as well snow-related activities like skiing and snowboarding. Winter camping gear would be in order, backpacks and climbing equipment might be purchased, and river canoes or kayaks might be obtained. Fly-fishing gear for trout might be purchased.
If the school were located on the coast of Florida, outdoor recreation activities might revolve around camping and saltwater activities like fishing, boating, water skiing, diving and snorkeling. Light summer type camping gear would be in order, a ski boat or sea kayaks might be purchased, diving and snorkeling items and salt water fishing gear would be needed. Geography, as well as the activity, will influence the type of equipment you will need.
There are some general principles you should keep in mind when purchasing outdoor recreation or outdoor education equipment for your school.
The equipment should be useful and integral to the specific activities. You do not want to purchase saltwater rods and reels to fish for mountain river trout.
The equipment should be the proper size(s) for the participants. You do not want young children lugging and setting up huge tents at the campsite.
Safety is paramount. Gear should fit well and meet recognized safety standards. Tents should have floors and be able to be secured against mosquitoes, scorpions, snakes, mice and other critters. Helmets should fit and be approved for climbing or bicycling.
Of course, equipment should be durable. Since this gear will be used by many different children over time, durability may have precedence over some other features. School equipment will most likely take a lot of abuse, even if students are oriented to its proper use. Accidents will also happen, and strong, safe, durable equipment can be a hedge against injury.
Equipment will be damaged or lost, and replacement parts or whole replacements should be easy to obtain. Buy from a reputable source that has a good reputation for service as well as quality. Students may own some of their equipment (such as book packs, which can double for day use backpacks), but their parents may be unwilling to purchase specialized equipment especially if it is used infrequently or easily outgrown. These are the things you should concentrate on purchasing and providing.
Sometimes it is good to purchase equipment students may have if it will contribute to safety and ease of administration. For example, most children have their own bicycles, but you may want to purchase one make of bicycle for all to use if bicycle touring is a major school activity. And, you want to have replacement parts readily available so your excursions will have only minor disruptions.
Of course, cost is important. You want to stay within budget at the time of purchase, but also consider the timeline for replacement, and calculate these costs as well. The quality of equipment you will purchase may affect these costs.
You need to also consider storage space and storage costs. You want equipment that is easy to store (compact, requires a minimum of space, and may not require special temperature conditions like air conditioning or heat). Of course, you want ease of purchase and replacement because these affect the cost of your time.
In summary, choose outdoor recreation activities that will meet the goals and objectives of your program. Equipment should be geographically appropriate and integral to the activity. Size, safety, durability and cost effectiveness related to purchase, service and storage should be considered. The planning has taken place, instruction has been given, and now it is time to get out and enjoy God’s beautiful creation!
Dr. Dan Wegner is a freelance writer and recreation resources consultant. He can be reached through his Web site, leisureforliving.com.
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Product Roundup
Portable Basketball Goals from Wolverine Sports
Portable basketball goals from Wolverine Sports are designed for youngsters and can be used in most play areas. They are designed for safety and durability with their heavy-steel, “no-tip” bases and 1-inch galvanized steel frames. Each goal comes with a scaled-down (official feel) basketball for smaller hands. Slip-on rubber base rim is available for indoor use.
www.wolverinesports.com
Draper Outdoor Sports Equipment
Draper, Inc. has expanded its offering of outdoor sports equipment. Draper now offers 10 different outdoor basketball backstops, including both stationary and height-adjustable units and back-to-back backstop systems. Draper stocks outdoor backstops, including a variety of rim and backboard choices, so orders can be filled immediately through a Draper dealer. In addition, Draper offers official-size high school and collegiate football goalposts, and soccer goalposts and nets for youth, club and official levels of play.
www.draperinc.com
Blacktop Kits from Schutt Sports
Ordering a gooseneck pole system for your school? Now it is simple with Schutt Sports’ new Blacktop Kits. Rather than picking out each individual component, simply choose from their eight options, give them the one item number, and they will make sure you have everything you need. Options included are their lifetime warranty Tuff Play goal, rectangular steel or fan-shaped steel and aluminum backboards, and your choice of a 3˝” or a 4˝” pole. Shown here is their Elite Play 400, which features a Tuff Play goal, a 42” x 60” rectangular steel backboard and a 4 ˝” pole.
www.schuttsports.com
KikaFlik
Specially developed by a gymnastics coach, KikaFlik is an exciting new educational/activity toy that teaches essential skills in coordination. It is a fun way for children to develop athletic skill as well as the timing, coordination, concentration and confidence that go with it. One, two or even a whole team can play. Depending on age and experience, a ball is either placed at the end of the KikaFlik or rolled down the timing channel. By carefully judging the moment, the child stamps on the end to send the ball flying. Once it is in the air, kids can catch, bat or hit the ball. All ages will enjoy catching and hitting the included soft foam balls. Older Kids can use the KikaFlik with baseballs, softballs, tennis balls, soccer balls and more.
www.kikaflik.com
