Kampgrounds of America Inc. (KOA) is setting the stage for a summer of outdoor exploration and education by partnering with the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Club to launch the inaugural Get Out There event.
Scheduled today, June 21, at the Billings KOA Holiday, the event is an extension of the successful KOA Get Out There grant program, an initiative dedicated to offering financial aid to individuals, groups, and families dreaming of their ideal outdoor adventure.
The 2023 North American Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, issued by KOA revealed that Gen Z represents the largest segment among new campers.
It was found that those introduced to camping at an early age were keen to maintain this connection to the outdoors as they matured. In response to this trend, the Get Out There event was conceived with an eye on imparting essential outdoor skills to Yellowstone Boys and Girls Club members in fourth through sixth grade at the world’s first KOA campground.
Toby O’Rourke, CEO and President at Kampgrounds of America, Inc., emphasized the importance of such events for fostering a love for the outdoors, stating, “Despite living in Billings, many families still don’t have the resources to expose their children to the outdoors’ benefits. Our research shows camping is a great way to blow off steam, relax and build familial connections, especially among Gen Z and younger campers,”
The event, set to run in two three-hour sessions, features engaging activities. Participants will be educated on essential outdoor skills such as interpreting a compass and map, the nuances of tent pitching, and the importance of fire safety, which will be paired with the fun of making s’mores. Creative pursuits are also on the agenda with rock painting and tie-dye activities, along with a scavenger hunt to encourage exploration.
Each participant will receive a KOA-branded Get Out There Adventure Bag, packed with practical outdoor items and a Summer Activity Passport. The passport is designed to inspire continued exploration of the outdoors around Billings and in their backyards, further extending the spirit of the event.
Brian Dennis, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County, expressed his gratitude for the support of KOA and other community partners. Companies such as Anker, the United States Forest Service, REI, Scheel’s, Coleman, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Cabela’s are sponsoring activities during the Get Out There event and throughout the summer, marking their commitment to outdoor education and community involvement.
In the spirit of extending this initiative beyond the inaugural event, KOA plans to host a series of Get Out There events across the U.S. throughout the summer. These events aim to continue promoting the benefits of outdoor activities while cultivating the next generation of camping enthusiasts.