OSI Community Update - Spring 2020

Sunrise on Mt. Abraham - Thanks to Community Coaches Network Member Ryan Reed from Kingfield, ME for sharing the pic!

Mike Smith | OSI Executive Director

Greetings Everyone,

I’m sure I’m not alone in saying how strange it feels not to be out and about with you this season. How are you right now?

Since our world changed several weeks ago, like many of you, I haven’t been outside doing the things I normally do. Outdoor sports might seem fundamentally okay in times like these, but there are good reasons not to go about our normal routine. Not to mention it’s springtime in the northeast, and a mix of mud, snow, and rain make it a challenging time to tread lightly in the outdoor spaces we love.

So instead of the usual, I’ve personally just been going for daily walks in my neighborhood and I’ve loved it. Sometimes I find myself taking several strolls a day. It’s such a novel thing just to throw shoes on your feet, take the thoughts in your head, and head out the door. I see others out walking too, at all hours of the day. A friendly wave to someone on the other side of the street and I feel like I’m not alone in what’s going on right now.

It occurs to me that’s what all the paddling, skiing, and bike riding have always been about for me. The most profound benefits to these activities are the simplest. They help us see and hear things we might otherwise miss. They help us move and find new possibilities when we’re feeling stuck. They can show us we’re not alone.

At OSI we’ve been talking about the role outdoor sports play in community since we began, and now because of COVID-19 it seems everyone has become acutely aware of the need to get outside and be with others. When this pandemic has passed, and it will pass, I choose to believe we’ll all have a greater appreciation for the fundamental role the outdoors and community play in our lives.

Through the OSI Community this is what we’re committed to exploring. This spring and summer we’ll start sharing new articles, videos, tools, and resources to support you in finding your own way forward in your community. If you’re dreaming about getting outside or scheming how to get more people in your community out on trails once they open up, check out the resources in our online library. If you’re not already part of the network, you can join HERE.

Eventually group bike rides, trips down the river, skiing adventures with friends, and picnics at the local park will all be possible again. The question is how will we best make use of those opportunities? How will you use them to strengthen and shape the place that you live? Is it possible that a bit of time playing outside each day could become the norm, not the exception? What could that look like where we all live?

It’s worth taking a walk to think about.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on how our OSI Community can best be serving you right now. We’re here for you, and your community.

Stay well,

Mike

Mike Smith

Executive Director

Outdoor Sport Institute