Where and How Do I Get Outdoor Recreation Equipment?

Grants, Donation, Fundraising, Deals

• The first thing to look into when exploring affordable ways to build your equipment inventory, is grants. Whether that be through your district, local or provincial government, grant money is obviously the best way to receive a large sum of money quickly to put into your outdoor education programs.
• Depending on your program, some companies or organizations may donate money to your program as long as you advertise their logo on a sign or clothing. Donations may also involve clothing drives to stock outdoor clothing or fundraise for outdoor equipment.
• Depending on organizations and school district policies, pro deals or school deals with outdoor clothing and service companies could be seen as an approach to reduce costs.

Where and do I find a large quantity of equipment for a cheaper price? (The Ultimate Question)
This can be a challenging pursuits, however, with enough dedication there are ways to find equipment for cheaper pricing.

• Look into outdoor stores. Many of these stores, after one or two seasons, are looking to get rid of inventory for a cheaper price. You may not receive 100% of what you need, but they may be able to boost your equipment status.

Places to Look

• Lethbridge/Crowsnest Pass
  • Alpenland
  • Awesome Adventures
• Calgary
  • Ski Cellar
  • Breathe Outdoors
  • MEC
• Bigger Companies
  • Sportchek, Atmosphere, and Canadian Tire

***SKI SWAPS***

• Ski swaps in Lethbridge, Calgary, Edmonton, Canmore, and even Fernie are an excellent way to bring in a large quantity of equipment for a cheaper price. This equipment has to be usable, safe, and ready to use. Age definitely plays a role but remember, an outdoor program will not be built by expecting top of the line gear for each student.
• This is a great place to grab extra clothing for winter conditions, as well as snowshoes, cross-country skis and boots, poles, and some avalanche safety gear.

Sister Schools

• Remember that there may be a neighbouring school in your community that may have this gear already. It would be wise to arrange a deal with this school to allow students to share equipment from either school depending on the activity.