SM News and Events

Sport Management Students Discover Alternative Recreation Opportunities
2006 Spring Term

Freshman students in the SMT 220 Recreation, Wellness and Society classes this term got exposed to a variety of non-traditional recreation pursuits and small business endeavors. Professors Mike Kelly and Steve Carney coordinated excursions to the Philadelphia Go Vertical indoor rock gym, the largest indoor climbing facility on the east coast, and the Bucks County River Country.

While at Go Vertical students heard from manager, Kathleen Walker, about the rewards of operating a niche adventure business. The students learned about building a membership community, peripheral service offerings such as instructional clinics, birthday parties and gear merchandise while also learning of the challenges of operating a perceived “risky” business. At the conclusion of the discussion students demonstrated their climbing prowess on the walls of Go Vertical. Several students commented on what a thrill the event was and eye opening in terms of the types of activities available to them outside of the university setting.

Later in the term, classes ventured to Bucks County River Country for an overview on operating an outdoor recreation business. The students learned of the complexity of operating a short, but high volume outdoor recreation activity. Noteworthy discussion points included budgeting, marketing and advertising, safety, insurance and liability and the challenges the weather can provide in managing an office location and fleet of kayaks, canoes and rafts near a flood line. Once again, the students not only listened, but demonstrated their recreational might by paddling and rowing down the river. Some students discovered their teamwork and communication skills while other students discovered how cold the river can be in the middle of May.