From East to West: How the Outdoor Recreation Program is Creating a Culture of Sustainability
The culture is more important than the summit-— Clemencia Caporale
The outdoors is an integral part of Wyoming’s history; from hunting and fishing to ranching and farming, this state’s cultural, economic, and political foundations have been built on our land. It is no surprise then that outdoor recreation is one of the most important sectors of our economy, and one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. For instance, Grand View Research, a research company which provides vital data to organizations like Forbes, predicts a massive compound growth rate of 15.2% in the size of the outdoor adventure tourism industry from 2022-2030. This significant growth is sure to create thousands of important job opportunities for qualified individuals and Wyoming is sure to be a key benefactor of this increased growth. The reason is clear, after all, one does not need to look far to see the astounding beauty in The Teton Range, Yellowstone National Park, Devil’s Tower, and other breathtaking points of interest. The potential for prosperity is limitless, provided the opportunity is not squandered.
Western Wyoming Community College has recognized the importance of cultivating a deep respect of both the natural landscape and the wildlife within, as well as the convenience a skilled workforce to respond to this increased demand will have on our future economy. Leading the charge to build and nurture this vital sector of our economy is Western’s own professor of Outdoor Recreation, Clemencia Caporale. Professor Caporale originally grew up on the East Coast, where her love of cross country eventually coalesced into a deep-seated passion for the outdoors. Some of her exploits include hiking the Appalachian Trail and significant portions of Wyoming. Professor Caporale has consistently worked tirelessly to construct an inclusive and challenging program designed to promote critical thinking and an open mind, while also being as accessible as possible. An example of the inclusivity of the outdoor program is its affordability; students are not expected to purchase their own gear if they do not have the means to do so.
The creation of a new program is not without its challenges and the outdoor recreation program is no exception to this rule. The culture of Wyoming was an adjustment for Professor Caporale and her East Coast roots: “The culture in Wyoming is just different, I have only been here 3 years and there are still some things that are new to me that are just different”. Despite these challenges, Professor Caporale has attributed her ability to adjust to the new environment with poise to the excellent support received by Western Wyoming Community College, from colleagues to administration. Wyoming grit is all about overcoming challenges no matter the scale and Professor Caporale has proven to possess that same grit.
The outdoor recreation program is more than just about developing workers, it’s about creating thinkers with a passion for the outdoors and that starts with creating a culture of sustainability. To do this, Professor Caporale has stressed the importance of Leave No Trace in her program with the goal of changing culture: “Leave No Trace is not rules, it’s an ethic, and our goal is to get students to understand the ethic and make small changes in their personal ethic”. The program also develops practical skills important for everyday life, such as Wilderness First Aid and Beginner Backpacking. The program also coordinates with local and statewide businesses such as the Bureau of Land Management and the National Forest Service providing students with valuable networking opportunities. Students interested in Wilderness First Aid can still enroll in the upcoming class starting September 10. Students who complete the skills training section of the course will also earn CPR certification.
