TIPS OUTDOORS FOUNDATION

Become A Certified Outdoor Mentor

Vision for the Outdoor Mentor Training Initiative:

The vision for the Mentoring Program is to provide the leadership (locally and nationally) necessary to motivate and empower our partners (existing outdoor organization, mentoring groups, corporations and individuals) to provide: DNR Certified Outdoor Mentors, the resources to participate, the gear needed to experience the outdoors, the social support necessary for continued participation, the outdoors education to be steward of the resources, to provide multiple outdoors experiences (leaving them wanting for more) and matching said outdoor mentors to both inexperienced youths and adults. By creating DNR Certified Outdoor team of mentors, we’ll leave a legacy to the citizens of the state with best mentoring practices, science based interactive skill sets, a sound educational background to build on, long-term commitment to the mentoring outdoors mission and mentees (to raise participation involvement in the outdoors) that will come full circle developing into an outdoor mentor.

Why a Mentor Training Initiative:

The old system is broken and for those of us who love fishing, hunting, and shooting, the defining challenge of our times is to breathe new life into outdoor traditions. Participation has been on a steady decline for years, due to numerous factors. Some of the most important reveal that the old system for bringing newcomers into these outdoors sports is broken down:

• There are fewer available outdoor mentors who are related by blood to young beginners. In our modern society, there is a shortage of trained adult mentors.

• Many parents feel unqualified to teach their own kids the basics of fishing, hunting, or shooting.

• Lives are busier than ever, with more competing interests and organized activities filling up the schedules of youngsters.

• Access to “a good place to go” can be a huge hurdle to overcome.

• As a result, many potential beginners slip through the cracks. They struggle with the learning curve and “getting out” on an ongoing basis. Too many beginners are taken once, then released back into their non-fishing, non-hunting, non-shooting lives.

• Shrinking customer base threatens the very existence of equipment makers, state agency budgets, conservation groups, outdoor media, guides, tourism and the list goes on.

• Interest in the outdoors lies dormant. We have to break this cycle. We have to do more. For if we don’t provide the basics for outdoors participation and make a difference in an inexperienced youth or adult…….who will?

“How To”:

• Recruit Outdoor Mentors and Mentees

o By partnering with existing mentoring and outdoor organizations utilizing press releases, articles, brochures, radio interviews, web sites, email blasts, blogs, social networking, TV and presentations to the general and outdoor public relaying mentoring mission/vision and the need for mentors and why.

• Inspire youths/adults with limited experience in the out-of-doors through media opportunities while providing: education, Certified Outdoor Mentors, resources, gear, multiple long-term outdoor activities and FUN, which will mesh with today’s lifestyles.

• Train and Educate Outdoor Mentors and Mentees

o Provide trained DNR Certified Outdoor Mentors (in mentoring and outdoors skills) to inexperienced youths and adults with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS), Mentoring Partnership of MN (MPM), Tips Outdoors Foundation (Tips), Pass It On (PIO), the School of Outdoor Sports (SOS), Pheasants Forever (PF), National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), and other organizations in the outdoors and mentoring.

o Train DNR Certified Outdoor Mentors for hands-on training opportunities at expos, events, skills training and other such activities for both public and private entities.

• Possible grant to help start-up costs.

• Make the Match – Empowered organizations as in PF, NWTF, Tips Outdoors, SOS, and BBBS (and in the future, other mentoring organizations) to match DNR Certified Outdoor Mentors/volunteers with inexperienced youths/adults to provide education, hands-on outdoor skills, multiple experiences, social support and the follow-up tracking necessary to create self-sustained independent actions from mentees.

If you would like additional information in regards to OMT the please contact:

Mark Tipler
Executive Director
Tips Outdoors Foundation
P.O. Box 796
St. Paul, MN 55045
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 651-779-8216

Michael “Cold Front” Kurre
Mentoring Program Coordinator
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
500 Lafayette Rd
St Paul, MN 55155
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 651-297-4916

Tips Outdoors partners with corporate sponsors to produce outdoor sports related special events. The purpose of each special event is to raise funds and awareness by utilizing all types of media focusing on the cause and mission of each nonprofit organization