Built for the Next Generation of Outdoor Leaders.
Outdoorstra Wasn't Born in a Boardroom. It Was Born From a Question. Who is preparing the next generation of outdoor entrepreneurs? For years, I worked in media, helping businesses grow through strategic marketing, sponsorship development, and revenue generation. At the same time, I watched something happening in the outdoor industry that few people seemed to notice. There were youth fishing tournaments. Youth hunting programs. Youth conservation organizations. Thousands of talented young anglers and hunters. But when the tournament ended, many of these young people had nowhere to go. They knew how to fish. Some knew how to hunt. A few could even win tournaments. Very few knew how to build a brand. How to approach sponsors. How to market themselves. How to start a business. How to turn their passion into a career. The outdoor industry had taught them how to compete. It hadn't taught them how to build a future. That realization changed everything..
To equip youth with the business education, mentorship, and community they need to turn their passion for the outdoors into a purposeful career or business.Imagine a generation of young anglers and hunters who graduate from high school already owning businesses. Already understanding marketing. Already serving sponsors. Already giving back to conservation. Already mentoring those behind them. That is the future we are building. One student. One mentor. One family. One community at a time.
A future where the outdoor industry is led by people who grew up loving it — anglers, hunters, conservationists, and entrepreneurs who built something real starting at 16.Outdoorstra exists to build the next generation of outdoor entrepreneurs by connecting youth with the knowledge, mentorship, and business skills needed to create lasting impact through the outdoors. We're not just teaching young people how to catch fish or harvest game. We're teaching them how to build lives. Because the greatest legacy isn't the trophy on the wall. It's the person you become—and the people you help along the way
Why Outdoorstra Exists
Too many talented young people quit the outdoors because they cannot afford to stay involved. Tournament costs rise. Equipment is expensive. Travel becomes difficult. Sponsors are hard to find. Without guidance, many simply walk away. We believe talent should never be wasted because opportunity is missing. Outdoorstra teaches young people how to create opportunity instead of waiting for it.
Outdoorstra was founded to change that. We believe that a 15-year-old who wakes up at 4am to go fishing, who studies lure design in their spare time, who dreams of running a guide service or building an outdoor brand — that young person deserves more than a vague encouragement to 'follow their passion.'
They deserve a curriculum. A mentor. A community. A real shot.
The Big Dreams Academy is our answer. Twelve weeks, live virtual instruction, real mentors from the industry, and a business plan they can actually use. Partially funded by sponsors who believe in the next generation. Free to qualifying students who earns a spot.
What We Stand For
Purpose Over Profit
We measure success by the careers we launch and the businesses we help build — not by revenue or reach.
Earned, Not Given
Students apply. Mentors commit. Sponsors invest. Everything in this program is earned through effort and intention.
Conservation First
The outdoor industry only exists because of healthy land, water, and wildlife. We build conservation into everything we teach.
Real Mentorship
Not webinars. Not pre-recorded content. Real professionals, real conversations, real relationships.
Radical Access
A student's zip code, family income, or social connections should never determine whether they get a shot at this program.
Industry Integrity
We represent the outdoor industry with honesty, respect, and a long-term view. We build things that last.
Ready to Get Involved?
Whether you want to sponsor a student, mentor the next generation, or apply to the Academy — there's a place for you in this community.