REI to host free classes, events on June 15
REI Co-op is offering its members a host of free classes and day tours later this month to encourage time outdoors with the arrival of summer.
The specialty outdoor retailer will host more than 300 free classes and day tours on Saturday, June 15 to highlight how the co-op supports its members and broader outdoor community with “resources, expertise and inspiration.”
As part of its “Opt Outside” marketing campaign, REI will host a free curated collection of its most popular in-store workshops and local guided hiking and paddling tours with retail staff, the co-op's experiences guides and community partners. In a single day, nearly 6,000 people will get outside and learn new outdoor skills and activities.
At select stores, REI will be joined by body positivity influencer and yoga instructor Adina Crawford, Adaptive Adventures, All Bodies on Bikes, Black Girls Do Bike, Black Girls RUN!, Latino Outdoors and The Venture Out Project.
"Opt Outside is much bigger than one day of the year—it's the way we live. It's the clearest expression of what REI is all about," says Ben Steele, REI executive VP and chief customer officer. "Simply put, time outside is fundamental to the health and happiness of individuals and communities. Today, too many people feel like their time isn't their own and all of us know we spend too much of our time indoors. We can make a different choice. From our incredible store staff to our professional guides and much more, the co-op is here to be a resource for everyone to have a healthy, active life outside."
REI is also promoting its partnerships with Hipcamp and Strava to broaden awareness of meaningful ways to prioritize time outside. The campsite booking brand and the co-op launched the "Summer of Magic Campout Series" to surprise thousands of people with free campouts during peak weekends throughout the summer. The co-op will also continue to team with Strava, a leading connected fitness platform, through new challenges that will be announced in the weeks ahead.
According to REI, More than 38,200 enthusiasts participated in 4,800 day experiences programs across 14 communities last year. REI offers 150 adventure travel trips throughout North America.
Headquartered in Kent, Wash., REI has 24 million members nationwide, and operates approximately 185 stores.