To better showcase the Outdoor Pursuits program, Thunderwolf Recreation at Colorado State University, Pueblo (CSU Pueblo) recently created a video for the campus community to view.
The video exhibits footage from a rock-climbing expedition students took through Outdoor Pursuits. It also includes testimonials from program leaders detailing the adventure and benefits of the program.
Featured below is the video created by Jerod Young, the Marketing, Communications and Community Relations lead content creator at CSU Pueblo, along with an accompanying interview featuring Young and Aaron Garcia, the director of Outdoor Pursuits.
1. Why did your department decide to make this video?
AG: We did so to enhance the image of Outdoor Pursuits and to display what the program has to offer when it comes to our outdoor excursions. I hear many times, “Outdoor Pursuits is a hidden gem” and my goal is to eliminate the hidden within that phrase. It’s important CSU Pueblo students, staff/alumni and the community understand what we do, why we do what we do and where they can find us.
2. Talk about the process of creating this. Who helped create it? What materials were used to do so?
JY: As far as production, I created this project solo. I was lead of all creative production, including pre-production, filming, editing and distribution strategy. We shot this film on the Sony FX3 and Sony a7RVI, among other accessories.
AG: Jerod is a very skilled photographer/videographer and a good friend of mine. When I heard he got hired on with the CSU Pueblo marketing team, I couldn’t help but ask if he would be willing to tag along on some of our outdoor trips. The busy guy that he is, he was only able to make this past Outdoor Pursuits trip, Climb Shelf Road. I hope to have him on more as he has a true talent for what he does and to also get him out there.
3. How do you hope videos benefit the Outdoor Pursuits program and Campus Recreation as a whole?
AG: We hope they can grab the attention of those eager to experience life outside of the classroom, to those who want to learn a new hobby/skill or for those who just want to build community. I hope these videos can be used as a steppingstone to boost the number of participants we would have the privilege of facilitating, which would reflect the resources we potentially would obtain to enhance the quality of the program. Also, we are always eager and looking to build the Outdoor Pursuits family.
4. Talk about the importance of showcasing campus programs and activities.
AG: Showcasing campus programs and activities are important because it displays different opportunities for students to get involved and to find outlets for like-minded engagements. It also helps make our students aware of the many campus life experiences we strive to incorporate for the CSU Pueblo community.
JY: Education is always the first priority. However, we understand as a university we are not only representing our education but also our people, culture, city, state and so much more. Campus programs and activities are the best way to get involved with the community around us.
5. What advice do you have for other campus rec centers when it comes to marketing and showcasing programs?
AG: Make the exposure of your program exciting. Capitalize on the recentering of campus engagement and keep the student first during the showcasing efforts. It’s important to stay relevant and relatable to the student’s expectations and perspective of college life, but always stay true to your specific program’s mission and goals. That’s what keeps you separated from the rest of the on-campus departments and programs, as diversity reflects the success of campus life and engagement.
JY: When it comes to marketing, there is a common belief that the goal is to sell a product. I would agree, but the issue lies in the way we go about communicating. In my experience, a story is always more enjoyable than an advertisement. When creating projects, I like to focus on telling a beneficial story before I focus on conversion. For this project specifically, I understood many students are uneducated on what it’s like to attend a trip with Outdoor Pursuits. So, my goal was to show people what a trip looks like. Focus on the story, be honest and keep your audience in mind.
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