Theme of the Month

A year of recreation safety, timed so each theme lands before its season opens.

1. January — Snow, Ice & Avalanche — peak avalanche and ice-incident season. This one runs in-season on purpose.
   
   Not into it? Try snowshoeing instead.
2. February — Trip Planning & Navigation — compass, Scan Your Plan, and satellite communicators. The quiet month; build the skills before you need them.
   
   Not into it? Try birding instead.
3. March — Fishing — cold water season with warm-weather clothing. The most underestimated month of the year.
   
   Not into it? Try geocaching instead.
4. April — Paddling: Kayak, Canoe & SUP — cold water, warm air, and the biggest gap between how it feels and how it is.
   
   Not into it? Try wildflower hiking instead.
5. May — Boating — National Water Safety Month, and Safe Boating Week closes it out.
   
   Not into it? Try mountain biking instead.
6. June — Camping — campgrounds fill up and so do emergency rooms.
   
   Not into it? Try outdoor rock climbing / bouldering instead.
7. July — Swimming & Drowning Prevention — the deadliest drowning month of the year, and the biggest push of the calendar.
   
   Not into it? Try high-elevation or early-morning hiking instead.
8. August — Hunting Safety — firearm and bow, including bowhunting and archery. Seasons open in September; the prep has to happen now.
   
   Not into it? Try meteor-shower stargazing instead (the Perseids peak mid-August).
9. September — Hiking & Backcountry — cool air, low bugs, big views, and hunting seasons underway.
   
   Not into it? Try mushroom foraging instead.
10. October — 4×4 & Roadside Recovery — overland season, and the month people find out what their rig actually carries.
    
    Not into it? Try rock hounding instead.
11. November — Skiing — get the gear and the body ready before the first storm.
    
    Not into it? Try a Turkey Trot or community fun run instead.
12. December — CPR & First Aid — plus our gift card and membership push. The indoor month; build the skill that makes every other month survivable.
    
    Not into it? Try sledding & tubing instead.

See the full list with gear and Top 10 tips: Alternate Activities.

Rec+Safe — recreation safety programs, education, and gear.