Outdoor Activities opens door for exploration of Eastern Idaho

Wes Morris MOR97019@BYUI.EDU Contributing Writer

Do you like to be active but can’t seem to find your niche in the options Athletics or RecSports offers on campus? Maybe Outdoor Activities is what you’ve been looking for.

This fall students will take part in backpacking, canoeing, horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking through Outdoor Activities. The activities range widely from white-water rafting this month to skiing when the snow begins to fall.

Students need not fear for their wallets either. Subsidized activities make it possible for many students to participate at a low cost. The Outdoor Resource Center offers students discounted rates as well for rental equipment.

“We’re cheaper than any other place,” said Jason Thornton, a junior from Greeley, Colo. and an ORC staff member.

Outdoor Activities allow students to see a side of Idaho that is different from any other part of the country said Scott Peart, a junior from Ariz. “I think there are a lot of people that say they hate Idaho. Really this is the greatest place on earth for mountain biking, rafting and hiking. It shows students all the fun things they can do here.”

One purpose of the Outdoor Activities program is to provide safe activities, Megan Conner, a senior from Idaho Falls, Idaho, and student director of the Outdoor Activities program, said students will have a good time with activities they want to be involved in. “Not a lot of students have participated in rock climbing or kayaking but we will provide a safe environment for everyone involved,” Conner said.

But the program is more than just a good time in the woods, Conner said. Students are encouraged to learn more about leadership. The program took nearly 60 trips last summer and plans on doing near that amount this fall semester.

The program invites students to be involved in leadership positions.

“All 60 trips were led by volunteers who took time to learn skills [to lead],” Conner said.

If students are afraid they don’t have enough experience fears, should be allayed because all skill levels are welcomed to join in the outdoor experience. “That’s what [the activities] are for. We want to get people out, from beginner to intermediate to expert,” Thornton said.

Even those with disabilities are invited to come and enjoy the outdoors through Adapted Services nicknamed ASAP. Activities are oriented toward students with disabilities to enjoy such activities as rock climbing, biking, canoeing and skiing.

If you are interested in becoming a part of this program, check into the Activities Web site.