With summer finally in the air, many students are searching for different ways to spend their free evenings and afternoons.

Students interested in exploring the great outdoors can participate in BYU-Idaho’s Outdoor Activities Program. The program offers mountain biking, whitewater rafting, hiking, canoeing, kayaking and horseback riding throughout the summer.

“The whitewater rafting and horseback riding courses are very popular,” said Scott Hurst, outdoor activities coordinator.

Hurst recommends students purchase their tickets at least 24 hours in advance. “The cost of tickets ranges from $5–25, depending on the activity,” Hurst said.

All students are welcome to participate in the program. “Most of our trips and excursions don’t require any previous experience or skills, so anyone can get involved,” Hurst said.

Hurst also recommends students pick up a complimentary copy of BYU-I’s Summer Outdoor Activities Guide to learn more about available activities. The guide will be available at the beginning of the first summer term at different locations across campus.

In addition to the Outdoor Activities Program, students can also get involved in the social, service, talent and physical activities programs.

“There is something for everyone to get involved in,” said Derek Fay, Assistant Director in the Activities Program. “There are also plenty of opportunities for students to develop leadership skills.”

Fay said the Physical Activities Program is particularly popular in the summer, with RecSports and Athletics providing different levels of competition. Also, “this summer, for the first time, golf will be introduced,” Fay said.