Looking to stay active this spring with some fun outdoor activities? Whitman’s Outdoor Program, as well as many other clubs on campus, is offering several opportunities this season.
Sign-ups for Outdoor Program excursions began at the Winter Activities Fair, but there are still spots open for certain destinations at the rental shop on a first-come, first-served basis. According to Stuart Chapin, the assistant director of the outdoor program, the most popular trips in the spring tend to be backpacking and sea kayaking. The one backpacking trip already has a long waiting list, but it is not too late to sign up for sea kayaking or some of the other opportunities.
“Check out the whitewater rafting,” said Chapin. “We still have space, and it’s really fun. The scenery at the Grande Ronde is as good as you can get!” Chapin raves about this location, claiming he saw ten bald eagles when he visited over break. This trip, among many others the OP offers, is especially geared toward beginners.
“The OP’s job is to provide intensive instruction to entry-level participants. If they want more, they should go to the whitewater club, climbing club or any of the other outdoor clubs on campus,” said Chapin.
“If you are competent outdoors and in snow, the mountaineering trips are open. If you are belay-certified, the climbing trips are open, and everyone is encouraged to come to the competitions,” said junior Jack Lazar.
The Sweet Onion Crank climbing competition is coming up on April 28, which is a great way to get a taste of the climbing community without even having to leave campus.
“I think the climbing club isn’t so much of a club as it is climbing people, and climbing people are [really] cool,” said Lazar.
He described the amazing friends he has made and the fantastic times he has had on trips with this supportive group of people, and encourages everyone to try it out. If you don’t feel ready to take on an excursion quite that long, consider a simple biking trip to a nearby location such as Bennington Lake.
“The OP bike shop has recently come into a lot of bikes, which will be for sale over the next six months,” said Lish Riley, the rental shop manager. If even that seems too daunting a prospect, there are great options right here on campus for students to stay active.
“The open kayak is for people who want to stay on campus to just see if they like it,” said Chapin. Other fun activities like the climbing wall are also free, and can give students an idea of whether they would enjoy a longer trip.
For more information about outdoor programs, visit the rental shop in the Reid basement.
