Kayla Nelson
Staff Writer
Idaho State University’s Outdoor Adventure Center provides students with a wide variety of year-round recreational opportunities that promote social interaction and physical activity.
“I encourage students just to come take part in what we have to offer,” said Justin Dayley, OAC Director. “There are so many neat outdoor opportunities here in Pocatello and in the outlying region.”
The trips the OAC has to offer range from small weekend cross-country ski trips to backpacking trips in Moab, Utah.
Prices vary by trip, but generally smaller trips cost around $10-$15 and larger trips cost around $300.
“Trips always evolve,” said Dayley. “We have our classic standby trips we offer year after year, and new trips such as our Lake Powell, Utah, house boat trip.”
The OAC will be offering three extended trips over spring break 2015.
The first is a backpacking trip through Coyote Gulch, Utah, for $150; the second is a mountain biking and rock climbing trip in Moab, Utah, for $125; and the third is a house boat trip on Lake Powell for $270.
“What you get for $10 versus $300 is vastly different. We have short, inexpensive trips or longer trips that cost a little more,” said Dayley.
Trips are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis, so it is important to sign up as early as possible. Students can sign up for trips at The OAC located inside the Student Union Building. The Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group, or CWHOG, also provides students with disabilities the opportunity to go on these trips.
“Students can participate in the levels they are comfortable with. Our trips are really beginner-friendly. We have trained staff that help introduce people to the activities,” said Dayley.
The next trip The OAC has planned is a cross-country skiing trip to Mesa Falls, Idaho, on March 7 at a cost of $20 per student. Whitewater rafting trips are especially popular and spaces fill up quick.
The OAC also has a rental center where students can rent all kinds of outdoor equipment to support personal or group trips. More information is available at isu.edu/outdoor.
On Wednesday, April 22, the OAC will present a free slideshow on the Grand Canyon for Earth Day at 7p.m. in the Little Wood River Room in the PSUB.
“It will be a great, great way for students to come and celebrate Earth Day,” said Dayley. “Idaho is a pretty amazing place to play outside. If you are going to live in Idaho, then when in Rome, you do what the Romans do. If you’re going to live here you mountain bike, climb rocks, go rafting, you go hiking or try horseback riding because Idaho has some of the best opportunities in the entire country.”
