With some of nature’s most bountiful national parks and scenic landmarks just a few hours away, it’s only natural to want to get outdoors and explore what the Central Valley has to offer. Fresno State students will have an opportunity to do just that with the launch of the University’s Outdoor Recreation Program.
The program, under the Department of Recreation Administration, provides interactive and hands-on instructional opportunities for novice participants who want to learn outdoor and safety skills for a wide variety of activities.
“This program is a great way for students, from all majors, to learn outdoor skills in a supervised setting, meet people with similar interests and take a break from daily routine,” said Dr. Jason Whiting, assistant professor in the recreation administration department and director of the program.
Through a series of workshops and adventurous trips, students (and sometimes even the community) will be able to hone their skills and learn something new.
Workshops for the academic year include an introductory guide on the do’s and don’ts of backpacking, first aid and CPR certification, the fundamentals of rock climbing and even backcountry cooking, where participants will learn different methods of preparing food in the backcountry. Who says camping food has to be bland?
There are six trips planned for the year, each one designed for students of all skill levels, with many at the moderate level. From a 3.5 mile hike through the lush landscapes of Huntington Lake or through the majestic beauty of Vernal Falls in Yosemite to fishing in the vast open waters of Shaver Lake and skiing the slopes of China Peak, each one promises a memorable experience.
Each of the two overnight trips include backpacks, a sleeping bag and a tent. Transportation for each trip, as well as equipment activity, is provided with student’s registration fees.
An experienced staff of trip leaders provide logistical planning, instruction, leadership and facilitation for each group experience or trip.
Students wishing to participate in the program must pre-register, pay necessary fees and complete required forms prior to each trip.
Upcoming workshops and trips include:
Fall 2016
Sept. 1 – Introductory Backpack Clinic ($10/$15)
Sept. 16 – 17 – Twin Lakes Backpack Trip ($50/$75) *
Oct. 14-15 – Dinkey Lake Loop Backpack Trip ($50/$75) *
Oct. 22 – Yosemite/Vernal Falls Day Hike ($30/$40)
Nov. 19 – Introductory to Rock Climbing Clinic ($30)
Dec. 1 – First Aid & CPR Certification Clinic, 5-9 p.m. ($50)
Spring 2017
Jan. 31 – Backcountry Cooking Clinic ($10/$15)
Feb. 4 – China Peak Ski Trip ($65)
Feb. 23 – Ultra-lite Backpacking Clinic ($10/$15)
Mar. 25 – Sequoia National Park Day Hike ($30/$40)
Apr. 28 – Introductory Canyoneering Trip ($60/$75) *
[*Mandatory pre-trip meeting may be required.]
So go ahead – take a break from the books and get outdoors. Adventure awaits you right around the corner!
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For more information on each workshop or trip, visit the Outdoor Recreation Program website or contact Jason Whiting at jawhiting@csufresno.edu or 278.8749.
Fresno State College of Health and Human Services 