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Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: News

Media Credit: O-Rec THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Students enjoy the scenery on an Outdoor Recreation trip to Big Bend National Park. Theories behind the lack of student interest is the lack of publicity of trips and stereotypes about the program.

A fixture on campus that is unknown to many students, Outdoor Recreation (O-Rec) provides frequent adventure opportunities around the state of Texas and beyond.

"The trips are very affordable in my opinion," said Junior Kyle Grest, O-Rec trip leader. "The outdoor recreation programs
at other universities charge almost twice what we do for the same trips. I know of a school that has a weekend backpacking trip for $150, while ours are only $35."

However, even with the bargain price, many students fail to sign up for the various activities offered almost every weekend. Grest believes that part of the reason for this stems from a lack of publicity from O-Rec, but also a lack of interest from the student body.

"The students that come on trips usually have positive feedback," Grest said. "Our trips are geared towards beginner outdoorsmen and women, so for us to have success in leading these trips, I think it goes without saying that they are made and designed for beginners. But, besides being beginner trips, there are more advanced things to do on them. I don't think that someone who has lot of outdoor experience would be bored on an intro to backpacking trip."

Often tailored to meet the participant's need and interest, the trip price includes food, gear and planning. Additionally, a one-time use coupon can be found in the
O-Rec pamphlet that is distributed at the beginning of the semester.

"We make it very easy for the student. You don't have to have any gear or experience," Grest added. "You just have to have the willingness to come out and try something new and different, or maybe it is not new to you, but you just want to have fun on the weekend."

Upcoming trips include windsurfing, deep sea fishing, hiking and sea kayaking in late April. However, one of the biggest trips of the semester will occur during Spring Break. In just a few weeks, adventurous students can lace up their boots and follow experienced trip leaders Senior Ryan O'Hara and Sophomore Oliver Brady to the Canyon

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