| OCR Text |
Show Program teaches more than just fun At the University of Utah, there are few opportunities for students and professors to get to know each other outside the classroom. The Outdoor Recreation Program offers one unique solution. "It's a great system that bridges the barrier between students and faculty," says Dr. Robert D. Hill, assistant professor of educational psychology, who rafted down Colorado's Cataract Canyon. "It gives faculty a chance to interact with students on an equal basis. It's an informal way to get to know students who are not necessarily in your department." Ann Stephenson, a biology undergraduate, agrees. "It's one of the best kept secrets on campus." She has taken part in many river adventures sponsored by outdoor programs. "People may know they rent equipment but don't realize they offer trips for a nominal fee. Students without transportation can see so many parts of Southern Utah we wouldn't be able to experience otherwise." Excursions are run on a cooperative coop-erative basis. Participants are actively ac-tively involved in all phases of the outing, from planning and setting up equipment to cooking and r-vst-trip cleanup. This arrangement keeps costs far below commercial ventures, says program coordinator Van Fox. Gene Moosman, Student Affairs and Services financial administrative ad-ministrative manager, says the outdoor out-door program is one of the greatest benefits available to staff and faculty. facul-ty. He recommends it to anyone who wants an adventure at a reasonable cost. "Since my parents are from Escalante, I thought I knew southern Utah but the program has opened up whole new vistas," he said. Offerings run year-round, but are especially varied during summer months. For example, hikers can explore the San Rafael Swell in southern Utah June 28-30 for only $25 including transportation plus three meals. Water enthusiasts can paddle down Labyrinth Canyon June 14-18 during a five-day class-one and two canoe trip. The cost is $65 and in cludes food, transportation and gear. Also, a Desolation Canyon rafting trip is tentatively scheduled for June 17. Several river-running trips are scheduled in July, including a wild ride on the rapids of Westwater Canyon Ca-nyon July 5-7 for $75 and a ten-day excursion on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon for $150, July 16-27. Both trip costs include food, transportation and group gear. An Aug. 1-8 canoe trip along the San Juan River will cost $120 and will include the above amenities. On Aug. 3, a "cookout and lookout" at no cost is scheduled at Red Butte Gardens and will include a 6 p.m. Dutch oven feast and 8 p.m. star party. At 8 a.m. on Aug. 7. the last planned hike of the summer will highlight wildlife, insects and wildflowers in Red Butte Canyon. A fall rafting trip down the rapids of Westwater Canyon is scheduled for Sept. 6-8. The trip will cost $75. In addition to organized activities, ac-tivities, the center provides a resource library with informational handouts, maps, bird and trail guides, ghost town tours, river permit per-mit and environmental information, books, catalogs, quality rental equipment and "how-to" instructions. instruc-tions. Knowledgeable staff members also are willing to help plan private trips. All rental equipment equip-ment is human- or wind-powered to promote an awareness of health, fitness and the environment. "If we don't have a certain type of equipment, equip-ment, we offer a referral service to other recreational outlets," Fox said. "We do this as a service for the university community and others who may call us." Denise Dearing, a graduate student stu-dent in biology, has joined two cross-country ski trips to yurts rented overnight in remote mountain moun-tain locations. She and friends later organized a third trip of their own with the help of outdoor program staff. "There's a mix of people with varied backcountry experience so there is always someone to help those of us who have had less experience," expe-rience," she said. "We had a great time. The program emphasizes co-ope; co-ope; jtion and safety for everyone." |
