Ole Miss Outdoors has already held many adventure trips this fall, but it isn’t too late to get in on the action.
“You can get involved with OMOD very easily as a participant,” said Katherine Westfall, Ole Miss Outdoors graduate assistant. “Every semester, we offer single day or weekend-long adventure trips, along with one week-long trip, that are all priced with a student’s budget in mind.”
This year, Ole Miss Outdoors will hold a horseback riding trip in Kentucky Nov. 21 and a five-day ski and snowboarding trip in the Rockies starting Dec.13. Spots are still available for students, faculty and staff for the trip to Crested Butte, Colorado, and prices include lodging at Grande Lodge. For more information on how to get involved with Ole Miss Outdoors, visit their office in Turner Center room 110.
“By going on these trips, students are able to get out and live a little, even if it’s just for the day,” Westfall said. “We strive to create a trip schedule that takes all levels of skill, ability and outdoor knowledge into account, and our trip leaders are highly encouraging and inclusive of all participants.”
“If you’re not interested in going on a trip but would still like to enjoy the great outdoors, we offer a Free Friday program at the Rebel Challenge Course,” Westfall said. “On Fridays during the semester, we open our on-campus ropes course at the RCC from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for students to come out and enjoy for free. Our trained staff is there to belay participants on any element they choose, from the rock wall to the zip line.”
This year Campus Recreation and Ole Miss Outdoors will also host the Rebel Trail Challenge on Nov. 15. The event is a four-mile trail and adventure race held at Whirlpool trails. All proceeds go to student scholarships in Campus Recreation and the Department of Veteran and Military Services.
Students who have participated in these recreational events generally tend to enjoy the experience.
“After every adventure trip and group session at the Rebel Challenge Course, participants are asked to fill out an evaluation form about their experience,” Westfall said. “Overall, we maintain a very high satisfaction rating with all participants, and we are dedicated in maintaining that standard.”
“The OMOD trips are a great deal and are always exciting,” said Claire Harris, Ole Miss aquatics graduate assistant. “By taking a trip through them, you are saving money compared to if you were to go on the trip yourself.”
For those of you who wish to go on your own adventure trip, Ole Miss Outdoors also rents a selection of equipment and gear including tents, sleeping bags, lanterns and recreational items like disc golf discs.
“Ole Miss Outdoors is so much more than a job – it’s a family,” said Shannon Richardson,Ole Miss outdoors assistant director. “We genuinely enjoy each others company and we can’t wait to share our passion for the outdoors with others.”
