Taking a weekend trip to hike, explore caves and raft may seem out of reach for students, faculty or staff at Sam Houston State University. Finding a trip that is affordable has been made easier by Outdoor Recreation, a program in the Rec Sports department. Adventure seekers can select from multiple trips this semester through the summer. Anything from hiking to exploring caves is a part of the itinerary. Each of these trips are open for students, faculty, staff and alumni of SHSU to register. Every trip ranges in difficulty and price, with each consisting of about 12-15 participants.Among some of the upcoming trips will be the Valentine Canoe & Bonfire, Spring Break Adventure, E-Rock-N-Yoga and Spring Gulf Getaway.Although the next trip, Subterranean Redux, has been filled to capacity, participants will explore caves in the Colorado Bend State Park, located an hour Northwest of Austin.”We provide all participants with tents, sleeping bags, helmets, lights, etc.,” Steve Thompson, Assistant Director of Rec Sports-Outdoor Recreation said. “We try to provide students with these experiences for as little money as possible.”The Subterranean Redux, which will be the weekend of Feb. 8, will include the exploration of two caves in the Colorado Bend State Park. Participants will wear helmets and most likely have to crawl through some parts of the caves.”Caving is misunderstood,” Thompson said. “It’s one of the coolest, most unique thing you’ll ever do.”Although these trips have been around for a while, not many students are aware that such a program even exists. For these prices, participants are almost guaranteed fun and adventure.”We gear these programs towards East Texas college students who have absolutely no experience,” Thompson said. “Don’t be intimidated.”If the primary registration list is full, participants can sign up on a wait list. As the deadline approaches any participants with unpaid registration fees will be dropped from the list. The wait list will then be consulted to determine new participants.For Valentine’s Day, students can sign up for a canoe ride on Bearkat Lake and enjoy a bonfire. Only 20 participants can sign up for a fee of $5 each and the deadline to register is Friday, Feb. 8.Anyone interested can stop by the Climbing Rock desk located in the HKC to register for a trip.For more information on these trips, visit the Outdoor Recreation Web site at http://www.shsu.edu/~rcq_www/outdoor_rec or email outdoors@shsu.edu.
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