Before the stress of studies and exams can take over, SHSU Outdoors provides recreation to help students “live the life less ordinary.”
SHSU Outdoors is an organization that facilitates out-of-classroom excursions for the Bearkat community at affordable rates.
Assistant Director for Outdoor Recreation, Steve Thompson, believes in the enriching qualities offered by participating in the organization’s expeditions.
“Students come to Sam Houston because it’s a great place for them to learn and experience things both in and out of the classroom,” said Thompson. “SHSU Outdoors provides students with fun, safe, and exciting activities that allow for learning, personal growth, and university engagement.”
Being involved with SHSUO allows for students to partake in another side of the Sam Houston experience. Through activities like rock climbing, kayaking, caving, and skiing, students have the opportunity to become enriched with a wealth of recreational endeavors.
“Students get to enhance their appreciation of the natural world, and foster an appreciation of self that comes with confronting new and unusual challenges,” said Thompson.
SHSUO’s popularity, fueled by fun experiences at inexpensive prices, has spread to the point where the available spaces are filled up long before the event date. The normal signup begins at least a month before the actual trip, and usually lasts for a set range of days.
The next excursion planned is the Sept. 25 Guadalupe River Canoe Trip, but all available slots were filled up soon after sign-ups began. This is indicative of the popularity that SHSUO has accrued for its outings.
“It’s not uncommon for trips to fill up within a couple of days, even a couple of hours,” said Thompson.
In order to get a jump start on signing up for SHSUO events, students should check the webpage and visit the Climbing Center desk in the Recreational Sports Center. Aside from fees and paper work, Thompson says there is only one more important prerequisite.
“Our only requirement is that they (students) want to experience something different,” said Thompson.
For more information about SHSU Outdoors visit http://www.shsu.edu/~race_www/outdoor_rec/ or contact the department at outdoors@shsu.edu .