It’s a beautiful fall day. The weather is warm and you’ve got an itch to do something outdoors. But what can you do?
The Campus Recreation Department in the Center for Physical Activity offers outdoor adventures for groups and individuals of all experience levels. It features activities like the Basler Challenge Course, the climbing walls, outdoor equipment rental and outdoor adventure trips.
The Basler Challenge Course is the focus of ETSU’s outdoor adventure program. It has the Alpine Tower, the Carolina Straight Wall and 12 low elements.
The Challenge Course is set up for team-building projects. The outdoor adventure program works with academic groups, summer camps, church groups and sports teams.
David Mueller, the outdoor coordinator, says the Challenge Course helps teams “get to know each other, helps with group dynamics, and develops communication styles.” The activities the teams participate in range from the spider’s web to the teepee shuffle and the giant swing.
Campus Recreation also coordinates trips around the area, including mountain biking, caving, flat-water kayaking, lake tours, hiking and other activities.
These activities are designed for novices and those wanting to learn. Mueller says students can “try it out with us, and if they want to do it more, we can direct them where to go.”
Campus recreation will also be hosting a mountain biking trip to the Tsali trails in the Nantahala National Forest Oct. 8-10. During fall break, Oct. 15-19, there will be a backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountain National Forest. There is a charge for these trips, which includes the equipment rental, transportation and a camping permit, if needed.
The highlight of the year for the outdoor adventure program is the spring break day hiking and backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. This trip will cost from $800-$1000, including airfare, camping permits and equipment, ground transportation and most meals. Six to 12 people can go, and reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Mueller expects to be taking the first deposits as early as Dec. 1.
Day trips are usually $15, and weekend trips vary in cost. Those interested can sign up for the trips at the equipment desk in the CPA or call 439-7980 for more information.

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