Sam Bush has been playing mandolin since he was 11. One of the pioneers of newgrass, he will be performing at Music on the Mountaintop Saturday. Photo by David McLister

by ALYSSA BOYER
Intern Lifestyles Reporter

There are over two million acres of federally protected lands within a five-hour driving radius of Boone, Andrew Miller, coordinator of land-based programs and the climbing wall for Appalachian State University’s Outdoor Programs said.

Outdoor Programs (OP), an office located in the Student Recreation Center, operates with the intention of helping students “make a connection in some way to the environment that surrounds us here at ASU,” Miller said.

From the state-of-the-art climbing wall to the international excursions to places like Wales and New Zealand, OP offers students an adventure whether they have a few days or just a few hours.

“[Activities are] driven by the student’s interest and desires and passions,” David E. Hutchison, coordinator for club sports and First Ascent said. “We can either teach you a two-hour belay clinic, which is on the [climbing] wall, or we can take you on a 32-day expedition around the world.”

Hutchison explained while trip costs are reasonable since they are supported by student fees, many of OP’s activities are completely free with an AppCard.

The climbing wall is one of these free amenities. It is open seven days a week and can entertain climbers with years of experience or none at all.

Another activity is the kayak roll clinic. Offered each Wednesday from 7 to 10 p.m., the clinic is a class dedicated to teaching students skills that will make them more comfortable in the water.

For a less structured boating experience, students are encouraged to attend the Tuesday night games of kayak polo. The games take place from 8 to 10 p.m.

“We don’t take it too seriously,” Hutchinson said. “It’s not that competitive; it’s just a lot of fun.”

OP also fosters leadership and team-building.

Through the Instructor Development Program, students can acquire the skills necessary to become trip leaders.

There are also free, skill-based workshops with topics including map and compass and backcountry cooking.

For clubs, teams and other groups looking to instill unity among members, there are team-building challenge courses.

Rich H. Campbell, associate director of OP, is particularly excited about this year’s challenge courses due to a recent partnership with Camp Broadstone, which will permit OP to utilize the camp’s 55-acre facility in Valle Crucis.

This will provide space for larger groups than the prior location, behind the Broyhill Inn & Conference Center.

“We’ve been piloting that this summer and it’s gone really well,” Campbell said. “We’re trying to place a big effort in getting the word out to students that it’s a chance for us to provide better services.”

While OP offers plenty of group activities, it can also be the starting point of a student’s personal explorations.

Students can rent all the gear they need from kayaks and canoes to tents and sleeping bags.

Perhaps the most valuable resource, however, is OP’s knowledgeable staff, who are in the SRC close to 80 hours per week, ready to give advice.

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