Outdoor Recreation takes Spring Break trip
By ALICE WHEETLEY
Signal Writer
While many students are headed home, to the beach or out-of-stat for Spring Break, a group of students will be paying a visit to North Arkansas with Outdoor Recreation. The group will be visiting Castle Bluff, a camping facility located near Lost Valley.
“A few of the planned activities are rock climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, repelling at Hawk’s Bill Crag [Whittiker ’s Point], as well as hiking Lost Valley,” said Clayton Chapuis, director of Outdoor Recreation.
Castle Bluff has several cabins in a suitable location for the activities planned.
“At Castle Bluff, we have access to all of the outdoor resources of the lower Buffalo River area as well as a cooking facility and showers at the camp,” Chapuis said. “It is the best of camping with access to amenities.”
For some students, trips such as this one provide an opportunity to get to know new people they otherwise would not.
“I am really looking forward to hanging out with people in an outdoor setting,” said Robert Steed, an assistant director for this trip. “Meeting new people and sharing stories is one of my favorite reasons for going on [Outdoor Recreation trips].”
This trip will allow students to get away from campus and experience new things. They will have the opportunity to get outside and appreciate the view.
“I’m pumped about repelling off the infamous Hawksbill Crag and climbing at what I consider the best outdoor rock climbing place in Arkansas-Horseshoe Canyon,” said Sara Hanson an assistant director for this trip. “We will also be able to enjoy staying in cabins at a camp site that has plenty of hiking and explorative endeavors available. It will be great to get out and marvel at God’s amazing creation.”
Outdoor Recreation has been offering trips such as this one through the year with more to come this spring.
“Outdoor Recreation has been making trips like these for several years,” Chapuis said. “Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Reynolds, Outdoor Recreation has taken canoeing trips to the Buffalo River and backpacking trips to Eagle Rock Loop as well as day canoe and hiking trips. This year, we have been able to do all that and add trips like the Christmas Break Ski Trip to Winter Park, Colo.”
Chapuis is expecting about 20-25 students to attend this event. Students attending are only expected to bring the necessities.
“We will be bringing all of the technical gear: ropes, harnesses, climbing shoes, etc.,” Chapuis said. “Participants will be required to bring the basics: clothes and shoes for hiking, light jackets, flashlights, etc.”
For information about Outdoor Recreation visit obuoutdoorrec.wordpress.com. n
