Outside SVSU opens up opportunities for students to learn new things and begin unique adventures outdoors.

With the goal of fostering leadership development, environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation appreciation, Outside SVSU is offering four trips during the fall semester, including kayaking, hiking and backpacking trips.

“Our university is a great place for outdoor programming,” said Aaron Mowen, director of Campus Recreation.

Courtesy | Campus Recreation

During Outside SVSU’s first fall trip on Friday, Sept. 6, students learned how to surf, relaxed by the fire and then camped along the Lake Michigan shoreline.

With the program starting in 2010, Mowen said that the interest in Outside SVSU continues to grow. Last year, 92 students attended trips Outside SVSU.

Because of the continued interest, the group was recently awarded funds to purchase rentable equipment for students to check out. Some of the new equipment includes kayaks, tents and camping gear.

“You can do anything you want to now,” Mowen said. “We encourage students to start their own adventure.”

Although it won’t be until next year that the equipment will be ready for students to check out, Mowen encourages students and student groups on campus to start planning for next year.

“We hope to see RSOs using the equipment next year,” he said.

Eventually, they hope to offer weeklong spring break trips, which would run in a similar way as Alternative Breaks.

Mowen would also like to continue to hear from students about different trips Outside SVSU could offer in the future.

“If there is something else we can do, then we sure want to try to make it happen,” he said.

Mowen, along with Dave Solce, Outside SVSU’s outdoor adventure coordinator, said that these trips offer new things for students of any skill level.

The leaders of the trip will help participants prepare for the trip ahead with practice sessions and a meet-and-greet.

For more information or to submit ideas, contact the Campus Recreation Department at [email protected].