From surfing on the Oregon Coast to snowboarding in Jackson Hole, Wyo., the Outdoor Pursuits program indeed "fosters educational growth through self-awareness, teamwork and risk-taking" as their mission statement boasts. Their low-cost adventures and equipment rentals offer students a healthy contrast to the mundane school week of textbooks, essays and midterms.
Not to mention, taking those who might not otherwise enjoy the warm waters of Stanley Hot Springs -- which they did this past weekend.
Their trips remain extremely affordable due to the program's break-even policy. They're not in it for profit as all money goes toward simply covering costs of the trip.
And with the price of traveling at an all-time high lately, the choice of trips reflects the change.
"In the past we've done these big, epic trips," said Jacob Rothrock, assistant coordinator. "That was great when gas was $2 a gallon, but now transportation costs are so high we're focusing more on local adventures."
The hugely popular trips, however, will remain on the schedule: surfing the Oregon Coast and skiing Jackson Hole. Nevertheless, Outdoor Pursuits remains committed to helping the beginner.
"We're a program that is designed for people that have no experience to go out and learn things," Rothrock said, "because outdoor adventure sports can be intimidating."
The weathered outdoorsman isn't forgotten either. While trips are designed to be easy enough for beginners, they are still challenging for those with experience. Chalk up just one broken finger as the worst injury Rothrock has seen in recent years, and safety is obviously a practiced concern.
Still, as prices force the program to look closer to home, head coordinator John Totten's experience in the area helps keep the program moving. Their budget comes from ASNIC, and although salaried and not paid to go on trips, Rothrock admits that's not why he does it.
When extra money is made, however, it is simply poured right back into the program, be it a challenge course on campus or maintaining rental equipment. Since not everybody can make the trips, Outdoor Pursuits still encourages the community to get outside with their rental shop. Offering anything from backpacks to cross-country skis, snowboards to kayaks, prices are kept exceptionally low, especially when compared to rental rates at local ski resorts.
For a list of rental products and prices, see www.nic.edu/op.
For those seeking adventure a lot closer to home, Outdoor Pursuits constructed the Challenge Course behind the SUB. A series of ropes traversing between platforms and trees culminates to a zip line, all above a series of ground-level activities.
Jessica Thompson, assistant coordinator, has worked on the project since its inception this Spring.
"It's going to be an ever-growing thing," she said. "We're hoping for one new element each year in the ropes course, but we're constantly adding to the low-element activity."
Built in May, the course has catered to sports teams, faculty groups, birthday parties and the National Guard. With varying package sizes and options, they all focus on team-building exercises. For more info, including pricing, see the Outdoor Pursuits website.
"Because we're part of Outdoor Pursuits," Thompson adds, "we can take any activity they offer - be it kayaking, backpacking or snowshoeing -- and put a team-building emphasis on it."
While the fall term is coming to a close, Rothrock is preparing for the final two trips of the year: backpacking through the Utah Desert over Thanksgiving break and avalanche Level 1 training in early December.
The spring schedule will not be released until next semester, and only one trip will be available over winter break -- the hugely popular Jackson Hole. There are 20 spots available for that trip, although Rothrock admits "We can always add."
With the mercury dropping further each day, Rothrock's favorite trips are approaching with fervor: backcountry skiing.
"I love the skiing trips because of the work it takes to get up hill," he said. "It makes it more rewarding when you come back down the hill. I like to work for it."
To sign up for the Jackson Hole trip, visit www.moguls.com/nictrip09.
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