ADVENTURE TRIPS
BIKE SHOP SKILLS CLINICS EQUIPMENT RENTAL PRO SHOP
ORAC MISSION STATEMENT WKU’s Outdoor Recreation Adventure Center (ORAC) is dedicated to providing the following: educational outdoor activities, high-quality customer service, interactive programs, an environmentally friendly approach to learning and above all, safe outdoor based programs for the campus community.
ADVENTURE TRIP SCHEDULE Be sure to sign-up early to guarantee yourself a spot! All pre-trip meetings are held in the Preston Center. Most trips are filled before the pre-trip meeting!
Date
Sign-Up Deadline
Trip Type
Aug. 30 - Sept. 2
Aug. 29
Back to School Adventure
North Carolina
$70
$80
Sept. 7 & 8
Sept. 5
Sailing
Barren River Reservoir, KY
$20
$30
Sept. 14-15
Sept. 12
Kayaking & Rafting
Georgia & Tennessee
$75
NO GUESTS
Sept. 28
Sept. 27
Mountain Biking
Ben Hawes, KY
$15
$25
Oct. 2-6
Sept. 26
Backpacking
Appalachian Trail, TN
$60
$70
Oct. 19-20
Oct. 17
Canoeing & Mountain Biking
Harpeth River, Mont Bell State Park, TN
$25
$35
Oct. 26-27
Oct. 17
Mountain Biking & Hiking
Brown County State Park, IN
$25
$35
Nov. 2-3
Oct. 30
Backpacking
Red River Gorge, KY
$25
$35
Nov. 9
N/A
Climbing & Bouldering
Climb Nashville, TN
$20
$25
Nov. 22-30
Nov. 14
Backpacking
Grand Canyon, AZ
$300
$325
January 10-15
Dec. 9
Ski Trip
Steamboat Springs, CO
$950
$975
Location Cost Per Cost Per Student Guest
MEET THE STAFF
BEN
PAIGE
ANNA BRANDON
CODY HOUSTON
SILAS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Trip and clinic registration takes place at the ORAC office in the Preston Health and Activities Center. Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 12 PM - 6 PM. Trips are open on a first come, first serve basis. Unless otherwise noted, trip costs are all inclusive with the exception of meals. All pre-trip meetings take place at the Preston Center and are mandatory unless prior arrangements have been made with ORAC staff. WKU supports Leave No Trace (LNT), a program that educates outdoor enthusiasts on how to minimize their impact while recreating in the outdoors. Call 270-745-6545 if you have any questions or need additional information. All ORAC trips are based on the “common adventurer philosophy” which states that the foremost goal of any common adventurer is to achieve an enjoyable and worthwhile experience while displaying the greatest respect for nature. The common adventurer, due to the varying degrees of ability of each participant, can best be achieved by becoming part of a common group effort. In the spirit of this effort, all decisions are consensus group decisions and leaders emerge as situations arise. Our trip coordinators guide, they do not command; the group leads the trip. It is our belief that the group effort results in a situation where the teaching and learning of new skills make the common adventurer’s goal more fulfilling and the adventure much safer than would otherwise be possible. All trips are potentially dangerous because they take place in an uncontrolled outdoor environment. As a common adventurer, you must accept the risk and assume full responsibility for your safety and the safety of the group. The safety of the group takes precedence over the individual’s percieved needs.
ADVENTURE TRIPS Back to School Adv.
Location: North Carolina Date: August 30th - September 2nd Pre-Trip Meeting: August 29th @ 7pm Cost: $70 University, $80 Guest Join ORAC over Labor Day Weekend as we head to the beautiful state of North Carolina hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains through the “Land of Waterfalls” and mountain biking on some of the most beautiful trails in the East. This four day adventure will include hiking and mountain biking in DuPont State Forrest, home to some 100 miles of the Eastern United States’ most epic mountain bike trails, as well as visiting one of the most pristine places for waterfall viewing in the United States. We will also visit the Nantahala National Forrest for some more mountain biking and white water kayaking at Fontana Lake and the Nantahala River. Get out and visit some place new as we head to cooler climates and amazing scenery. All equipment is provided and no previous experience is required. *Spots are limited to 6 unless you have your own mountain bike.
Kayaking / Rafting
Location: Hiawassee River, GA Ocoee River, TN Date: September 14th - 15th Pre-Trip Meeting: September 12th @ 7pm Cost: $75 University, No Guest Join us on a two-day river adventure in Georgia and Tennessee. We will spend Saturday afternoon kayaking the Hiawassee River in Georgia. The Hiawassee offers scenic Class I kayaking that is fun for beginning paddlers. On Sunday we will head to the Ocoee River. The Ocoee River is the home of the 1996 Olympic Games and is one of the premier whitewater rivers in the Southeast. This is an opportunity to experience the thrills of Class III and IV whitewater. Challenge the well-known rapids of Table saw, Hell Hole, Double Trouble, and others! We will drive down on Saturday morning and meet up with MTSU for a weekend full of fun! Cost of the trip includes a day kayaking on the Hiawassee and one day rafting down the Ocoee. All paddling/camping equipment and transportation are included. No previous experience is required.
Mountain Biking
Location: Ben Hawes State Park, KY Date: September 28th Pre-Trip Meeting: N/A Cost: $15 University, $25 Guest Join us on a mountain bike adventure in Owensboro, KY. We will leave Saturday morning and make the short drive to Ben Hawes State Park. Ben Hawes offers over 10 miles of excellent single track trail. All skill levels are encouraged and no mountain bike experience is necessary. Bike and helmet are included through ORAC.
Sailing
Location: Barren River Reservoir, KY Date: September 7th - 8th Pre-Trip Meeting: September 5th @ 7pm Cost: $20 University, $30 Guest ORAC will head to the Barren River Reservoir for a two-day clinic on sailing. If you have never sailed before, this is a great opportunity to learn the basics with our friends from the Port Oliver Yacht Club. On Sunday we will be racing against each other in the Dixie Cup Regatta.
Backpacking
Location: Appalachian Trail, TN Date: October 2nd-6th Pre-Trip Meeting: September 26th @ 7pm Cost: $60 University, $70 Guest Join us for Fall Break on the Appalachian Trail! We will be continuing our section hike of the AT starting at Clingman’s Dome in the Smoky Mountain National park and will continue to the parks North-Eastern border. Enjoy a unique backcountry experience on the trail and breathtaking mountain views in North Carolina. All equipment provided and no previous experience required.
Canoeing/ Mnt. Biking
Location: Harpeth River Mont Bell State Park, TN Date: October 19th-20th Pre-Trip Meeting: October 17th @ 7pm Cost: $25 University, $35 Guest Enjoy the weekend canoeing this beautiful class II paddling area located in central Tennessee. The Harpeth River State Park offers a unique paddling experience that allows you to paddle 5 miles and return back to where you started in less than a quarter mile. Join ORAC on this overnight canoeing trip to The Narrows of the Harpeth, site of one of the oldest man-made tunnels in the United States. Saturday afternoon we will camp at Mont Bell State Park where we can hike and mountain bike on some great trails. All equipment provided and no previous experience required.
Climbing / Bouldering Location: Climb Nashville, TN Date: November 9th Pre-Trip Meeting: N/A Cost: $20 University, $25 Guest
Join us for an evening of bouldering/climbing at Climb Nashville. Costs include transportation and entrance fees. Saturday is student night so take this opportunity to learn from other students and meet new people! Belay courses are available at Climb Nashville for an additional cost ($15). Bring your own gear or rent at the gym (included in cost). Don’t forget to bring a snack or money to grab some dinner after climbing. We will meet at ORAC at 5:45 and return around 10:30 pm.
Mtn. Biking / Hiking
Location: Brown County State Park, IN Date: October 26th - 27th Pre-Trip Meeting: October 17th @ 8pm Cost: $25 University, $35 Guest Come along as we head to the rolling hills of Indiana. Brown County State Park is one of the top places in the United States to view fall foliage. Join us as we hike and mountain bike on some 20 plus miles of trail the park has to offer. Hesitation Point is just one of several vistas to see on this adventure. All equipment is provided and no previous experience is required on this two-day trip.
Backpacking
Location: Grand Canyon, AZ Dates: November 22nd-30th Pre-Trip Meeting: November 14th @ 7pm Cost: $300 University, $325 Guest Have you ever wanted to eat Thanksgiving dinner at the bottom of the Grand Canyon? If so, join ORAC this Thanksgiving break as we spend 4 days and 3 nights backpacking in the spectacular Grand Canyon National Park. We will backpack deep into the Colorado River gorge and get an idea of the canyon’s immense size. This backpacking trip offers inspiring views of a powerful and vast landscape filled with natural beauty. Your fitness level should be good for this demanding trip.
Backpacking
Location: Red River Gorge, KY Date: November 2nd - 3rd Pre-Trip Meeting: October 30th @ 8pm Cost: $25 University, $35 Join ORAC as we head to Red River Gorge, home to some of the most unique rock features in North America. The Red River Gorge area offers more than 100 natural sandstone arches. The intricate canyon system also features an abundance of high sandstone cliffs, rock shelters, and waterfalls. Explore this diverse landscape with us in early spring. No backpacking experience in required. All gear is provided in the cost through ORAC.
Ski Trip
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO Dates: January 2014 Pre-Trip Meeting: Cost: $950 University, $975 Guest Spend Winter Break with ORAC in beautiful Colorado skiing in the Rockies at Steamboat Springs. We will fly out of Nashville to Denver and then take a shuttle to the resort. Accommodations include a full kitchen condo with beds and a sleeper sofa for up to six. Price includes airfare, shuttle, condo and four days of lift tickets. Food and rentals are not included in price. *See Steamboat Springs Info Sheet for more information.
CLINICS AND SPECIAL EVENTS Mountain Bike Mondays
Location: Weldon Pete Park / Low Hollow Dates: Mondays in September and October Cost: $10 (for bike rentals) Check out one of our 29” FUJI mountain bikes and join us as we head downtown to ride Bowling Green’s new mountain bike trail in Weldon Pete Park. Bring your own bike or rent one of ours for $10. Ride time will be between 2-4 hours depending on daylight and time available. Snacks, dinner or local Bowling Green attractions may also be included in this event. This information will be shared at start of event.
AORE Conference
Location: College Park, MD Date: November 7th - 9th The Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) conference is designed to bring outdoor recreation professionals and students together for networking, professional development, and information sharing and activities. The conference includes educational sessions, skill workshops and certifications, keynote addresses, and peer networking opportunities. The AORE annual conference is the premier event for current professionals, students, and vendors to interact and stay on top of this dynamic and growing field. For more information regarding this opportunity, contact Ben at 270.745.6060.
Wilderness First Responder Location: Western Kentucky University Dates: January 3rd - 10th, 2014 Cost: $500 Full Course, $200 Re-Cert
ORAC is hosting an eight day, 80 hour, Wilderness First Responder course through Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO). This course takes a comprehensive in-depth look at the standards of wilderness medicine. Participants can expect hands-on learning with field experience, spanning topics from simple first aid to anaphylactic shock. If all assessments and exams are passed, participants will receive a three year wilderness first responder certification. For additional information about the course, contact Ben at 270.745.6060.
All You Can Eat S’mores Location: Preston Center Lawn Date: October 14th Time: 5-6 PM Cost: FREE
Come learn how to make the perfect s’more with the help of the ORAC crew! While enjoying this fall evening, you will have the opportunity to learn how to make over 10 different s’mores.
Adventure Film Series
Location: “The Valley” (Rodes, McCormack, and Gilbert residence Halls) Date: August 28th Time: 7-9 PM Cost: FREE Join ORAC for an outdoor adventure film, slack lining, s ’mores and more. Come find out more about all the great opportunities ORAC provides. The film will be shown outside under the stars of “The Valley”. Check on the ORAC website for more details. Snacks will be provided.
BIKE SHOP The Intramural-Recreational Sports Department is pleased to provide a full service bike shop! In addition to maintenance and repairs, we carry the Bianchi brand, Bob gear, and several accessories on hand. The bike shop is located in the ORAC which is on the first floor of the Preston Health & Activities Center. Stop by the ORAC office to drop off your bike for maintenance or to order custom parts and accesories for your bike. For more information about the WKU Bike Shop, contact the ORAC at 745.6545. Bikes can be dropped off Monday-Friday from 12pm - 6pm. ORAC offers a 24-Hour-Do-It-Yourself Bike Stand located on the East side of the Preston Center.
Individual Service
Price
Complete Tune-Up Complete Overhaul Bearing Adjustment Bearing Repacked Brake Adjustment Gear Adjustment Tube Replacement Clean & Oil Wrap Bars True Wheel New Cable New Housing Building-Youth Bike Building-Adult Geared Bike Comprehensive Build *Price indicates labor charge only
$35 $95 $15 $20 per surface Starting at $5 each Starting at $5 each $5 $20 $20 $10 each $7 each $6 each $45 $75 $125
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
All equipment must be returned on time and during ORAC hours of operation to avoid a late charge. It must be returned dry and clean with all of the items intact. There will be a $25 cleaning fee if the equipment is not returned properly. Call 270.745.6545 for more information. Western Kentucky University is an equal opportunity institution of higher education and upon request provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. www.wku.edu/eoo Š2011 Western Kentucky University. Printing paid from state funds, KRS 57.375