 "Photo: Emily Wilk")
 "Photo: Emily Wilk")
Loyola-sponsored kayaking classes in Lake Michigan are just one of many goals for the students who have been pushing for the development of an Outdoor Adventure Program.
Senior Emily Wilk, a social work major, connected with other Loyola students to host a focus group regarding what students want in an Outdoor Adventure Program. The group was comprised of students and staff members and run by the Office of Student Development. On Dec. 7 the group met with Robert Kelly, Ph.D., vice president of Student Development to discuss the potential development of an Outdoor Adventure Program.
Students are trying to raise awareness about the program by maintaining a Facebook group called “Loyola Students and Staff for Outdoor Adventure Programs on Campus.” The group has 230 members.
The recreational program will start in the summer of 2010, beginning with the hiring of a director in the upcoming months. They are also looking to buy property for a retreat center in Illinois, but no specific location has been chosen yet according to Kelly.
The program will be funded partially by the university and partly by the Student Activities Fund.
The Rev. Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., expressed his support for the program.
“One need not be on a team or commit to very rigorous schedules, as our athletes do, to benefit from a great outdoor program,” he wrote in an e-mail. “Don’t we all want to be healthier and more active? I’ve been hoping for something like this for a long time.”
Vova Kagan, a junior and biology major, is the president of the Outdoor Adventure Club. The club has existed for about four years, but the school-run program is only in development.
“There’s nothing better than going outside and seeing what you are capable of doing,” Kagan said. “You find yourself through being outside, whether it’s kayaking, skiing or mountain biking.”
Loyola plans to connect outdoor activities with a retreat program, said Kelly.
“I just think as an urban university it would be great to get students out there in the lake, enjoying the wilderness and the outdoors,” Kelly said.
The university aims to create an experience where every student would feel a sense of belonging, beginning with a freshman immersion program. Incoming freshmen may be able to bond with a group of students by traveling to the wilderness and performing a high or low ropes course, according to Kelly.
Kagan explained that the future of this program depends on student involvement. The Outdoor Adventure Program aims to develop student leaders who are environmentally conscious and have a strong sense of group awareness. Students could become involved in environmental justice while kayaking down the Chicago River and learning about water issues.
Loyola’s Outdoor Adventure Program could offer students kayaking classes, a rock wall, canoes, high and low ropes course instruction, outdoor safety tips and wilderness retreats, according to Wilk and Kelly.
The Outdoor Adventure Club is hosting a trip to Cumberland Island, Ga., in collaboration with Student Development, Ministry and CUERP (Center for Urban Environmental Research and Policy). The trip will take place during spring break from Mar. 6 – 13.
Attendees will receive kayaking instruction from Geneva Kayaks, a paddling company in Rogers Park. Students will learn outdoor cooking and camping skills, explore nature and meet new people. A few spots are available, so students who are interested should contact Vova Kagan at oac.luc@gmail.com. Kayaking classes began Jan. 31 in Halas Sports Center swimming pool to prepare students for the trip to Georgia.
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