March - May, 1998
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March - May, 1998 |
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| OA Office: | Clio Hall, 2nd Floor, 8-3552 | Newsletter |
| Trip Sign-ups: | Clio Hall, 2nd Floor | |
| Equipment Room: | 48 University Place, 8-6417 | |
| Trip Hotline: | 8-6417 | |
| Web Site: | www.princeton.edu/~oa/ |
The newsletter is published on the World Wide Web twice each semester to provide information about upcoming trips and programs. The Outdoor Action Program (OA) is Princeton University’s outdoor experiential education program administered by the Princeton-Blairstown Center. Here’s just some of what OA has to offer. For more details on OA activities jump to OA Activities.
Random
House Publishes The Backpacker’s Field Manual: We are very excited
that the OA Leader’s Manual has just been published by Random House as The
Backpacker’s Field Manual. This book, which has served as the basis for the OA
Leader Training Program for the past ten years is the only field manual for hikers and
backpackers. The book covers everything you need to know about backpacking: planning your
trip, food and menu planning, equipment, wilderness travel, map and compass, outdoor
safety, and wilderness first aid. You can check out a sample chapter of the book at www.princeton.edu/~oa/manual/manual.html
The Backpacker’s Field Manual Book Signing: Come join us for a book signing study break on Thursday, April 9 from 4:30 – 6:00 PM in the West Room in Murray Dodge. Refreshments will be served and copies of the book will be available for purchase. The author, Rick Curtis ’79, will be available to answer questions about backpacking and to sign copies of the book.
Signing Up for an OA Trip: Since many trips have space limitations we require participants to sign up in advance. The sign-ups for all OA trips are on the OA Bulletin Board at the Outdoor Action Office located on the second floor of Clio Hall. Most sign-ups are done on a first-come-first-served basis. We do maintain a waiting list for trips and will contact you if a space opens up. With some activities the sign-up is an interest list and participants are randomly selected off the list. OA Leaders and Leaders-in-training may be given preference for some trip activities. For multi-day trips or courses, you are required to pay the full fee in advance (check, cash or University Billing). For cash or checks, we will hold your space for 24 hours after you sign up (due the next business day). There are different trip fee rates for students (undergraduate and graduate) and faculty and staff.
OA Trip Information Hotline: For the latest information on upcoming OA trips and programs, call the OA Trip Information Hotline at 8-6417. The recorded message will describe upcoming trips and programs for each week. You can also check out "This Week in OA" on the OA Home Page.
OA News via Email and the Web: The OA Calendar is mailed to subscribers and sent via Email. The detailed version of the Newsletter is available at the OA Web Site. If you do not receive the OA Calendar, jump to Subscribe to the OA Email List. If you wish to be removed from the OA Calendar email list, please send email to rcurtis@princeton.edu. The complete OA Newsletter is available on-line on the Princeton World Wide Web server from the OA Home Page (www.princeton.edu/~oa/).
Surf the Internet with OA: The OA Web Site is one of the most popular outdoor sites in the country with over 12,000 hits a week. One of the hottest pages at the OA Web is the OA Guide to Outdoor Resources on the Internet with links to over 500 outdoor-related sites including climbing, paddling, backpacking, biking, skiing, etc. You can access the OA Home Page directly at (www.princeton.edu/~oa/).
Outdoor Safety Management Workshop: An important part of being comfortable in the wilderness is safety, knowing how to plan trips properly, and how to evaluate potential risks. This seminar is designed to make all wilderness travelers familiar with the causes of accidents in the wilderness, how to prevent accidents through effective pre-trip planning, how to identify risks in the field, and how to increase your margin of safety. The Dynamics of Accidents Model that will be taught is used by outdoor programs across the country. All OA Leaders-in-training should sign up at the OA Office. For more information check out the OA Guide to Outdoor Safety Management. Free and open to the public. The seminar will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, April 28 from 7:30 - 9:30 PM in McCosh 64
Thursday, April 30 from 7:30 - 9:30 PM in McCosh 64
Thursday, May 7 from 7:30 - 9:30 PM in McCosh 64
Climb for the Cause – Princeton Women’s Ascent of Mt McKinley for the Breast Cancer Fund: This June five Princeton women climbers are climbing Mt. McKinley in Alaska along with a group of breast cancer survivors to raise awareness about breast cancer and to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Fund for breast cancer research. Join us on Thursday, April 23 at 7:30 PM in Dodds Auditorium in Richardson Hall as Bethany Coates ’98, Katie Gamble ’98, and Meg Smith ’98 give a slide presentation on how they are training and preparing to climb the highest peak in North America and to learn more about breast cancer issues.
Retendo - Advanced Kayak Rodeo Moves Video: Whitewater kayak rodeo moves have turned the paddling world upside down. From advanced wave surfing, to hole riding, pirouettes, cartwheels and other aerial moves. You won’t believe what you can do in a kayak, come learn the secrets of rodeo moves from the pros. Join us on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 PM in McCosh 66. (60 minutes) Free and open to the public.
Soft Paths - Leave No Trace Camping: Traveling in the backcountry means developing a keen understanding of how to reduce our impact in different ecosystems. The Leave No Trace Program, developed by the National Outdoor Leadership School and a number of federal agencies teaches the state of the art in proper minimal impact techniques. Join us on Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 PM in McCosh 66. (30 minutes) Free and open to the public.
OA will be offering a number of day trips to provide opportunities for everyone from beginners to advanced participants. Fees for the trips vary depending on the activity and location. On full-day trips, participants should provide their own lunch. All other equipment and transportation will be provided by OA. Sign up for all trips at the OA Office on the second floor of Clio Hall.
Nature Photography Day Hike: As spring comes, the trails in northern New Jersey and southern New York come alive with green. Bring your camera and explore some techniques for outdoor photography. This is a great opportunity to get off campus, meet new people, and enjoy an exhilarating hike. Enjoy a beautiful day of hiking trip to the spectacular ridge at Norvin Green State Park on Saturday, April 4. The trip will cover approximately 6-8 miles and will explore ridge crests, stream gorges, and mountain summits. Trip fee: students $9.00, faculty/staff $12.00. Participants should have sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots and should bring lunch.
OA Climbing Wall: The Outdoor Action Climbing Wall is
an indoor rock climbing practice facility located in the Armory next to Jadwin Gym. The
Climbing Wall allows beginners to learn basic climbing skills, while intermediate and
advanced climbers can work on refining their technical abilities. There will be
experienced instructors there to teach skills and assist people in solving particular
climbing routes. The Climbing Wall is open only to students, faculty, and staff of
Princeton University. PUID required. Children of members of the University community
are allowed to climb only with a parent present. All climbers are required to
sign a waiver. The Climbing Wall is open the following times during the academic year
except during breaks, reading period, and final exams.
Mondays, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Wednesdays, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Fridays, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
To climb at the Wall you can either pay for a pass each day or buy a Wall Card (a great deal if you climb more than once a week). In order to let you try this great sport "before you buy," new climbers can check out the wall for one free afternoon during open hours.
In order to purchase a card you must have your University ID. Cards can be purchased at the Climbing Wall. Payment is by cash, check, or University billing.
Belaying Classes & Climber Authorization: OA
offers free belaying classes for new climbers to give you instruction on how to
tie-in and belay. Belay classes are offered at 5:00 PM each day during regular Wall hours
on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You should check in by 4:45 PM to get a harness and
shoes. Only individuals who have passed the belaying course are eligible to belay at the
Wall. For more information on belaying check out the OA Guide to
Belaying at the Climbing Wall.
Off-hours Climbing: Climbers who have been tested and authorized by the Climbing Wall staff are eligible to climb at the Wall during off-hours. To be authorized you must have passed the Belaying Class and demonstrate proficiency in rope handling and setup. Off-hour climbers are required to purchase a Wall Pass. Please note that off-hours climbing is not permitted during scheduled Climbing Classes (Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:30 - 6:30 PM).
Beginners Rock Climbing Course: If you are interested in learning to rock climb, then this 2-week course will teach you all the essential techniques of climbing, including tying in and belaying, and specific climbing techniques like weight shifting, stemming, and laybacks. The course will meet on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:30 - 6:30 PM at the Climbing Wall on March 31, April 2, 7, and 9 with a day Rock Climbing Field trip to the a local climbing area on Saturday, April 11. Course fee: Students $65.00, faculty/staff $90.00.
Top Rope Climbing Techniques Course: If you are serious about rock climbing then you need to learn the details of setting up top rope climbing systems. The Top Rope Climbing Techniques Course covers climbing hardware, rope care, tying into natural anchors, equalizing loads, rappelling, and advanced belay techniques. Instructors will also work on advanced climbing techniques. The course will meet Tuesday and Thursdays from 4:30 - 6:30 PM at the Climbing Wall on April 14, 16, 21 and 23 with a day field trip on Sunday, April 26 to practice top rope setup at a local climbing area. Participants must have completed the Introduction to Rock Climbing Course or be competent with basic climbing and belaying skills. Please contact John Ramsey at 8-7349 if you have questions about your climbing experience. Course fee: students $65.00, OA Leaders $35.00, faculty/staff $90.00.
Basic Rock Climbing Day Trips: Rock Climbing gives
you a chance to challenge yourself both physically and mentally as you steadily work your
way up a cliff face. OA is offering a number of Rock Climbing Day Trips designed to teach
beginners basic climbing and rappelling skills and allow those who have previous climbing
experience to refine their climbing and rope handling abilities. OA provides you with all
the instruction and equipment to explore this exciting sport. No previous climbing
experience is necessary for basic trips. Trip Fee: students $15.00, faculty/staff
$20.00. The trips will last all day and participants should bring lunch. In order for you to get the most climbing in, you are strongly
urged to go down to the Climbing Wall one of the afternoons before your trip to learn how
to use a sit harness and how to belay (see the Climbing Wall above). The
schedule for trips will be as follows:
Saturday, March 28
Saturday, April 4
Saturday, April 25
Outdoor Action and the Princeton-Blairstown Center are working with a variety of schools and social service agencies to provide experiential learning programs for urban youth and at-risk youth in the Mercer County area. These programs use the same model for personal and group development as on an Outdoor Action trip. We are looking for a group of dedicated volunteers who are willing to devote their time and energy to making a difference in the lives of youth.
OA/Blairstown Families in Training Program (FIT): Growing up today in the inner city is an incredible challenge for young people. FIT is a two-semester cooperative program between OA, the Princeton-Blairstown Center and the Imani Church in Trenton. It’s designed to help urban families deal with these challenges of the inner city through a family-based training program that meets every other week. We focus on positive family interactions, teaching communications skills, study skills, and conflict resolution. Each session includes fun group activities, a short workshop, and a meal. Each Princeton student is paired with a family to help as facilitator and guide through the FIT training. Professional staff from OA, Blairstown and the Imani Church will also be on hand. This is the second year of the program, which was very successful last year and is expanding to include more families. If you are interested in volunteering contact Chris Beeson at 8-7751 (chbeeson@princeton.edu), Liz Pearce at 8-9611 (eapearce@princeton.edu), or Caroline Sincerbeaux at 8-9273 (ccs@princeton.edu).
LAMP - Leadership Among Multicultural Persons: This is our second year working with a multicultural group of students from Princeton High School. This dedicated group of students has taken on the challenging task of combating racism in the Princeton School District through innovative performances at local elementary schools. Our work is to help them prepare themselves to be group facilitators for their upcoming work in local schools. We meet with them for 2 hours about every three weeks. If you are interested in working with this exciting project, sign up at the OA Office on the second floor of Clio Hall.
Advanced Whitewater Kayaking Trip: For experienced whitewater paddlers there will be an Advanced Whitewater Kayaking Trip to Tohickon Creek in Pennsylvania on Sunday, March 29. There is a scheduled dam release for that day to guarantee good water levels. The trip is limited to people who have previous whitewater experience at the Class III level and a reliable river roll. All equipment (wetsuits, PFD, helmet, kayak, etc.) will be provided by OA. Trip fee: students $18.00, faculty/staff $25.00 (discount if you provide your own equipment). The trip will last all day and participants should bring lunch. If you have not been on an OA paddling trip before, please fill out a paddler application detailing your previous experience (applications available at the OA Office on the 2nd Floor of Clio Hall).
Beginners Whitewater Canoeing Course: If you are interested in learning how to canoe, whether for gentle cruises on a lake or challenging tandem whitewater with a friend, then this is the course for you. OA is offering a comprehensive canoeing course on Wednesday and Friday afternoons: April 8, 10, 15 and 17 with a day-long paddling trip on Sunday, April 19. You don’t need any prior experience to take this course. We begin with basic flatwater and stroke skills on Lake Carnegie and then move to moving water and easy whitewater maneuvers like Eddy Turns, Peel Outs, and Ferries. Course fee: students $60.00, faculty/staff $90.00, OA Leaders $30.00. All equipment will be provided by OA.
Beginners Whitewater Kayaking Course: If you are interested in learning how to kayak, whether for gentle cruises on a lake or challenging whitewater, then this is the course for you. OA is offering a comprehensive kayaking course on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons: April 7, 9, 14 and 16 with a day-long paddling trip on Sunday, April 19. You don’t need any prior experience to take this course. We begin with basic flatwater and stroke skills on Lake Carnegie and then move to moving water and easy whitewater maneuvers like Eddy Turns, Peel Outs, and Ferries. Course fee: students $60.00, faculty/staff $90.00, OA Leaders $30.00. All equipment will be provided by OA.
River Rescue Course: Anyone who paddles on whitewater should be competent at handling basic river rescue. This one-day river rescue course is specifically designed for whitewater paddlers. It is a complete hands-on course that will be taught on and in the water on the Delaware River on Saturday, April 25. You will learn how to rescue swimmers with throw ropes and tows, rescue from strainers and foot entrapment, Z-drags, how to unpin trapped boats, and more. Participants will need helmets, life jackets, and wet suits (provided by OA if you don’t have your own). Please bring a lunch. Course fee: students $25.00, OA Leaders $15.00, faculty/staff $35.00.
Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking/Canoeing Trip: For experienced whitewater paddlers there will be an Intermediate Whitewater Kayaking Trip to the Lehigh River in Pennsylvania on Sunday, April 26. The trip is limited to people who have previous whitewater experience at the Class II - III level. All equipment (wetsuits, PFD, helmet, kayak, etc.) will be provided by OA. Trip fee: students $18.00, faculty/staff $25.00 (discount if you provide your own equipment). The trip will last all day and participants should bring lunch. If you have not been on an OA paddling trip before, please contact Rick Curtis at 8-3552 to discuss your previous paddling experience.
See also the Coastal Canoeing Trip listed below in the "Dead Week" Trips section.
Beginners Caving Trip: Caving is a whole new world of underground exploration. Join Outdoor Action for a trip to Leigh Cave, the largest volume cave in New Jersey on Saturday, April 11. We will spend the day exploring the twisted passages and inner rooms of the cave. This is a great cave for first-time cavers since it does not require any technical caving expertise. You need to be prepared to be underground for 5-6 hours. All equipment including helmets, caving lights, and coveralls will be provided by OA. Trip fee: students $15.00, faculty/staff $20.00.
On Saturday, April 18 groups across the campus are coming together for a day of community service. It also is Earth Day. In celebration, Outdoor Action will be offering a number of service-oriented outdoor activities on Saturday. All activities are free. We encourage you to get involved and join us outdoors for a day of service.
Delaware & Raritan Canal Canoe & Clean-up: OA is sponsoring two canoe clean-up trips on the D&R Canal on Saturday, April 18, from 10:00 AM - 12:30 PM and again from 1:00 - 3:30 PM. The D&R Canal officially opened in 1824 and for over a century served as one of America’s busiest transportation canals, providing a short, safe waterway between New York and Philadelphia. The 66-mile-long canal and the adjacent tow path became a state park in 1974. This park provides a unique resource for Princeton residents for canoeing, biking, walking, or jogging. Join us to explore a nearby section of the canal by canoe. Along the way we will clean up any trash we find to help preserve this wonderful resource. There is no fee for this trip. Sign up at the OA office.
Mount Tammany Earth Day Clean-up Hike: As part of this year’s celebration of Earth Day, Outdoor Action is sponsoring a clean-up hike on the Appalachian Trail in the Delaware Water Gap. The summit of Mount Tammany offers spectacular views into the Delaware River. This should be a beautiful spring day for a hike, a chance to meet new people, and to do something for the earth. We will hike to the summit of Mount Tammany picking up trash. All recyclables will be separated. Join us on Saturday, April 18. Participants should have sturdy walking shoes and bring lunch. There is no fee for this trip
Are you staying around during "dead week" for Reunions or graduation and don’t have anything to do? Get away from campus on a wilderness trip with OA.
Backpacking Trip: Spring is a special time in the
Shenandoah Mountains in northern Virginia. The peaks of the Shenandoahs provide great
hiking and beautiful vistas to the valleys below. OA is offering a 4-day backpacking trip
along the Appalachian Trail during "dead week." The trip will cover 6-8 miles
each day and will teach basic wilderness and leave no trace camping skills. Equipment will
be provided by OA. Dates for the trip will be Saturday, May 23 - Tuesday, May 26. Trip Fee: students $85.00, faculty/staff $110.00. Sign-up deadline: Friday, May 8.
Coastal Canoeing Trip: Sand dunes, sea birds, bayside marshes, and surf are just part of the special environment of the Atlantic barrier islands. This four-day canoeing trip to Assateague National Seashore will follow the Chincoteague Bay canoe route to bayside wilderness campsites. There will be time to play in the dunes, hike, swim, and see the wild horses of Assateague and Chincoteague. All canoeing and outdoor equipment will be provided by OA. Dates of the trip are Saturday, May 23 through Tuesday, May 26. Trip fee: students $85.00, faculty/staff $110.00. Sign-up deadline: Friday, May 8.
The Outdoor Action Frosh Trip is the largest wilderness orientation program in the United States. Once again we are starting up our planning for FT ’98 for the Class of 2002 scheduled for Sunday, September 6 - Friday, September 11. A program that sends over 750 people out into the wilderness for 6 days requires a large number of hard working people to pull things together. OA is looking for Managers, Support Drivers, and Leaders. If you are interested in joining us on this adventure, come to a general information meeting on Wednesday, April 1, at 7:30 PM in McCormick 101 or contact the OA Office at 8-3552. Applications are available at the OA Office on the second floor of Clio Hall or on the Web and are due on Friday, April 17. For more information check out the OA Web site www.princeton.edu/~oa/oa.html
Leaders Needed:
Leading an OA Frosh Trip is a wonderful way to help orient new students to Princeton. If
you have completed or will have completed all the requirements to be an OA Leader by the
end of the year, you are eligible to apply to lead a Frosh Trip. Applications are
available at the OA Office. Applications
are due by Friday, April 17.
Support Staff Needed: Support Staff are an essential resource for the Frosh Trip. Teams of two people are stationed near different trip areas in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont. During the week they may shuttle groups back and forth between the river and trail, resupply groups with equipment, deliver water drops, and provide transportation in special situations. Food, comfortable lodging, and all expenses are covered during the week. You need to have a valid driver’s license to be eligible and need to complete the University Van Driver Training Program this spring (see the schedule for Van Driver Training below). If you are interested in being part of the great FT ’98 adventure, please pick up an application form and details at the OA Office on the second floor of Clio Hall. Applications are due by Friday, April 17.
Managers Needed: Managers handle the pre-trip logistics including equipment and food distribution, check-out, and bus departure. During the week, Managers staff the OA Call-in Center to manage logistics for groups in the field. At the end of the trip, Managers handle group check-in. All expenses are covered during the week. If you are interested in being part of the great FT ’98 adventure, please pick up an application form and details at the OA Office on the second floor of Clio Hall. Applications are due by Friday, April 17.
Faculty and Staff Join us on FT ’98: Each year OA selects a few faculty and staff to participate in the Frosh Trip. It is a special experience for first-year students to hike down the trail with a faculty or staff member. Detailed information is available at the OA Web site. For faculty, the trip is over before Orientation Week begins. Staff may be able to participate without having it count as vacation days (subject to your supervisor’s approval). This year’s trip is scheduled for Sunday, September 6 - Friday, September 11 (over Labor Day Weekend). If you are interested in participating, please pick up an application at the OA Office on the second floor of Clio Hall, download one from the OA Web site or call 8-3552. Applications are due Friday, May 15 and you will be informed about participation in early July.
Outdoor Action encourages all students, faculty, and staff to participate in the OA Leader Training Program. OA’s Leader Training Program is considered one of the most comprehensive in the nation and has been imitated by numerous other schools. In order to expand our Community Service Program, OA has developed a new set of trainings for students interested in volunteering with area youth and families.
Community Service Facilitator Requirements: As well as learning group games and initiatives, facilitation and processing skills, participants develop a deeper understanding of the issues facing urban youth and how to manage difficult behavior. Upon completion of the training program, you are eligible to facilitate youth-at-risk populations. You are also encouraged to become a trained Adventure Course Facilitator so that you can also work with groups on the OA Adventure Course.
Basic Wilderness Leader Requirements: As well as learning valuable wilderness skills, participants develop leadership, group facilitation, safety, and first aid skills. Upon completion of the training program, you are eligible to apply to lead OA wilderness trips. These trainings are offered several times each semester and are described in more detail below. You should plan your semester accordingly. The Leader Training Program is structured to build upon the skills learned throughout your training. The Leader Training Trip will serve to tie together all of the other skills that you have learned. Therefore, you should have completed all of the other Leader Training Requirements before taking your Leader Training Trip. You may still be completing requirements while you are taking the pre-trip 5-week classes for the Leader Training Trip, but you should have completed the other requirements before the 5-day trip begins. See the OA Leader Training Program section on the OA Web site for more information.
Backpacking Leader Training Courses: Leading a backpacking trip requires extensive training in wilderness camping skills. The Backpacking Leader Training Course is a 5-week course designed to teach all the wilderness skills necessary to lead multi-day backpacking trips, including: route planning, equipment preparation, wilderness travel techniques, map and compass, outdoor cooking, minimal impact camping, etc. The course will for two hours per week and will culminate in a 5-day backpacking trip. Trip participants will plan all aspects of the trip: including route, food, equipment, and each participant is required to research and teach a class on a particular wilderness topic. There will be several meeting times available for the pre-trip classes. You are required to attend all the weekly classes. The text for the course will be The Backpacker’s Field Manual, written by Outdoor Action and published by Random House. Trip leaders will set up class times for each group. There will be a number of trips offered during ‘dead week." You will need to have completed all of the other OA Leader Requirements in order to go on the Leader Training Trip. Trip fee: students $85.00, faculty/staff $110.00 which includes The Backpacker’s Field Manual. Participants must sign up by Friday, April 10. Trip dates:
Saturday, May 23 - Wednesday, May 27
(Final trip preparation begins Friday afternoon)
Monday, May 25 - Friday, May 29 (tentatively scheduled)
(Final trip preparation begins Tuesday afternoon)
HEART Wilderness First Aid & CPR Course: Health Education and Rescue Training (HEART) will be offering a 20-hour Wilderness First Aid Course, which includes CPR. This intensive course will cover patient examination and evaluation, body systems and anatomy, wound care, splinting, environmental emergencies, and backcountry medicine. This is an excellent course and is highly recommended to all wilderness travelers. The course is taught by experienced Wilderness First Responders and Emergency Medical Technicians. There is extensive hands-on practice of skills through realistic simulations of actual wilderness emergencies. We are tentatively offering two sections of this course, Monday & Wednesday or Tuesday & Thursday. If there is not enough interest to fill both sections, we will only offer one class. Sign up at the OA Office on the second floor of Clio Hall. Course fee: students $60.00, faculty/staff $85.00.
CPR Courses: There will be a number of CPR courses offering certification in Adult CPR given by HEART (Health Education and Rescue Training). Sign up at the OA Office. Course fee: students $16.00, faculty/staff $20.00. The course dates will be:
CPR Challenge - Wednesday, April 1, after the Leaders Meeting (about
8:30 PM), 119 East Pyne
Adult CPR - Wednesday, April 29, 7:30 - 11:30 PM, 225 East Pyne
Infant & Child CPR - Thursday, April 30, 7:30 - 11:30 PM, 219 East Pyne
Outdoor Safety Management Seminar: Please see the description of this program above. Sign up at the OA Office. The seminar will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, April 28 from 7:30 - 9:30 PM in McCosh 64
Thursday, April 30 from 7:30 - 9:30 PM in McCosh 64
Thursday, May 7 from 7:30 - 9:30 PM in McCosh 66
Van Driver Training: Leaders are strongly encouraged to become authorized van drivers. You must attend a two-hour training class and complete a 15-minute road test. The class is held from 4:30 - 6:45 PM in McCosh 66 (late arrivals are not permitted to attend). After you have taken the class you can sign up for a time slot for the road test (generally on Sunday afternoons following the class). Additional information can be obtained from carolem@Princeton.edu or by calling the Public Safety Office, at 8-5772. The following classes will be offered:
Wednesday, March 25 - 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM in McCosh 66
Thursday, April 30 - 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM in McCosh 66
Tuesday, May 26 - 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM in McCosh 66
Outdoor Action is expanding its leadership development program through a series of workshops developed in collaboration with the Student Volunteers Council, the Women’s Center, Community House, the Dean of Student Life Office, and the Princeton-Blairstown Center. Other specific workshops are offered focusing on specific issues such as Working with Urban Youth, etc. (see the Community Service section above).
Facilitator’s Workshop: Facilitating groups requires developing special sensitivities to teachable moments. The facilitator’s role is to provide an experience and then, through guided reflection and exploration, encourage personal growth and development. This workshop will train OA leaders, SVC volunteers, Community House volunteers or others interested in group facilitation in specific techniques including group contracts, sequencing activities, and debriefing and processing techniques. This is a hands-on, experiential workshop where we will utilize a variety of group initiatives to discover the fundamental principles of facilitation. Be prepared to have fun! Join us on Saturday, April 4 from 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM at Liberation Hall in the Third World Center. This workshop is open to anyone interested in developing their skills in working with groups. There is no fee for this workshop.
Leadership & Group Dynamics Workshop: One of the greatest challenges of being a group leader is learning how to lead and motivate a group, and how to use the small group experiences to promote self-exploration and learning. The Leadership and Group Dynamics Workshop is designed to teach OA leaders, SVC Volunteers, Community House Tutors and others how to effectively lead groups. The workshop will focus on listening and communication skills, stages of group development, conflict resolution, and the situational leadership model. This is a hands-on, experiential based workshop so be prepared to be active and to have fun. The workshop will be held on Saturday, April 18, from 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM in Liberation Hall at the Third World Center. This workshop is open to anyone interested in developing their skills in working with groups. There is no fee for this workshop. You must have completed the Facilitators Workshop previously in order to attend.
See the latest OA Leader Newsletter.
Outdoor Action Library: OA has an extensive library of over 500 titles covering such subjects as backpacking, outdoor cooking, bike touring and repair, canoeing, caving, climbing, cross-country skiing, mountaineering, wilderness first aid, and wilderness survival. There are also numerous guidebooks to wilderness areas, as well as reference manuals on a wide variety of outdoor sports. OA also has subscriptions to Backpacker, Canoe, Cross-country Skier, and other magazines, as well as an extensive collection of videotapes on such topics as expeditionary mountaineering, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, bike touring, wilderness first aid and wilderness photography. All of these are available for perusal or borrowing from the OA Office. The OA Library List is posted at the Outdoor Action Web Site. You can browse the title list by subject.
OA Web Site: Come see why people from all over the world turn to the OA Web Site for the best information on outdoor education. All of the outdoor workshops offered by OA are all available on the OA Web Site (www.princeton.edu/~oa/oa.html).
For the latest info on Jobs with OA jump to the OA Jobs Page.
Outdoor/Environmental Jobs and Internships: Persons interested in summer positions or in post-graduation careers involving the outdoors should examine three monthly publications that are kept in the Jobs Book in the OA Office. The Environmental Opportunities Newsletter, Association for Experiential Education Jobs Clearing House, and SCA Earthworks list positions available in environmental education, outdoor education, environmental lobbying, research, and teaching. For job counseling services see Rick Curtis or the Career Services Office. See the OA Guide to Outdoor & Environmental Careers on the Web.
Frosh Trip Coordinators: Each year I hire two OA Leaders for the summer to coordinate all the planning for the Frosh Trip. It takes a lot of preparation to handle more that 750 leaders and participants each year. This year we are looking for the program to grow even more and to add new programs like an all kayaking trip, a wilderness adventure trip based in Blairstown, and routes to new areas. This is a great summer job that offers lots of responsibility and a great work environment. The two coordinators work closely together to plan and orchestrate the largest wilderness orientation program in the country. Responsibilities include route planning, menu planning, researching new trip areas, equipment inventory and ordering, trip assignments transportation logistics, campsites and permits, leader refresher training, etc.. This is a great learning opportunity for people interested in planning, management skills and outdoor education. Past coordinators include Jess Kipp ’99, Melissa Lockman ’97, and Sean Hartman ’98. In addition you’ll have an opportunity to lead some day and weekend trips during the summer and work at the Climbing Wall and Low Ropes Course. It’s both a fun summer and gratifying to see the end result of all your efforts, another successful Frosh Trip. Qualifications: You must have completed all of the leader training requirements, have lead at least one multi-day OA trip and be an authorized van driver. Salary: The job pays $3,000 with a $500 housing allowance for the summer. If you are interested in working with OA over the summer, please return the enclosed application to the OA Office. Due Date: Applications are due by Wednesday, March 25.
Class of 1969 Summer Service Internship: Once again OA is offering a summer service internship position with support from the Class of 1969. This position is designed to expand OA’s community service initiatives through developing partnerships with new community organizations, developing training programs for students, and providing experiential activities for urban youth in the Mercer County area as well as outside New Jersey. This is an exciting summer internship that includes work both on campus and at the Princeton Blairstown Center. Qualifications: You must have completed all of the OA Leader Training. You should also be prepared to take the Low Ropes Facilitator’s Training offered on April 4 and 5. Salary: The job pays $2,800 for 10 weeks. Students who are eligible for Work Study may also be able to continue this position as a year-long work study job in the OA Office. Due Date: Applications are available at the OA Office and are due by Wednesday, March 25.
Princeton Blairstown Center Summer Camp Staff: If you are looking for a rewarding yet challenging experience in the outdoors this summer, look no further. The Princeton-Blairstown Center is a non-profit organization that runs a summer cap serving urban youth from the Tri-state area including Trenton, Newark, Philadelphia and New York. The Center’s objective is to help young people develop self-confidence, responsibility, and cooperation. As a counselor, you will lead groups of campers 8-16 years of age in hiking, rock climbing, rappelling, canoeing, high ropes courses, and group problem solving. Don’t worry if you need additional training in some of these areas, the camp provides a comprehensive staff training program in June. Counselors work with groups of 10-12 campers for two-week sessions. Campers live onsite at the Center, camping in tents and cooking outdoors. Salary: base is $1600 plus room and board for nine weeks from early June 6 through August 10. You need to be 19 years of age by the time of employment and have first aid and CPR certification. Applications are available in the OA Office or contact the Blairstown Center at 908-362-6765.
For information on gear to take on trips include personal equipment, group equipment, and first aid equipment, check out the OA Equipment List Page.
Equipment Room: The Outdoor Action Equipment Room is open on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 8:00 - 10:00 PM throughout the semester (with the exception of school breaks and final exams). OA has a wide variety of backpacking, general camping, biking, and other equipment available for rental by the general University community on a minimal rental fee basis. If you are interested in running your own trip and need equipment (sleeping bags, backpacks, bike panniers, stoves, cooking gear, etc.), please come by the OA Equipment Room located in the basement of 48 University Place (8-6417). For more information check out the OA Equipment Rental Brochure.
| Monday, March 23 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Wednesday, March 25 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory VAN DRIVER TRAINING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, McCosh 66 |
| Friday, March 27 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, March 28 | BASIC ROCK CLIMBING TRIP |
| Sunday, March 29 | ADVANCED WHITEWATER KAYAKING TRIP |
| Monday, March 30 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Tuesday, March 31 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Wednesday, April 1 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory OA LEADER’S MEETING – FROSH TRIP ’98 |
| Thursday, April 2 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Friday, April 3 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, April 4 | FACILITATOR’S WORKSHOP 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Liberation Hall, Third World Center NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY DAY HIKE – NORVIN GREEN STATE PARK BASIC ROCK CLIMBING TRIP |
| Monday, April 6 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A BEGINS 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Tuesday, April 7 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory BEGINNERS WHITEWATER KAYAKING COURSE 4:30 - 6:30 PM HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B BEGINS 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Wednesday, April 8 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory BEGINNERS WHITEWATER CANOEING COURSE 4:30 - 6:30 PM HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Thursday, April 9 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory BEGINNERS WHITEWATER KAYAKING COURSE 4:30 - 6:30 PM THE BACKPACKER’S FIELD MANUAL BOOK SALE & SIGNING 4:30 – 6:00 PM, West Room Murray Dodge HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Friday, April 10 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory BEGINNERS WHITEWATER CANOEING COURSE 4:30 - 6:30 PM |
| Saturday, April 11 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE CLIMBING TRIP BEGINNERS CAVING TRIP |
| Monday, April 13 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Tuesday, April 14 | TOP ROPE CLIMBING TECHNIQUES COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory BEGINNERS WHITEWATER KAYAKING COURSE 4:30 - 6:30 PM HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Wednesday, April 15 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory BEGINNERS WHITEWATER CANOEING COURSE 4:30 - 6:30 PM HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Thursday, April 16 | TOP ROPE CLIMBING TECHNIQUES COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory BEGINNERS WHITEWATER KAYAKING COURSE 4:30 - 6:30 PM HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Friday, April 17 | FROSH TRIP ’98 LEADER, MANAGER, SUPPORT APPLICATIONS DUE CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory BEGINNERS WHITEWATER CANOEING COURSE 4:30 - 6:30 PM |
| Saturday, April 18 | LEADERSHIP & GROUP DYNAMICS WORKSHOP 9:30 AM- 5:30 PM, Liberation Hall, Third World Center EARTH DAY & CAMPUS VOLUNTEER DAY ACTIVITIES DELAWARE & RARITAN CANAL CANOE CLEAN-UP 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM DELAWARE & RARITAN CANAL CANOE CLEAN-UP 1:00 – 3:30 PM MT. TAMMANY CLEAN-UP HIKE |
| Sunday, April 19 | BEGINNERS WHITEWATER CANOEING & KAYAKING CLASS TRIP |
| Monday, April 20 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Tuesday, April 21 | TOP ROPE CLIMBING TECHNIQUES COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Wednesday, April 22 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Thursday, April 23 | TOP ROPE CLIMBING TECHNIQUES COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall CLIMB FOR THE CAUSE – MT. MCKINLEY CLIMB FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH 7:30 PM, Dodds Auditorium, Robertson Hall |
| Friday, April 24 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, April 25 | BASIC ROCK CLIMBING TRIP RIVER RESCUE COURSE |
| Sunday, April 26 | TOP ROPE CLIMBING TECHNIQUES COURSE FIELD TRIP INTERMEDIATE WHITEWATER KAYAKING TRIP |
| Monday, April 27 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Tuesday, April 28 | OUTDOOR SAFETY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64 RETENDO – KAYAK RODEO VIDEO 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 66 HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Wednesday, April 29 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory ADULT CPR 7:30 – 11:30 PM, 219 East Pyne |
| Thursday, April 30 | VAN DRIVER TRAINING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, McCosh 66 OUTDOOR SAFETY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64 SOFT PATHS – LEAVE NO TRACE CAMPING VIDEO 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 66 INFANT & CHILD CPR 7:30 – 11:30 PM, 219 East Pyne |
| Friday, May 1 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Monday, May 4 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Wednesday, May 6 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Thursday, May 7 | OUTDOOR SAFETY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64 |
| Friday, May 8 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Friday, May 15 | FROSH TRIP ’98 FACULTY/STAFF APPLICATIONS DUE |
| Tuesday, May 26 | VAN DRIVER TRAINING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, McCosh 66 |
| Dead Week Trips | |
| Saturday, May 23 Tuesday, May 26 |
BACKPACKING TRIP - SHENANDOAH MOUNTAINS COASTAL CANEOING TRIP – ASSATEAGUE ISLAND |
| Saturday, May 23 Wednesday, May 27 |
BACKPACKING LEADER TRAINING TRIP |
| Monday, May 25 Friday, May 29 |
BACKPACKING LEADER TRAINING TRIP |
The information provided here is designed for educational use only and is not a substitute for specific training or experience. Princeton University and the author assume no liability for any individual's use of or reliance upon any material contained or referenced herein. When going into outdoors it is your responsibility to have the proper knowledge, experience, and equipment to travel safely. The material contained at the Web Site may not be the most current. This material may be freely distributed for nonprofit educational use. However, if included in publications, written or electronic, attributions must be made to the author. Commercial use of this material is prohibited without express written permission from the author. Copyright © 1998, all rights reserved, Rick Curtis, Outdoor Action Program, and Princeton University.