Weekend getaways
Student Activities offers trips for those needing to take a break from studies
Everyday adventurers and couch potatoes alike are invited to outdoor excursions hosted by Student Activities (SA) every semester.
Recreation — Liberty students Ezra Carty and Fantasia Remonvil in Washington, D.C., at the Cherry Blossom Festival in 2014. Photo credit: Dale Carty II
Liberty students around campus recognize the SA staff and volunteers as those who plan a myriad of on-campus events such as Coffeehouse.
Long hours and many cups of coffee describe the days of the SA staff members during busy weeks filled with planning for events. Despite the challenging schedule, SA strives to provide opportunities for students to explore the world outside of Lynchburg, Virginia.
According to the SA Web page, trips are “almost always free or at a significantly reduced price.”
Taking advantage of at least one of these trips each semester is a way for students to experience something they may have never had the opportunity to do before.
Approximately eight to 10 trips are planned each semester, according to Josh Yeoman, SA associate director.
The first two trips of the semester were to Wintergreen Ski Resort. During the trip, participants enjoyed discounted lift tickets and rentals provided by SA.
Those who love to hike may be interested in the upcoming trip to Spy Rock, Virginia, Feb. 28. According to Yeoman, the hiking trip will replace a bouldering trip that had to be rescheduled for April 18. Registration opened Feb. 16.
“In general, we see a lot of incredible things in nature,” Yeoman said. “From bald eagles to waterfalls, our trips do not lack beauty.”
One of the most popular trips each semester, according to Yeoman, is to Washington, D.C., where students are given free range of the types of activities they wish to do. SA has offered the Washington, D.C., excursion longer than any other trip. The trip provides an opportunity for those with a wide range of interests to do something they enjoy.
The Washington, D.C., trip will be held March 28. Registration opens March 16.
Another trip that many have to look forward to is the white water rafting trip to New River, West Virginia. Held April 10 and 11, this two-day trip offers students the chance to spend a night in a cabin and enjoy the rapids all afternoon the next day.
“Students get the opportunity to paddle the New River, which has some of the nation’s best commercial rapids,” Yeoman said.
Every precaution is taken in order to ensure each guest has a safe trip.
“We have a very experienced staff with credentials ranging from EMT and wilderness first responder to swift water rescue,” Yeoman said.
SA will also provide the opportunity for horseback riding March 21 and kayaking and canoeing April 11 and April 18.
The number of openings for each trip is dependent on the how many individuals can be accommodated. Most trips allow for 14 registered guests, while the trip to Washington, D.C., provides space for 150 people and the white water rafting trip has 30 openings. Due to the popularity of each trip, they tend to sell out quickly. Yeoman warns that most trips sell out within two days of registration opening.
More information on SA events can be found at liberty.edu/campusrec/studentactivities.
YOUNG is a feature reporter.