Outdoor Recreation has a long history at Iowa State.

Jerry Rupert, coordinator of the outdoor rec program, said “This program has been here for 42 years. Like many similar programs around the country, we pretty much started out of a closet. … We’ve gone from a basic rental program to a larger operation focused on leader development and outdoor skill teaching”.

After the recent State Gym overhaul, the Outdoor Recreation Program occupies a new facility, complete with a warehouse jam packed with top-shelf gear and a 40-foot rock-climbing wall, all of which can be rented and used. There is also a smaller rock-climbing wall at Lied Athletic Center, used exclusively for bouldering.

The program, which is operated both by the university and upon funds by paying customers, offers a plethora of services to both students and citizens alike — ranging anywhere from equipment rental to week long expeditions at adventure destinations all across the country.

For people new to the outdoor lifestyle who are looking to gain or expand skills, there are learning opportunities being offered by Outdoor Recreation.

Rachel Peterson, an employee at Outdoor Recreation said, “We offer community workshops, where we teach people how to kayak, rock climb, among many other things.”

Many employees work for the program not only for a wage, but more importantly, for learning opportunities.

“We pride ourselves on teaching people to become leaders and helping them learn outdoor skills. … While the school will teach you the academics you need for a career, we will teach you about life.” Rupert said.

Throughout the year, Outdoor Recreation employees plan and organize many different trips for customers, some being short weekend outings, and some being fully fledged weeklong expeditions. Past trips have been kayaking in Alaska, backpacking the Appalachian Trial in Maine, caving in Mammoth Cave, canoeing the Rio Grande river in Texas and surfing in California, to name a few.

The organized trips are very popular among students and Ames residents.

Mattie McDowell reflected upon her trip to the Rio Grande River in Texas this spring break.

“One day we took a break from canoeing and jumped off some cliffs into the water, which was so cool,” she said. “Personally, what made the trip most memorable to me was getting to know the other people who went on the trip. They were awesome”.

Trips are offered at a single price, which includes all expenses of the trip — transportation, equipment and food. For the benefit of the more inexperienced adventurer, trips are led by the Outdoor Recreation employees, who have a considerable amount of expertise in outdoor activities.

Students are more than encouraged to take advantage of the Outdoor Recreation Program.

Employee Benjamin Dennis, junior in marketing, said, “Our program is one of the best in the United States simply because we have responsible employees who love their jobs and do everything in their power to make sure that by the end of your trip or workshop, you had a life changing experience.”