February - March, 1998
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February - March, 1998 |
|
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. Princeton Blairstown Center offers experiential and OA runs a wide variety of wilderness oriented trips, seminars, and training courses throughout the year that are open to all students, faculty, and staff. Here’s just some of what OA has to offer. For more details on OA activities jump to OA Activities.
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/).
Sacred Mountains of the World - An Illustrated Presentation by Edwin Bernbaum: Join us for this stunning presentation on Tuesday, February 3 at 7:30 PM in McCormick 101. As the highest and most dramatic features of the natural landscape, mountains have come to reflect the highest and most central values of cultures throughout the world. Mount Sinai occupies a special place in the Bible as the imposing site where Moses received the Ten Commandments, the basis of law and ethics in Western civilization. The remote Himalayan peak of Mount Kailas, rising aloof above the Tibetan Plateau, directs the minds of millions of Hindus and Buddhists toward the utmost attainments of spiritual liberation. For many in the modern world, Mount Everest symbolizes the highest goal they may strive to attain, whether their pursuit be material or spiritual.
In an inspiring presentation illustrated with striking slides, Edwin Bernbaum uses an evocative blend of adventure and personal anecdotes to explore the symbolism and significance of mountains worldwide. Drawing on research for his award-winning book, Sacred Mountains of the World, he highlights the many diverse roles that mountains play in the history, myth, religion, literature, and art of cultures around the world. Along the way, he delves into the spiritual dimensions of mountaineering and the contemporary appreciation of wilderness. In particular, he shows how the sense of wonder and awe evoked by mountains has inspired the modern environmental movement and has led traditional societies to preserve biodiversity and to protect the natural landscape. The presentation includes the dramatic account of an avalanche he was caught in on Annapurna, one of the highest and most sacred peaks in the Himalayas.
Edwin Bernbaum, Ph.D., is a mountaineer, author, lecturer, and scholar of comparative religion and mythology doing research on the relationship between culture and the environment. His book, Sacred Mountains of the World, won the Commonwealth Club’s gold medal for best work of nonfiction and an Italian award for literature of mountaineering, exploration, and the environment. A photographic exhibit of his, based on the book, was on display at the Smithsonian Institution and will be at the American Museum of Natural History. He has lectured widely to audiences such as: the Smithsonian Institution, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, and the National Geographic Society. A Senior Fellow at The Mountain Institute and a Research Associate at the University of California at Berkeley, he sits on the Board of Directors of the American Himalayan Foundation and is a member of the World Commission on Protected Areas of the IUCN or World Conservation Union, working on the policy implications of sacred mountains for environmental and cultural preservation. A former instructor at the Colorado Outward Bound School, he is also a member of the American Alpine Club and has climbed, trekked, and done research in mountains throughout the world.
Grace Under Pressure - The Kayak Eskimo Roll: The Eskimo roll is an essential skill for kayakers, whether you tour on open water, sea kayak, or whitewater. This video gives step-by-step instructions on how to master the roll including excellent underwater photography. Join us Thursday, February 12 from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in McCosh 66 or Sunday, February 15 from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in McCosh 66. (60 minutes) Free and open to the public.
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:
Wednesday, February 25, 7:30 – 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
Thursday, March 5, from 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 62
Banff Festival of Mountain
Films: For the past 22 years The Banff Festival of Mountain Films has
showcased the best mountain and outdoor films from all over the world. We are pleased to
offer a one-night showing of two hours of the best of this year’s festival on
Wednesday, March 4 from 7:30 – 9:30 PM in McCosh 10. This program is jointly
co-sponsored with Blue Ridge Mountain Sports (The Nickel) at the Princeton Shopping
Center. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door ($8.00 for students). Proceeds go to
support summer camp scholarships for inner city youth at the Princeton Blairstown Center.
Finding Outdoor & Environmental Jobs Workshop: Many people who enjoy the outdoors look for ways that they can integrate the outdoors into their career. Outdoor and environmental careers can include leading trips for Outward Bound or NOLS, doing environmental advocacy work, environmental attorney, public policy, environmental engineering, etc. This workshop will provide information on the broad range of careers available, resources for finding job leads, and skills required. The workshop will be held on Wednesday, February 18, from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in McCosh 4. Free and open to the public. For more information check out the OA Guide to Outdoor and Environmental Careers.
Outdoor & Environmental Careers Panel: When you are looking for a career that includes the outdoors or the environment, it’s best to talk to people in the know. OA is sponsoring an Outdoor & Environmental Alumni Careers Panel as part of the Alumni Day activities on Saturday, February 21, from 2:30 - 4:00 PM in Robertson Hall Bowl 2. Free and open to the public. For more information check out the OA Guide to Outdoor and Environmental Careers. On hand will be a number of Princeton alumnae to talk about what they do and answer questions, including:
These free OA Workshops will teach you the fundamentals of safe travel in the winter. Whether you are a cross-country skier, downhill skier, snowboarder, Telemark skier, snowshoer, winter camper, you will enhance your ability to travel safely in the winter environment.
Learning to Telemark Ski: If you are interested in learning how to Telemark ski (downhill skiing on cross-country skis) then join OA for The Telemark Movie, an excellent video on basic and intermediate Telemark skiing skills on Wednesday, February 18 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in McCosh 66. (60 minutes) Free and open to the public.
Avalanche Awareness & Avalanche Rescue Beacon Videos: Backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers all need to understand the dynamics of avalanches. People in the western states are much more aware of avalanche hazards but last winters tragic avalanche deaths on Mount Washington in New Hampshire show just how dangerous avalanches can be. Learn the basics of safe travel in avalanche terrain, how to interpret topography and how to use avalanche beacons for backcountry rescue. Join us on Wednesday, February 25 from 7:30 – 9:00 PM in McCosh 66. (60 minutes) Free and open to the public.
Winter Travel 1 - Winter Camping Seminar: Nothing can quite compare with crawling out of an snow shelter into a brilliant sunny day in a snow-covered wilderness, putting on your skis or snowshoes, and heading out. Winter camping is a very specialized outdoor skill requiring extensive knowledge of equipment, trip planning, weather, travel skills, and knowledge of environmental hazards. The seminar will cover how to prepare for a winter camping trip—personal clothing, group equipment, food planning, winter travel and camping, snow shelters, obtaining water in the winter, ice crossings, and minimal impact camping. Extensive notes will be distributed. The seminar will be held on Tuesday, February 24, from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in Robertson Hall Room 3. Free and open to the public.
Winter Travel 2 - Hypothermia & Cold Weather Injuries Seminar: If you travel in the winter time, whether downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, or winter camping, you need to understand your body’s physiological responses to cold. This seminar will cover the causes, recognition, and treatment of the major cold-related injuries: hypothermia, frostnip, and frostbite. The program does not assume any prior first aid training, yet will cover these topics in depth. Extensive notes will be distributed. This program is highly recommended to anyone engaging in outdoor winter sports. The program will be held on Tuesday, March 3 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in Robertson Hall Bowl 1. Free and open to the public.
Advanced Telemark & Backcountry Skiing Videos: Join us for two excellent instructional videos on advanced Telemark Skiing for the Backcountry, Beyond the Groomed and Revenge of the Telemarkers. If you are working on expanding your Telemark skills, these are filled with the tips you need to improve. Joins us on Thursday, March 5 at from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in McCosh 62. (90 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.
OA Climbing Wall Open House: The OA Climbing Wall is a great place for beginners to experts to learn and develop their skills. Come down for a free afternoon of climbing at the Climbing Wall Open House on Saturday, February 7 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM. Skilled OA instructors will be on hand to coach you. Families with children are welcome. Wear warm clothes.
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 3-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 February 10, 12, 17, and 19 with a day Rock Climbing Field trip to the Philadelphia Rock Gym on Saturday, February 21. Course fee: Students $65.00, faculty/staff $90.00 (plus Philadelphia Rock Gym day use fee).
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 February 24, 26,
and March 3 and 5 with a day field trip on Sunday, March 29 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.
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.
Come help us create and develop this unique educational program. FIT will meet every other week on Tuesday evenings from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Imani Church with several field trips on weekends. The program will meet on February 3, 17, March 3, 17, April 7, and 21. There will be a Saturday field trips from 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM on March 7 and April 4. We will be having a FIT Volunteers informational meeting for all interested students on Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 PM in the West Room of Murray Dodge. If you are unable to attend, please 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. We will be having an informational meeting for all interested students on Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 PM in the West Room of Murray Dodge. If you are interested in working with this exciting project, sign up at the OA Office on the second floor of Clio Hall.
For more information on other Winter Activities check out the OA Guide to Winter Camping and the OA Guide to Hypothermia & Cold Weather Injuries.
Cross-country
Skiing Day Trips: Cross-country skiing is a wonderful way to explore the winter
wilderness and a great form of exercise. OA will offer day cross-country skiing trips to
local trails in New Jersey or ski touring centers in the Poconos or southern New York (weather and snow conditions permitting). Basic
skiing skills will be taught for beginners and intermediate skiers will be able to kick
and glide up a storm. Participants should bring appropriate warm clothing and lunch. Trip fee: students $15.00, faculty/staff $20.00 which
includes ski equipment ($5.00 discount if you have your own skis). If the group goes to a
ski touring center, there will be an additional trail fee (~$10.00). The trips are
scheduled on:
Learn to Cross-country Ski Day - Saturday, February 14
Cross-country Skiing Trip - Saturday, February 21
Cross-country Skiing Trip - Saturday, February 28
NATO
Telemark Skiing Clinic: If you are an experienced cross-country skier, then you
may be interested in heading into the backcountry and going downhill. To do this you need
to learn the Telemark turn, the fundamental turn for downhill cross-country skiing. The
North American Telemark Organization (NATO), the largest Telemark Instruction Program in
the country, is offering a one-day Telemark Skiing Clinic at the Campgaw Ski Area in
Mahwah, NJ on Sunday, February 22. Trip Fee:
students $80.00, faculty/staff $100.00 which includes backcountry ski equipment ($5.00
discount if you have your own backcountry or Telemark skis. Please note that you must have
backcountry skis with metal edges and stiff boots, regular touring skis are not sufficient
for this class).
Intermediate Telemark Skiing Trip: Telemark skiing is about going downhill, so the best way to practice your technique is to go to a downhill ski area, ride the lifts, and get in as many training runs as you can. This trip is open to those who participated in the Telemark Skiing Primer or have other Telemark skiing experience. This is not a trip for first time Telemark skiers. We will go to a local ski area for the day so bring lunch and prepare to put a burn on your quads on Saturday, March 7 (weather permitting). Trip Fee: students $15.00, faculty/staff $20.00 and you will need to pay for your lift ticket (~$35–$40). Trip fee includes backcountry ski equipment ($5.00 discount if you have your own backcountry or Telemark skis. Please note that you must have backcountry skis with metal edges and stiff boots, regular touring skis are not sufficient for this class).
Beginners Kayaking Eskimo Roll Classes: It may be too cold paddle outside, but winter in the pool is an excellent time to learn kayaking. Beginners will learn the Eskimo Roll and basic strokes. There will be two Beginners classes. Only sign-up if you can attend all the classes. Space is limited by the number of kayaks we have. Participants will be selected off an interest list. Preference will be given to those who have previously taken an OA kayaking class. Participants are required to attend one of the Eskimo Roll Videos on Thursday, February 12 from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in McCosh 66 or Sunday, February 15 from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in McCosh 66. Course fee: students $50.00, faculty/staff $70.00.
7:30 - 9:00 PM on Sunday nights February 15, 22 and March 1 and 8.
9:00 - 10:30 PM on Sunday nights February 15, 22 and March 1 and 8
Nature in Winter Walk: Even in the midst of winter, life carries on. This guided walk through the Institute Woods, led by experienced naturalists, will explore the diversity of plant and animal life signs during the winter. The walk will be held on Saturday, February 21, from 2:30 - 4:30 PM. Canceled if raining. Please wear warm clothing. A van will be leaving from the Dillon Gym parking lot promptly at 2:15 PM or participants can meet at the Institute for Advanced Study parking lot at 2:30 PM. Sign up at the OA Office. As part of the celebration of Alumni Day, there is no fee for this trip.
Winter Hiking (Snowshoeing) Day Trip: Hiking in the
winter opens up a new season for exploring the wilderness. This is an opportunity to build
on your three-season hiking experience. The trip will utilize hiking trails in northern
New Jersey and focus on learning proper winter hiking techniques. If there is snow, the
trip will use snowshoes and backcountry snowshoeing techniques will also be taught. The
trip will be held on Saturday, February 28. Trip fee:
students $10.00, faculty/staff $13.00.
Outdoor Action will be running a variety of activities during spring break. These trips offer an opportunity to take a break from academics and enjoy the spring. There will also be several Leader Training Courses offered. See the Leader Training section below.
Cross-country Skiing Hut to Hut in Vermont: For intermediate cross-country skiers this three-day backcountry skiing trip on the Catamount Trail in Vermont offers an opportunity to expand your skiing skills to backcountry conditions and also learn basic winter camping skills while skiing through the beautiful Vermont north woods. We will be skiing from cabin to cabin along the Catamount Trail. Join us for this exciting winter adventure Sunday, March 15 – Tuesday, March 17 (pre-trip preparation and packing on Saturday, March 14). You must have previous cross-country skiing experience and be comfortable skiing out-of-track. You will need to ski with a pack on to carry your gear. Most specialized winter equipment and skis will be provided by OA. Persons interested in participating must attend the Winter Camping Seminar and the Hypothermia and Cold Weather Injuries Seminar or obtain the workshop notes from OA (also available on the OA Web Site). If you have questions about your skill level, please talk with the co-chairs of the Winter Committee, Aaron Harnly (8-9724) or Eliot Kent-Uritam (8-7022). Trip fee: students $85.00, faculty/staff $120.00. Sign-up deadline: Friday, March 6.
Beginners Winter Camping Trip: Snowshoeing through
the deep forest, cooking on the snow, and sleeping in a snow cave are part of the special
magic of camping in the winter. The 3,000-foot peaks of the Appalachian Trail in
Massachusetts near Mount Greylock, serves as a spectacular backdrop for this Beginners
Winter Camping Trip offered from Thursday, March 19 – Sunday, March 22 (pre-trip
preparation and packing on Wednesday, March 18). Winter camping is a demanding physical
activity that builds on three season camping skills. Therefore, this trip is open only to those who have been on a previous OA
backpacking trip (such as the OA Frosh Trip) or who have other backpacking experience. The
trip will teach a broad range of winter camping skills, including snowshoeing, snow
shelter construction, and basic winter travel skills. Most specialized winter equipment
will be provided by OA. The trip will be. Persons interested in participating must attend the Winter
Camping Seminar and the Hypothermia and Cold Weather Injuries
Seminar or obtain the workshop notes from OA (also available on the OA Web Site). If
you have questions about your skill level, please talk with the co-chairs of the Winter
Committee, Aaron Harnly (8-9724) or Eliot Kent-Uritam (8-7022). Trip fee: students $95.00, faculty/staff $130.00. Sign-up deadline: Friday, March 6.
Backpacking Trips: Early spring is a special time in
the Shenandoah Mountains in northern Virginia as the forest emerges from winter. The 3,000
- 4,000 foot peaks of the Shenandoahs provide great hiking and beautiful vistas to the
valleys below. OA is offering several 4-day backpacking trips to the Appalachian Trail in
Shenandoah National Park over spring break. Each trip will cover 7-8 miles each day and
basic wilderness and minimal impact camping skills will be taught. Equipment will be
provided by OA. Trip fee: students $85.00,
faculty/staff $110.00. Sign-up deadline:
Friday, March 6. Dates for the trips are as follows:
Backpacking Trip - Saturday, March 14 - Tuesday, March 17
Backpacking Trip - Thursday, March 19 - Sunday, March 22
See also the special Backpacking Trips for Graduate Students, and the Women’s Center below.
OA & Women’s Center Backpacking Trip: This
is a special trip co-sponsored with the Women’s Center, which will focus on
women’s leadership issues in a wilderness setting. Like all OA trips, participants
will work together to manage the trip and will learn basic backpacking and leave no trace
camping skills. The trip will cover 7-8 miles each day. Equipment will be provided by OA.
Trip dates will be Saturday, March 14 - Tuesday, March 17. Trip
fee: students $85.00, faculty/staff $110.00. Sign-up
deadline: Friday, March 6.
Graduate Student Backpacking Trip: This trip is designed to provide an opportunity for graduate students to take a break from campus and explore the wilderness. The early spring views from the summits of the Shenandoah Mountains in Virginia are spectacular. The trip will cover 6-8 miles each day and basic wilderness and minimal impact camping skills will be taught. Equipment will be provided by OA. Trip dates trip will be Thursday, March 19 - Sunday, March 22. Trip fee: graduate students $85.00, faculty/staff $110.00. Sign-up deadline: Friday, March 6.
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.
Building Cross-cultural Communication Skills: Community Service volunteers often work with populations that experience the world very differently than we do. Learning to how different people communicate is essential in forging a positive relationship with your service clients. We are please to have Yvette Murray, Director of the CASE Program at Rutgers as our guest facilitator to help us learn how to more effectively communicate across cultural groups. This workshop is highly recommended for anyone involved in community service especially in working with urban youth. The workshop cosponsored with Community House, Princeton-Blairstown Center, and the Student Volunteers Council, will be held on Saturday, February 28 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Liberation Hall, Third World Center. There is no fee for this workshop. Advanced registration is required. Please sign up at the OA Office.
Managing Behavior with Youth at Risk: Developing an ongoing relationship with urban youth often means learning to set boundaries for appropriate behavior. For many, this is not an easy task and we often avoid the role of "disciplinarian" so that we can be "liked." However, many youth really need strong role models in their lives that will set boundaries and help them learn appropriate behavior. If you want to be a truly effective mentor, you need a real understanding about how to manage difficult behavior. This workshop, cosponsored with Community House, Princeton-Blairstown Center, and the Student Volunteers Council, will give you practical skills for handling those difficult situations. Join us on Thursday, February 19 from 7:00 – 9:00 PM, in Murray Dodge Hall. There is no fee for this workshop. Advanced registration is required. Please sign up at the OA Office.
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 both the first-half and the second-half of spring break. You will need to have completed all of the other OA Leader Requirements before spring break 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, February 13. Trip dates:
Saturday, March 14 - Wednesday, March 18
(Final trip preparation begins Friday afternoon)
Wednesday, March 18 - Sunday, March 22
(Final trip preparation begins Tuesday afternoon)
Future Backpacking Leader Training Courses: For those interested in making long range plans, the last set of Backpacking Leader Training Courses for this year will begin weekly classes in mid-April with the final trip occurring during "Dead Week," Saturday, May 23 - Wednesday, May 27. This will be the last Leader Training Course for the academic year.
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 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.
Adult CPR Courses: There will be a number of CPR courses offering certification in Adult CPR given by HEART (Health Education and Rescue Training). Course fee: students $16.00, faculty/staff $20.00. The course date will be:
Sunday, March 1, 1:30 - 5:30 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:
Wednesday, February 25, 7:30 – 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
Thursday, March 5, 7:30 - 9:30 PM in McCosh 64
Red Cross Safety First Day: The Princeton Chapter of the Red Cross and the Health Education Office at McCosh Health Center are sponsoring a Safety First Day on Saturday, February 28. The following classes will be offered:
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
2:00 – 5:00 PM
All classes are $5.00, a significant saving! You must pre-register and prepay for any class. Registration forms are available at the OA Office in Clio Hall, the Health Education Office in McCosh Health Center and the Health Fitness Center in Dillon Gym. The registration form will also be published in the Daily Princetonian. The registration deadline is Friday, February 20. For additional information contact the Health Education Office at 8-5036.
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 by calling Public Safety. The next Van Driver Training Class will be Tuesday, February 17, from 4:30 - 6:30 PM in McCosh 66. Additional Van Driver Training classes will be offered after spring break.
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 will be 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 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 Sunday, February 15 from 10:00 AM - 6:00 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 Sunday, March 1, 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 Outdoor and Environmental Careers Workshop and the Outdoor and Environmental Careers Panel above or the OA Guide to Outdoor & Environmental Careers on the Web.
Summer Jobs with Outdoor Action: The OA Frosh Trip is the largest program of it’s kind in the country. 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. Once again OA will hire two leaders to work full-time from the end of exams through the Frosh Trip (this amounts to 12 weeks of work with 2 weeks off). For anyone interested in logistics, equipment, management, and organization skills, this is a fascinating job. Logistics planning, route planning, menu planning, equipment inventory and ordering, trip assignments, researching new areas, etc. It’s a great learning opportunity for people interested in working in outdoor education. In addition, summer staff leads some day and weekend trips during the summer. It’s both a fun summer and extremely 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 will pay $3,000 for the summer with a $500 housing stipend. If you are interested in working with OA over the summer, please stop by the OA Office to pick up a summer job application.
Princeton-Blairstown Center: The Princeton-Blairstown Center has openings for summer staff in its summer camp program. Each summer PBC offers an outdoor adventure program for urban youth ages 10 - 17. This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to work in the outdoors. Persons interested should contact the Blairstown Office at 908-362-6765 for additional information and applications. Additional information is available at the OA Office or check out the Blairstown Web site.
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, February 2 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Tuesday, February 3 | FAMILIES IN TRAINING COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Trenton SACRED MOUNTAINS OF THE WORLD 7:30 PM, McCormick 101 |
| Wednesday, February 4 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Friday, February 6 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, February 7 | OA CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOUSE 1:00 – 5:00 PM, Armory |
| Monday, February 9 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Tuesday, February 10 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory OUTDOOR ACTION OPEN HOUSE 7:30 – 9:30 PM, Whig Hall Senate Chamber |
| Wednesday, February 11 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, McCosh 62 |
| Thursday, February 12 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory THE KAYAK ESKIMO ROLL VIDEO 4:30 - 5:30 PM, McCosh 66 FIT & LAMP COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS MEETING 7:00 PM, West Room Murray Dodge HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, 219 East Pyne |
| Friday, February 13 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, February 14 | LEARN TO CROSS-COUNTRY SKI DAY |
| Sunday, February 15 | FACILITATOR’S WORKSHOP 10:00 – 6:00 PM, Liberation Hall, Third World Center ADULT CPR COURSE 1:30 - 5:30 PM, East Pyne 219 THE KAYAK ESKIMO ROLL VIDEO 4:30 - 5:30 PM, McCosh 66 BEGINNERS KAYAKING ESKIMO ROLL CLASSES BEGIN 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool 9:00 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, February 16 | 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, February 17 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory VAN DRIVER TRAINING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, McCosh 66 FAMILIES IN TRAINING COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Trenton HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Wednesday, February 18 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory FINDING OUTDOOR & ENVIRONMENTAL JOBS WORKSHOP 7:30 – 9:30 PM, McCosh 4 LEARNING TO TELEMARK SKI VIDEO 7:30 – 9:00 PM, McCosh 66 HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Thursday, February 19 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Friday, February 20 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, February 21 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE FIELD TRIP CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRIP OUTDOOR & ENVIRONMENTAL CAREERS PANEL 2:30 – 4:00 PM, Robertson Hall Bowl 2 NATURE IN WINTER WALK 2:30 – 4:30 PM, Institute Woods |
| Sunday, February 22 | NATO TELEMARK SKIING CLINIC BEGINNERS KAYAKING ESKIMO ROLL CLASSES 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool 9:00 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, February 23 | 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, February 24 | 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 WINTER CAMPING SEMINAR 7:30 – 9:00 PM, Robertson Hall Room 3 |
| Wednesday, February 25 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory AVALANCHE AWARENESS VIDEOS 7:30 – 9:00 PM, McCosh 66 OUTDOOR SAFETY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP 7:30 – 9:30 PM, McCosh 64 HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Thursday, February 26 | 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 |
| Friday, February 27 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, February 28 | WINTER HIKING TRIP CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRIP DEVELOPING CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Liberation Hall, Third World Center RED CROSS FIRST AID & SAFETY DAY CLASSES 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday, March 1 | LEADERSHIP & GROUP DYNAMICS WORKSHOP 9:00 AM- 5:30 PM, Liberation Hall, Third World Center BEGINNERS KAYAKING ESKIMO ROLL CLASSES 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool 9:30 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, March 2 | 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, March 3 | TOP ROPE CLIMBING TECHNIQUES COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory FAMILIES IN TRAINING COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Trenton HYPOTHERMIA & COLD WEATHER INJURIES SEMINAR 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Robertson Hall Bowl 1 HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A09, Jadwin Hall |
| Wednesday, March 4 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory BANFF FESTIVAL OF MOUNTAIN FILMS 7:30 – 9:30 PM, McCosh 10 |
| Thursday, March 5 | TOP ROPE CLIMBING TECHNIQUES COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory OUTDOOR SAFETY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64 ADVANCED TELEMARK & BACKCOUNTRY SKIING VIDEO 7:30 – 9:00 PM, McCosh 62 |
| Friday, March 6 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, March 7 | TOP ROPE CLIMBING TECHNIQUES COURSE FIELD TRIP INTERMEDIATE TELEMARK SKIING TRIP FAMILIES IN TRAINING COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, Trenton |
| Sunday, March 8 | BEGINNERS KAYAKING ESKIMO ROLL CLASSES 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool 9:00 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, March 9 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Wednesday, March 11 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
SPRING BREAK TRIPS |
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| Saturday, March 14 – Tuesday, March 17 |
BACKPACKING TRIP OA & WOMEN’S CENTER BACKPACKING TRIP |
| Sunday, March 15 – Tuesday, March 17 |
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING TRIP TO VERMONT |
| Tuesday, March 17 | FAMILIES IN TRAINING COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Trenton |
| Saturday, March 14 - Wednesday, March 18 | BACKPACKING LEADER TRAINING TRIP |
| Wednesday, March 18 - Sunday, March 22 |
BACKPACKING LEADER TRAINING TRIP |
| Thursday, March 19 - Sunday, March 22 |
BACKPACKING TRIP GRADUATE STUDENT BACKPACKING TRIP BEGINNERS WINTER CAMPING 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.