Banff
Festival of Mountain Films OA Office: The
Armory, 8-3552
Trip Sign-ups: Clio Hall, 2nd Floor
Equipment Room: 48 University Place, 8-6417
Climbing Wall: The Armory
Trip Hotline: 8-6417
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.
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 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.
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.
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/).
We have just restructured on of the best outdoor education sites on the web to make it easier to find whatever information you need. You can access the OA Home Page directly at (www.princeton.edu/~oa/).
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, February 16, 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
Wednesday, February 24, 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
Monday, March 8, 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
Tuesday, March 9, 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
Sunday, March 14, 7:30 – 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
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 Monday, March 15 from 7:00 – 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 $12 at the door ($8.00 for students). Proceeds go to support summer camp scholarships for inner city youth at the Princeton-Blairstown Center.
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 17, from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in Robertson Hall Bowl 6. Free and open to the public. For more information check out the OA Guide to Outdoor and Environmental Careers.
The OA Climbing Wall is a great place for everyone from 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 6 from 1:00 - 5:00 PM. Skilled OA instructors will be on hand to coach you. Families with children are welcome. Wear warm clothing.
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
Tuesdays, 8:00 - 10:00 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.
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 during each day of regular Wall hours on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or 8:30 PM on Tuesday. 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.
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-hours 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).
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 11, 16, 18, 23, and 25 with a day rock climbing field trip to the Philadelphia Rock Gym on Saturday, February 27. Course fee: Students $65.00, faculty/staff $90.00 (plus Philadelphia Rock Gym day use fee).
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 March 2, 4, 23, and 25 with a day field trip on Sunday, March 28 to practice top rope set-up at a local climbing area. Participants must have completed the Beginners Rock Climbing Course or be competent with basic climbing and belaying skills. Course fee: students $65.00, OA Leaders $35.00, faculty/staff $90.00.
Take a break from studying with an afternoon of rock climbing at the Philadelphia Rock Gym, Sunday, February 21. The Gym has 10,000 ft2 of wall space and 35 ft high walls with overhangs, roofs, and aretes. Outdoor Action will provide transportation and instruction for the afternoon, 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. All participants should take a free belay class at OA’s climbing wall before the trip if you’ve never belayed before so that you do not need to pay for one at the Gym. Belay classes are taught at 5:00 PM during each day of regular Wall hours in the Armory (see Wall hours above). Bring lunch and comfortable clothing. Course fee: $5 plus the entrance fee at the Gym ($12, or $6 for Wall staff) and rental costs for climbing shoes ($5) and harness ($2) if you don't have your own.
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 11 from 7:30 – 8:30 PM in McCosh 66 or Sunday, February 14 from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in McCosh 66. (60 minutes) Free and open to the public.
Beginners Kayaking Eskimo Roll Classes
It may be too cold to 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 of 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 11 from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in McCosh 66 or Sunday, February 14 from 4:30 – 5:30 PM in McCosh 66. For the class meet at the Dillon Pool. Course fee: students $50.00, faculty/staff $70.00.
7:30 - 9:00 PM on Sunday nights February 14, 21, 28 and March 8.
9:00 - 10:30 PM on Sunday nights February 14, 21, 28 and March 8
Nothing can quite compare with crawling out of a snow shelter on 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 23, from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in Robertson Hall Bowl 2. Free and open to the public.
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. Backcountry snowshoeing techniques will be taught. The trip will be held on Saturday, February 27. Trip fee: students $10.00, faculty/staff $13.00.
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 2, from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in McCosh 64. Free and open to the public.
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 13
Cross-country Skiing Trip - Saturday, February 20
Cross-country Skiing Trip - Saturday, February 27
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 Thursday, February 11 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in McCosh 66. (60 minutes) This will provide a good introduction for anyone interested in going on the Introduction to Telemark Skiing trip on February 14. Free and open to the public.
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. Join us on Tuesday, March 2 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in McCosh 66. (90 minutes) These videos are recommended to anyone interested in going on the Novice Telemark Skiing trip on March 6. Free and open to the public.
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 24 from 7:30 – 9:00 PM in McCosh 66. (60 minutes) Free and open to the public.
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. Outdoor Action is offering an introduction to Telemark skiing on Sunday, February 14. We will go to a local ski area for the day so bring lunch. Trip Fee: students $15.00, faculty/staff $20.00 plus the cost of the lift ticket (~$35-$40). This 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).
This trip is open to those who participated in the Telemark Skiing I or have other Telemark skiing experience. This is a trip that is meant to build on techniques taught in the Telemark Skiing I class. 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 6 (weather permitting). Trip Fee: students $15.00, faculty/staff $20.00 plus the cost of the 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).
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 20, from 2:30 - 4:30 PM. Cancelled 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.
Project Learning Tree is giving a hands-on training on teaching environmental education activities, Friday, February 19 at the Princeton-Blairstown Center in Blairstown, NJ. This is a free seminar being offered to educators and facilitators. Using Project Learning Tree’s methods, "students learn how to think, not what to think, about our complex environment while having fun learning." If you have questions or would like to sign up, call the OA office 8-3552 or the Princeton-Blairstown Center at 1-888-344-9763. The seminar will be held from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Bring your own lunch or have a buffet lunch at the PBC lodge for $5.80.
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. Outdoor Action is working to expand community service and is looking for individuals who would like to help organize projects with local agencies and organizations. If you are interested call the OA office (8-3552). To find out about OA’s Community Service Volunteer Training see the Leader Training section below.
LAMP -
Leadership Among Multicultural Persons This is our third 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.
We often look for volunteers to help with single-day events such as playing initiative games with Princeton area children during Communiversity in April or hosting a child or teenager from Trenton for an on-campus activity. These events require minimal commitment but can be very helpful and rewarding. If you are interested in being contacted to help with these types of activities, sign up on the Community Service Interest List by Monday, February 15.
The facilitators workshop will teach group games, problem solving and iniative activities, and basic facilitation and debriefing techniques. Facilitation is a crucial skill for working with any group of people. It is an 8-hour workshop offered on both Saturday, February 13 and Saturday, March 13 from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The location will be announced at a later date. There is no fee for this workshop. Sign up at Clio Hall.
Outdoor Action, Community House, and the Student Volunteers Council are co-sponsoring a series of workshops for students and others involved in community service. Workshops will be offered on such topics as managing behavior with urban youth, working with individuals with learning and other disabilities, and how to be an effective mentor. These workshops together with the Facilitators workshop will provide a solid base of understanding for working as a community service volunteer. Join us on Saturday, February 27 from 10:45 AM - 2:00 PM in Murray Dodge Hall. Lunch provided. There is no fee for these workshops. Sign up at Clio Hall. Workshops:
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.
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 Saturday, March 13 – Tuesday, March 16 (pre-trip preparation and packing on Friday, March 12). 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. 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 (8-9786) or Jon Kent-Uritam (8-9718). Trip fee: students $95.00, faculty/staff $130.00. Sign-up deadline: Monday, March 1.
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: Monday, March 1. Dates for the trips are as follows:
Backpacking Trip - Saturday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 16
Backpacking Trip - Thursday, March 18 - Sunday, March 21
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 6-8 miles each day. Equipment will be provided by OA. Trip dates will be Saturday, March 13 - Tuesday, March 16. Trip fee: students $85.00, faculty/staff $110.00. Sign-up deadline: Monday, March 1.
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 18 - Sunday, March 21. Trip fee: graduate students $85.00, faculty/staff $110.00. Sign-up deadline: Monday, March 1.
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.
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 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 trip will meet for a full day of pre-trip classes on Saturday, March 13 and then will head out on a 5-day backpacking trip on Sunday, March 14. Trip participants will plan all aspects of the trip: including route, food, and equipment, and each participant is required to research and teach a class on a particular wilderness topic. The text for the course will be The Backpacker’s Field Manual, written by Outdoor Action and published by Random House. 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 26. Trip dates:
Saturday, March 13 - Thursday, March 18
(Final trip preparation begins Friday afternoon)
New this year is the OA Leader Training Fast Track option. In order to participate in the fast track option you must have already completed Wilderness First Aid and CPR (see below). The remainder of the OA Leader Training workshops will be offered at the beginning of Spring Break followed by the Leader Training Trip the second half of spring break. This schedule allows you to easily complete your OA Leader Training Requirements in 6 weeks. Here is the schedule:
Sign up on the OA Bulletin Board in Clio Hall. Trip fee: students $85.00, faculty/staff $110.00 which includes The Backpacker’s Field Manual. Participants must sign up by Friday, February 26.
For those interested in making long range plans, the last set of Backpacking Leader Training Courses for this year will begin with weekly classes in mid-April with the final trip occurring during "Dead Week," Saturday, May 22 - Wednesday, May 26. This will be the last Leader Training Course for the academic year.
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.
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 dates will be:
Sunday, February 14, 1:30 - 5:30 PM, 219 East Pyne
Wednesday, March 3, 7:30 - 11:00 PM, 219 East Pyne
Please see the description of this program above. Sign up at the OA Office. The seminar will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, February 16, 7:30 – 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
Wednesday, February 24, 7:30 – 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
Monday, March 8, 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
Tuesday, March 9, 7:30 – 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
Sunday, March 14, 7:30 – 9:30 PM, McCosh 64
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 16, 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).
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 Saturday, February 13 or Saturday, March 13 from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM in Aaron Burr 110. This workshop is open to anyone interested in developing their skills in working with groups. There is no fee for this 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 workshops will be held on Sunday, February 28 and Sunday, March 14, from 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM in Room 110 in Aaron Burr. 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.
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 in the Armory. The OA Library List is posted at the Outdoor Action Web Site. You can browse the title list by subject.
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).
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.
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 Frosh Trip Coordinators to work full-time from the end of exams through the Frosh Trip. 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. The job is 12 weeks of work with 1 week off. Your other week of vacation will be spent in Colorado helping with the Mt. Princeton Climb for which all expenses are paid. 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. The applications are due on Friday, March 6.
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 Low Ropes Course Facilitator training and Climbing Wall experience preferred. 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. If you are interested in working with OA over the summer, please get an application at the OA Office or from the OA Web Site (www.princeton.edu/~oa/oajobs.html). Due Date: Applications are available at the OA Office an are due by Friday, March 6.
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, or stop by at the Armory. Additional information is available on 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.
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 1 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Tuesday, February 2 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Armory |
| Wednesday, February 3 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Friday, February 5 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, February 6 | OA CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOUSE 1:00 – 5:00 PM, Armory |
| Monday, February 8 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Tuesday, February 9 | OUTDOOR ACTION OPEN HOUSE 7:00 – 10:00 PM, Whig Hall Lounge CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Armory |
| Wednesday, February 10 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, AO7 Jadwin Hall. |
| Thursday, February 11 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory THE KAYAK ESKIMO ROLL VIDEO 7:30 - 8:30 PM, McCosh 66 LEARNING TO TELEMARK SKI VIDEO 7:30 – 9:00 PM, McCosh 66 HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, A07 Jadwin Hall. |
| Friday, February 12 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, February 13 | LEARN TO CROSS-COUNTRY SKI DAY FACILITATOR’S WORKSHOP 9:00 – 5:30 PM, Location TBA |
| Sunday, February 14 | TELEMARK SKIING I DAY TRIP 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 15 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A07, Jadwin Hall. |
| Tuesday, February 16 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory VAN DRIVER TRAINING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, McCosh 66 HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A07, Jadwin Hall CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Armory |
| Wednesday, February 17 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory FINDING OUTDOOR & ENVIRONMENTAL JOBS WORKSHOP 7:30 – 9:00 PM, Robertson Hall Bowl AVALANCHE AWARENESS VIDEOS 7:30 - 9:00 PM, McCosh 66 HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Thursday, February 18 | 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 19 | PROJECT LEARNING TREE SEMINAR 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Princeton-Blairstown Center, Blairstown, NJ CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, February 20 | CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRIP NATURE IN WINTER WALK 2:30 – 4:30 PM, Institute Woods CLIMBING FOR BEGINNERS 2:00 – 5:00 PM, The Armory |
| Sunday, February 21 | PHILADELPHIA ROCK GYM CLIMBING TRIP 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM BEGINNERS KAYAKING ESKIMO ROLL CLASSES 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool 9:00 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, February 22 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Tuesday, February 23 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A07, Jadwin Hall WINTER CAMPING SEMINAR 7:30 – 9:00 PM, Robertson Hall Bowl 2 CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Armory |
| Wednesday, February 24 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory SAFETY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64 HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Thursday, February 25 | BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Friday, February 26 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, February 27 | WINTER HIKING DAY TRIP BEGINNERS ROCK CLIMBING COURSE DAY TRIP |
| Sunday, February 28 | LEADERSHIP & GROUP DYNAMICS WORKSHOP 9:00 AM- 5:30 PM, Location TBA CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING DAY TRIP BEGINNERS KAYAKING ESKIMO ROLL CLASSES 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool 9:00 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, March 1 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION A 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Tuesday, March 2 | TOP ROPE CLIMBING TECHNIQUES COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory HYPOTHERMIA & COLD WEATHER INJURIES SEMINAR 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Robertson Hall Bowl 1 ADVANCED TELEMARK & BACKCOUNTRY SKIING VIDEO 7:30 – 9:00 PM, McCosh 62 HEART WILDERNESS FIRST AID COURSE SECTION B 7:30 - 10:30 PM, Room A07, Jadwin Hall CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 8:00 – 10:00 PM, Armory |
| Wednesday, March 3 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Thursday, March 4 | TOP ROPE CLIMBING TECHNIQUES COURSE 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Friday, March 5 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| Saturday, March 6 | TELEMARK SKIING II DAY TRIP |
| Sunday, March 7 | BEGINNERS KAYAKING ESKIMO ROLL CLASSES 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool 9:00 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, March 8 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory OUTDOOR SAFETY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64 |
| Tuesday, March 9 | OUTDOOR SAFETY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64 CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Armory |
| Wednesday, March 10 | CLIMBING WALL OPEN HOURS 4:30 – 6:30 PM, Armory |
| SPRING BREAK | |
| Saturday, March 13 – Tuesday, March 16 |
BACKPACKING TRIP OA & WOMEN’S CENTER BACKPACKING TRIP BEGINNERS WINTER CAMPING TRIP |
| Saturday, March 13 - Thursday, March 18 | BACKPACKING LEADER TRAINING TRIP |
| Saturday, March 13 - Sunday, March 21 | FAST TRACK BACKPACKING LEADER TRAINING TRIP |
| Saturday, March 13 | FACILITATORS WORKSHOP 9:00 – 5:30 PM, Location TBA |
| Sunday, March 14 | LEADERSHIP AND GROUP DYNAMICS WORKSHOP 9:00 – 5:30 PM, Liberation Hall, The Third World Center SAFETY MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP 7:30 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 64 |
| Monday, March 15 | BANFF FESTIVAL OF FILMS 7:00 - 9:30 PM, McCosh 10 |
| Tuesday, March 16 - Sunday, March 21 |
BACKPACKING LEADER TRAINING TRIP |
| Thursday, March 18 - Sunday, March 21 |
BACKPACKING TRIP GRADUATE STUDENT BACKPACKING TRIP |