Groups team up for adventure

Two of Bloomington's biggest outdoor activity organizers, Bloomington Parks and Recreation and IU Outdoor Adventures, have teamed up to provide the chance to expand opportunities for IU students and members of the Bloomington community. The groups have come together for the first time to sponsor two fall outdoor adventure trips they hope will reach IU students and Bloomington community members alike. \nThe first joint excursion on Sept. 19-21 was filled to capacity, and leaders are already looking forward to a good turnout for their next joint venture. Seven people have already signed up for Whitewater Canoeing on the Cumberland River, Ky., scheduled for October 17-19. The registration deadline is Oct. 10. \n"Students can expect to face pretty challenging whitewater conditions and have a really fun time together," said Greg Martz, program coordinator for IU Outdoor Adventures. \nTravelers will have the opportunity to canoe on a Class II/III river and face solid rapids and drops. Participants work as a group, from camping to cooking to cleaning. Martz said participants' only responsibilities are to be willing and active team members, assume liability for the risk involved, and come with a good attitude. \nAlong with whitewater canoeing, a backpacking trip to the Shawnee National Forest, Ill., was offered in September. \nFreshman James Coulter and Junior Rachel Jacobson both participated in the first backpacking trip. Coulter simply wanted to try something new and said the backpacking trip was a good way to get involved. Jacobson signed up so she could learn skills and techniques of backpacking. Over the course of the weekend, Coulter and Jacobson, along with the rest of the group, hiked, saw ancient rock formations, built campfires and learned about the "Leaving No Trace" idea, which is the making the area someone's been look like it hasn't been touched. Jacobsen said it was great to see people caring about the environment. \nBloomington Parks and Recreation and IU Outdoor Adventures came together this summer when Martz met with Michael Simmons, the adult program specialist for Bloomington Parks and Recreation. Martz said he hoped to expand IU's program to reach people outside of campus. \n"Some people in town don't want to come on campus," Martz said. \nSimmons said the Parks and Recreation Department is always looking for partnerships in the community to increase their program capabilities. By working together, Bloomington Parks and Recreation can concentrate on promoting and taking reservations for trips, and IU Outdoor Adventures can handle the logistics, including providing staff and equipment. Both groups worked together to decide which trips to co-sponsor.\n"We tried to decide which ones would be the most appealing to our participants," Simmons said.\nMartz and Simmons also decided to co-sponsor two outings during the winter and spring season: a cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trip and a rafting trip. \nJacobsen said the joint trips are a way to meet people from all over and to enjoy nature.\n"I would not miss the opportunity to take part in them," Jacobsen said. "I want to do everything on the list." \n-- Contact staff writer Hannah Schroder at hschrode@indiana.edu.