Outdoor Day moves inside

Different combinations of bulk rations carried along on a camping trip and cooked on a small outdoor stove usually bring to mind images of bland food, beans and perhaps some stew. \nBut for any student able to see Whitney Ward from the Recreation and Parks Department demonstrate outdoor cooking, the combination mentioned earlier would bring to mind delicious carrot and chocolate cakes. \n"I like to eat well, regardless of where I am at," Ward said, "And when cooking outdoors, you are only limited by your imagination."\nThe cooking section was just one of the tables demonstrating the various outdoor recreation and education programs offered at IU Wednesday at the Indiana Memorial Union. \nAlthough originally scheduled to be held in Dunn Meadow, Outdoor Day was moved indoors because of rainy weather. Despite the fact this may have slowed turnout for the event, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the representatives. \nFrom a table for the Conservation and Outdoor Recreation/Education Program, which trains students for outdoor leadership, to a table featuring the IU Outdoor Adventure Club, students with varied desires to go out and "rough it" could find the program suitable for them. \nAlso, students looking for an alternative to the usual Cancun or Panama City Beach spring breaks could find trips with IU Adventures, which are planned by students and feature activities such as whitewater rafting, mountain climbing and caving.\nThe most involved program featured was the CORE program, which is sponsored by the School of Heath, Physical Education and Recreation. Senior Zack Tennant, who is currently enrolled in the program, said CORE classes teach students everything from proper mountain climbing techniques to wilderness leadership courses. \nTennant said those who participate in CORE learn the skills they need for outdoor leadership jobs. He added that the CORE program does not spend loads of time in the classroom, with part of the program involving a trip to the wilderness in Colorado and Utah. \nJunior Jamie Crawford, another participant in CORE, said this excursion was amazing. \n"(It) definitely was not what I thought it would be," she said. "It was way better." \nCrawford said the toughest physical challenge was having to walk 30 miles through the Burr Desert in Utah in a span of two days. \n"During the walk we had to locate five or 6 gallon jugs of water placed throughout the desert after getting the coordinates from instructors," Tennant said. \nDespite the hardship, both participants said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience. \nAnother less extreme way for students to enjoy the outdoors is through the newly-revived Outdoor Adventure Club. Andy Deal, one of the club's members, said the club has been revived this semester after it had disbanded. Deal said the club has adopted a trail at Yellowwood Hiking and Trails and is planning a camping trip this Friday. \nJunior Jay Powell, another club member, said the club is currently trying to get organized so it can grow next year. The club also hopes to have guest speakers next year, do fundraisers and maintain more trails. Anyone interested can attend the group's weekly meetings, held at 3 p.m. every Thursday in HPER Room 125.\nStudents wanting to enjoy the great outdoors may also enjoy taking a trip with IU Adventures, where trips are lead and planned by students to everywhere from Costa Rica to Texas. \n"They are not necessarily the most professionally guided tours, but you'll find they are a hell of a lot of fun," said Julia Marcia, an IU Adventure leader.\nShe also said that all IU Adventure leaders are all well-trained in safety and technical procedures relating to their trip. For example, Marcia is both a certified lifeguard and has outdoor rescue experience because she leads rafting trips. She said a trip last spring break she had planned was whitewater rafting in the Rio Grande, and though it was muddy, it was fun. \nFor more information about IU Adventures, sign up at the IMU Activities Desk, located on the first floor of the IMU.\n-- Contact staff writer Michael Wilson at mhwilson@indiana.edu.