Program sign-ups will begin August 25 for all Fall programs and will remain open until they are full.
To sign up, just email us at
orac@wku.edu or call (270)745-6545.
Fall 2008
Backpacking the Appalachian Trail
10/2 - 10/5
University: $55
Guest: $65
Join us for Fall Break on the Appalachian Trail as we continue to section hike the trail. Enjoy a unique backcountry experience on the trail and meet new friends as you hike up and down breath-taking mountain views in North Carolina. Learn how to set up tents, cook meals, and make fires to enjoy the nights. Don't forget the marshmellows!
Pre-trip Meeting: 09/23 @ 6pm
Sailing Barren River Reservoir
09/6 - 09/7
University: $25
Guest: $30
ORAC will head to the Barren River Reservoir for a two day clinic on sailing. If you have never sailed before this is a great opportunity to learn the basics with our friends from the Port Oliver Yacht Club. On Sunday we will be racing against each other in the ORAC Regatta.
Pre-trip Meeting: 09/2 @ 5pm
Roll Clinic
09/16
University: $10
Guest: $15
Learn the basics of kayaking and the kayak roll in the pool. This instructional clinic will provide hands on experience with personal attention. Geared to make sure you feel comfortable and safe on your next kayaking adventure. Kayaks and instructors included. Swimming skills are a prerequisite.
Pre-trip Meeting: 09/16 @ 6pm
AORE Conference
10/30 - 11/1
University: TBA
Guest: TBA
The Association for Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE) conference is designed to bring professionals and students together for networking and the sharing of new ideas in the outdoor recreation field. The conference offers in-class lectures and hands on activities to embrace your knowledge of the outdoor recreation. Call Luke at 745-6542 for more information.
Pre-trip Meeting: 10/ @ TBA
Backcountry Cooking
09/25
University: Free!
Guest: Free!
Food is your bodyââ¬â
e eaten lightly. Learn how to make gourmet meals that will surely please a hungry crowd. This clinic is hands-on, teaching you the basics of planning, packing, preparing, and eating! Come hungry as there will be plenty of food.
Pre-trip Meeting: 09/25 @ 5pm
Cycling the Natchez Trace Parkway
11/21 - 11/30
University: $275
Guest: $325
Spend thanksgiving break cycling in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee along the historic Natchez Trace trail. If you enjoy cycling or want to learn the basics of long distance riding this trip is for you. Start training now for this 444 mile cycle. For specific information contact Caleb at 270.745.6545.
Pre-trip Meeting: 11/5 @ 5pm
Everglades National Park Paddling
01/4 - 01/11
University: $275
Guest: $325
Escape the chilly days of winter in Kentucky with ORAC as we head down to southern Florida for a week of paddling in Everglades National Park. No experience paddling is required but swimming is a prerequisite. Sign up as soon as possible, spots are limited.
Pre-trip Meeting: 12/2 @ 5pm
Ocoee River
09/28
University: $45
Guest: $45
The Ocoee River is a whitewater classic in the Southeast. This is an opportunity to experience the thrills of class III and IV whitewater. Challenge the well known rapids of Tablesaw, Diamond Splitter, Double Trouble and others. We will drive down Sunday morning, raft in the afternoon, and then return back that evening. Space is limited so sign up quick.
Pre-trip Meeting: 09/23 @ 5pm
Kayak Roll Clinic
10/8
University: $10
Guest: $15
Learn the basics of kayaking and the kayak roll in the pool. This instructional clinic will provide hands on experience with personal attention. Geared to make sure you feel comfortable and safe on your next kayaking adventure. Kayaks and instructors included. Swimming skills are a prerequisite.
Pre-trip Meeting: 10/8 @ 6pm
Kayak Roll Clinic
11/6
University: $10
Guest: $15
Learn the basics of kayaking and the kayak roll in the pool. This instructional clinic will provide hands on experience with personal attention. Geared to make sure you feel comfortable and safe on your next kayaking adventure. Kayaks and instructors included. Swimming skills are a prerequisite.
Pre-trip Meeting: 11/6 @ 6pm
Scuba Diving Pennyroyal
09/21
University: $45
Guest: $55
WKU ORAC is heading beneath the surface of the water for this adventure. We are heading to Pennyroyal Scuba in Hopkinsville to try our hand at SCUBA. All participants are welcome on this trip regardless if you are scuba certified or not. This is a great time to see if you really think you want to get into scuba or to just try something new. No previous experience needed. All gear included in the cost.
Pre-trip Meeting: 09/16 @ 5pm
SlackLining Clinic
10/9
University: Free!
Guest: Free!
Test your balance and coordination with ORAC as we go over the basics of slack lining. No experience is required for this clinic. We will be teaching the set up as well as giving helpful hints and demonstrations of this unique skill. You must pre register for this clinic in ORAC. Spots are limited sign up early!
Pre-trip Meeting: 10/9 @ 5pm
Smores Clinic
10/15
University: Free!
Guest: Free!
Come learn how to make the perfect smores with the help of the ORAC crew. During this hands on clinic, you will learn how to make 10 different smores! You must preregister for this free clinic by going to ORAC on the first floor of the Preston Center.
Pre-trip Meeting: 10/15 @ 5pm
Wilderness First Responder
01/7 - 01/14
University: TBA
Guest: TBA
ORAC is hosting an eight day, 80 hour, Wilderness First Responder course through SOLO, Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities. This course takes a comprehensive in-depth look at the standards of wilderness medicine. Participants can expect hands-on learning with field experience, spanning topics from simple first aid to anaphylactic shock. If all assessments and exams are passed, participants will receive a three year wilderness first responder certification. For additional information about the course and optional university credit, contact Caleb Wells at 270.745.6545 or email us at orac@wku.edu.
Pre-trip Meeting: 01/7 @
Obed Emory Backpacking
10/17 - 10/19
University: $30
Guest: $35
Spend the weekend with ORAC as we head out backpacking to explore the Obed Emory Watershed. This beautiful section covers some of Tennessee's most rugged terrain. Come prepared to meet new people and learn the basics of backpacking as we take in the great views of this Wild and Scenic River.
Pre-trip Meeting: 10/15 @ 5pm