November '98 - January, 99
|
November '98 - January, 99 |
|
| 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 to provide information about upcoming trips and programs. A hard copy of the newsletter is also available to subscribers (jump to oasubscr.html). The Outdoor Action Program (OA) is Princeton University’s outdoor, experiential education program. 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 billed to your University account). 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 Newsletter via Email and the Web: The OA Newsletter is mailed to subscribers and sent via Email. The detailed version of the Newsletter is available at the OA Web Site. If you wish to receive the OA Newsletter, jump to oasubscr.html. If you wish to be removed from the OA Newsletter email list, please send return to the subscribe page on the Web. The complete OA Newsletter is available on-line on the OA Web Site (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 at (www.princeton.edu/~oa/).
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. Trip fees can be paid by cash, check, or be billed to your University account. 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. We are working on developing Web-based registration for all trips.
Beginners Kayaking Eskimo Roll Classes: Winter is an excellent time to learn kayaking and a warm pool is the best place to learn how to Eskimo Roll (righting the kayak if you flip). Beginners will learn the Eskimo Roll and basic strokes. There will be two beginners classes, one from 7:30 - 9:00 PM and the other from 9:00 - 10:30 PM on Sunday nights starting on November 9. Only sign up if you can attend all the classes. Due to the popularity of this course, 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 the Eskimo Roll Video on Thursday, November 13 at 7:30 PM in McCosh 66 or Sunday, November 22 at 5:00 PM in McCosh 66 (see above). Course fee: students $45.00, faculty/staff $60.00.
Sunday evenings, 7:30 – 9:00 PM, November 15, 22, 29, December 6,
13
Sunday evenings, 9:00 – 10:30 PM, November 15, 22, 29, December 6, 13
Intermediate
Whitewater Kayaking Trip: For novice to whitewater paddlers there will be an
afternoon Whitewater Kayaking Trip to the Lambertville Wing Dam on the Delaware River
Pennsylvania on Saturday, November 14. This is a good opportunity to work on river moves
like eddy turns, peel outs, attainment moves, and surfing. The trip is limited to people
who have previous whitewater experience at the Class II level. All equipment (wetsuits,
PFD, helmet, kayak, etc.) will be provided by OA. Trip
fee: students $12.00, faculty/staff $20.00 (discount if you provide your own
equipment). If you have not been on an OA paddling trip before, please fill out a paddler application detailing your previous experience
(applications available at the OA Office on the 2nd Floor of Clio Hall). There
is a $5 equipment discount if you have your own kayak.
Outdoor Action and the Princeton
Blairstown Center are working with a variety of schools and social service agencies to
provide adventure-based experiential learning programs for at urban youth in the Mercer
County area. These programs use the same model for personal and group development as on an
Outdoor Action trip, building self-esteem through personal challenge. 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 local youth.
Outdoor Action for Oxfam America (OA for OA) Hikathon Against Hunger: As part of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week, OA in cooperation with SVC, is sponsoring a Hikathon Against Hunger on Saturday, November 21. We will be doing a 5.5 mile hike along the D&R Canal Towpath from Rocky Hill back to campus from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Participants give a minimum $5.00 donation to Oxfam America, an international hunger relief organization that sponsors self-help hunger relief efforts around the globe. OA and SVC are covering all expenses for the hike so that all funds donated go straight to Oxfam. Come get your daily exercise, enjoy a walk with friends, and donate to a good cause. You may of course donate even if you don’t choose to walk. Donations can be made at the OA Office, the Student Volunteers Council, or at dining halls during Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.
Princeton-Blairstown Center Woodcutters Volunteer Day: In the spirit of community service, join us up at the beautiful Princeton Blairstown Center on Saturday, November 14 for the 18th annual Woodcutters Weekend. You’ll spend a brisk fall day getting Blairstown ready for the winter season doing some trail restoration, planting, woodcutting, and other service projects around the camp. There’s always some time for hanging out on the porch with hot cider and talking with new friends. The day is free and lunch and dinner are provided. There is some transportation available through OA or you can drive up on your own. To register, contact the Princeton-Blairstown Office at 8-3340. If you need a ride, sign up at the OA Office.
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 working to combat racism in the Princeton school district through innovative skits performed at local elementary schools. Our work is to help them prepare to be group facilitators for their upcoming work in local schools. We meet with them for 2 hours about every three weeks. The next LAMP program is scheduled on Friday, November 20 from 7:30 - 9:30 PM. If you are interested in working with this exciting project, sign up at the OA Office on the second floor of Clio Hall.
Fall Foliage Mount Tammany Summit Hiking Day Trip: Late fall brings a spectacle of changing colors to the trails. Join us on Saturday, November 14, on an exhilarating hike to the summit of Mount Tammany with spectacular views of the Delaware Water Gap. The trip will cover approximately 8 miles. Cost will be $9.00. Participants should have sturdy walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots and should bring lunch. Trip fee: students $9.00, faculty/staff $12.00.
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, checks or University billing.
Bring Your Group to the Wall: If you want a fun group building activity for your organization or group, schedule a night at the Wall. Contact the OA Office for details.
Belaying Classes & Climber Authorization: OA offers free belaying classes for new climbers to give you instruction on how to properly 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. 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).
Rock
Climbing Day Trips: Rock Climbing gives you a chance to challenge yourself both
physically and mentally as you steadily work your way up a cliff face. OA is offering a
number of Rock Climbing Day Trips designed to teach beginners basic climbing and
rappelling skills and allow intermediate climbers to refine their climbing techniques. OA
provides you with all the instruction and equipment to explore this exciting sport. No
previous climbing experience is necessary. Course fee:
students $15.00, faculty/staff $20.00. The trips will last all day and participants should
bring lunch. In order for you to get the most climbing in, you are strongly urged to go
down to the Climbing Wall one of the afternoons before your trip to learn how to use a sit
harness and how to belay (see the Climbing Wall above). If
the weather is bad, we will send the trip to the Philadelphia Rock Gym. There will be an
additional $5.00 fee. The schedule for trips will be as follows:
Sunday, November 15
Sunday, November 22
Introduction to 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 November 17, 19, 24, and December 1 and 3 with a day Rock Climbing Field trip on Saturday, December 5. Course fee: Students $65.00, faculty/staff $90.00.
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. The course will meet Tuesday and Thursdays from 4:30 - 6:30 PM at the Climbing Wall on December 3 (meets 2:30 - 4:30 PM), 8, 10 and 15 with a full day field trip on Saturday, December 12 to practice top rope setup. Course fee: students $65.00, OA Leaders $35.00, faculty/staff $90.00. Participants must have completed the Introduction to Rock Climbing Course or be competent with basic climbing and belaying skills.
Gym Climbing at the Philly Rock Gym: If the cold weather is keeping you inside, join us on Saturday, December 12 for a day trip to the Philadelphia Rock Gym. Beginners to advanced climbers can come and work on new moves. Course fee: students $18.00, faculty/staff $25.00. The trip will last all day and participants should bring lunch.
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 on Thursday, November 12 at 7:30 PM in McCosh 66 or Sunday, November 15 at 5:00 PM in McCosh 66. (60 minutes) Free and open to the public.
Outdoor & Environmental Careers 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 Tuesday, December 1, from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in Robertson Hall Room 1. Free and open to the public. For more information check out the OA Guide to Outdoor and Environmental Careers.
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 how to plan safe wilderness trips and how to avoid accidents during the trip by monitoring environmental and human factor hazards. The Dynamics of Accidents Model that will be taught is used by outdoor professionals around the world. All OA Leaders must attend this seminar once. No advanced sign-up is required. 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, December 15, from 7:30 - 9:30 PM in McCosh 60
Wednesday, December 16, from 7:30 - 9:30 PM in McCosh 64
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, etc. you will enhance you ability to enjoy the winter environment.
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,
December 8, from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in Robertson Hall Bowl 1. Free
and open to the public. Notes are available at the OA Guide
to Winter Camping on the Web.
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, December 15 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM in Robertson Hall Bowl 1. Free and open to the public. Notes are available at the OA Guide to Hypothermia & Cold Weather Injuries on the Web.
Outdoor Action will be running a variety of trips and training programs during Intersession break. Trips fill quickly so sign up early. You must leave full payment when you sign up (cash or check). The sign-up deadline for all Intersession Break Trips is Friday, December 4. There will also be a Leader Training Trip over Intersession. We plan to head south to find warm weather (perhaps as far as the Ocala National Forest in Florida). So if you are looking to complete your leader training, check out the details in the OA Leader Training section below.
Cross-country
Skiing Trips in Vermont: Cross-country skis set you free to go almost anywhere
on the snow. Suddenly the winter woods are white open. There is, of course, no
better place in the east for cross-country skiing than Vermont. All levels of skiers are
welcome from beginner to advanced, so no previous skiing experience is required. Beginners
will be taught the fundamentals of in-track skiing while experienced skiers can be off
skiing on their own. The trips will be staying in a rustic house in Rochester, Vermont,
cooking their own meals, and skiing at some of the finest cross-country ski touring
centers in the east. Each day the group can have a different skiing experience. In the
evening you can sit around the wood stove and relax after a good meal. Trip fee: students $150.00, faculty/staff $200.00, which
includes transportation, meals, lodging, ski equipment, and trail fees. There is a $25
discount if you have your own skis. The dates for the trips are as follows:
Saturday, January, 23 - Wednesday, January 27
Wednesday, January 7 - Sunday, January 31
WMA
Wilderness First Responder Course: OA is sponsoring a Wilderness First
Responder (WFR) Course over Intersession taught by Wilderness Medical Associates. This is
an excellent course for anyone spending extended periods in wilderness or remote
environments including backpackers, paddlers, climbers, photographers, and scientists.
This 72-hour intensive course is specifically designed to emphasize the wilderness
context—remote locations, severe environments, and simple improvised equipment. The
course will cover patient examination and evaluation, body systems and anatomy, trauma
care, environmental emergencies, splints, wilderness rescue, and backcountry medicine.
This is an intensive course that meets 10 hours each day with morning lectures and
afternoon skills practice including simulated rescues, daily quizzes and a final exam. The
course will run from Saturday, January 23 - Sunday, January 31 from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM each
day (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM on February 1). The course will be held at the Princeton-Blairstown Center and includes
lodging and all meals. Participants will be staying in rustic cabins at the Center.
Preference will be given to OA Leaders and Leaders-in-training. Course fee includes meals & lodging: OA Leaders
$200.00, Princeton students $380.00, faculty/staff $450.00, outside the University
$600.00.
Beginners
Winter Camping Trips: 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, serve as a
spectacular backdrop for these Beginners Winter Camping Trips. Winter Camping is a
demanding physical activity that builds on three season camping skills. Therefore, these
trips are 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 trips 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). Trip fee: students $95.00, faculty/staff $130.00.
Saturday, January, 23 - Tuesday, January, 26
Thursday, January 28 - Sunday, January 31
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 special set of trainings for students interested in volunteering with urban youth and families.
Community Education 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 will be better prepared to effectively facilitate urban youth. You are also encouraged to become a trained Adventure Course Facilitator so that you can also work with groups on the OA Adventure Course. There will be another Adventure Course Facilitator Workshop during spring semester.
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 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 meet weekly and will culminate in a 5-day backpacking trip. 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. 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 fall break. You will need to have completed all of the other OA Leader Requirements before fall break in order to go on the Leader Training Trip. Trip fee: students $105.00, faculty/staff $150.00 which includes The Backpacker’s Field Manual. (Note: Due to the need to drive further south, this trip is longer than a Fall or Spring Break trip and therefore is slightly more expensive). Participants must sign up by Wednesday, November 25. Trip dates:
Saturday, January 23 - Saturday, January 30
Probabale Location: Ocala National Forest, Florida
There will also be Leader Training Courses during Spring Break including another Fast Track option and during "Dead Week" after final exams in May.
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. Sign at the OA Office on the second floor of Clio Hall. Course fee: students $60.00, faculty/staff $85.00. Add $16.00 if you need CPR. There will be two sections offered:
Monday and Wednesday evenings starting Monday, November 16, 18, 23, December 2, 7, 9, and 14, from 7:30 - 10:30 PM. The first class will meet in 219 & 220 East Pyne and will include CPR. All other classes will meet in Jadwin Hall A07.
Tuesday and Thursday evenings starting Tuesday, November 17, 19, 24, December 1, 3, 8, and 10, from 7:30 - 10:30 PM. The first class will meet in 223 & 225 East Pyne and will include CPR. All other classes will meet in Jadwin Hall A07.
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 dates will be:
Wednesday, December 9, 7:00 - 11:00 PM, 219 East Pyne
McCosh Health Center is also offering a number of CPR Classes on the following dates. Please register by calling the Health Education Office at 8-5753.
Adult CPR - Friday November 13, from 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Standard First Aid - Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Adult CPR - Monday, November 16, 5:00 - 10:00 PM (dinner break)
Challenge Class for BLS or Adult CPR - Friday, November 20, from 4:00 - 5:00 PM
Adult CPR - Monday, November 23, from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Adult CPR - Tuesday, December 8, from 5:00 - 10:00 PM (dinner break)
Community CPR - Tuesday, January 5, & Wednesday, January 6, from 5:00 - 10:00 PM
(includes infant, child and adult CPR, dinner break)
Outdoor Safety Management Seminar: Please see the description of this program above. All OA Leaders must attend this seminar once. The seminar will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday, December 15, from 7:30 - 9:30 PM in McCosh 60
Wednesday, December 16, from 7:30 - 9:30 PM in McCosh 64
Van Driver Training: OA 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 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 the Public Safety Office. Van Driver Training Classes will be offered at the following times. Additional classes will be offered during spring semester.
Tuesday, November 10, 4:30-6:30 PM in McCosh 66
Wednesday, December 16, 4:30-6:30 PM in McCosh 66
Monday, January 11, 1999, 8:00-10:00 AM in McCosh 66
Outdoor Action has 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. All of these workshops are open to the entire University Community.
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, November 22 from 9:30 - 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.
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 Saturday, December 5, from 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM in 110 Aaron Burr Hall. This workshop is open to anyone interested in developing their skills in working with groups. There is no fee for this workshop. You should have completed the Facilitators Workshop (see above) previously in order to attend.
See the latest OA Leader Newsletter.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Course: The Princeton EMT Association is working on plans for an EMT course this spring. The course will begin in late January and meet for 3 hours two evenings a week until mid-May (including several Saturdays). The course is an intensive first aid program with a great deal of advanced, hands-on training. Anyone who is interested in upgrading his or her first aid training and certification should consider EMT training. It is an extensive time commitment (approximately 120 hours). Registration for the course will be the first week of January. Cost for the course will be approximately $160.00, although discounts are offered for those who agree to serve on a New Jersey First Aid Squad. Additional details will be posted on the OA Web site as they become available. OA will be offering transportation on the registration night of the course only. You can also register by mail. Sign up at the OA office. You will be responsible for your own transportation for the remainder of the course. Rides are generally available from other students who are taking the course.
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 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 lead some day and weekend trips during the summer. It’s both a fun summer and 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 plus a $500 housing allowance. If you are interested in working with OA over the summer, please stop by the OA Office to pick up a summer job application or get it on the Web (Ftjob.html).
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.
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).
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 Rental: 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, November 9 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Tuesday, November 10 | Van Driver Training Course 4:30 - 6:30 PM, McCosh 66 OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Wednesday, November 11 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Thursday, November 12 | Kayak Eskimo Roll Video 7:30 - 8:30 PM, McCosh 66 |
| Friday, November 13 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Saturday, November 14 | Intermediate Kayak Trip - Lambertville Wing Dam
(Class II) Fall Foliage Hiking Trip - Mt. Tammany Princeton-Blairstown Center Woodcutters Weekend |
| Sunday, November 15 | Rock Climbing Trip Kayak Eskimo Roll Video 5:00 - 6:00 PM, McCosh 66 Kayak Eskimo Roll Class #1 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool Kayak Eskimo Roll Class #2 9:00 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, November 16 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section A 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Tuesday, November 17 | Introduction to Rock Climbing Course 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall, Armory HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section B 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Wednesday, November 18 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section A 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Thursday, November 19 | Introduction to Rock Climbing Course 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall, Armory HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section B 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Friday, November 20 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall LAMP Community Service Project 7:30 - 9:30 PM. Location TBA |
| Saturday, November 21 | Outdoor Action for Oxfam America Hikathon For
Hunger 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM D&R Canal Towpath |
| Sunday, November 22 | Rock Climbing Trip Facilitator’s Workshop 9:30 - 5:30 PM, Liberation Hall, Third World Center Kayak Eskimo Roll Class #1 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool Kayak Eskimo Roll Class #2 9:00 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, November 23 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section A 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Tuesday, November 24 | Introduction to Rock Climbing Course 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall, Armory HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section B 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Sunday, November 29 | Kayak Eskimo Roll Class #1 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool Kayak Eskimo Roll Class #2 9:00 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, November 30 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section A 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Tuesday, December 1 | Introduction to Rock Climbing Course 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall, Armory Outdoor & Environmental Careers Workshop 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Robertson Hall Bowl 1 HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section B 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Wednesday, December 2 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section A 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Thursday, December 3 | Introduction to Rock Climbing Course 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall, Armory Top Rope Climbing Techniques Course 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall, Armory HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section B 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Friday, December 4 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Saturday, December 5 | Introduction to Rock Climbing Course Field Trip -
Philadelphia Rock Gym Leadership & Group Dynamics Workshop 9:30 - 5:30 PM, 110 Aaron Burr Hall |
| Sunday, December 6 | Kayak Eskimo Roll Class #1 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool Kayak Eskimo Roll Class #2 9:00 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, December 7 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section A 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Tuesday, December 8 | Top Rope Climbing Techniques Course 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall, Armory Winter Camping Seminar 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Robertson Hall Bowl 1 HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section B 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Wednesday, December 9 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section B 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Thursday, December 10 | Top Rope Climbing Techniques Course 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall, Armory HEART Wilderness First Aid Course - Section B 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM, A07, Jadwin Hall |
| Friday, December 11 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Saturday, December 12 | Top Rope Climbing Techniques Course Field Trip Rock Climbing - Philadelphia Rock Gym |
| Sunday, December 13 | Kayak Eskimo Roll Class #1 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Dillon Pool Kayak Eskimo Roll Class #2 9:00 - 10:30 PM, Dillon Pool |
| Monday, December 14 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Tuesday, December 15 | Top Rope Climbing Techniques Course 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall, Armory Hypothermia & Cold Weather Injuries Seminar 7:30 - 9:00 PM, Robertson Hall Bowl 1 Wilderness Safety Management 7:30 PM, McCosh 60 OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 8:00 - 10:00 PM, Climbing Wall |
| Wednesday, December 16 | OA Climbing Wall Open Hours 4:30 - 6:30 PM, Climbing Wall Van Driver Training Course 4:30 - 6:30 PM, McCosh 66 Wilderness Safety Management 7:30 PM, McCosh 64 |
Intersession Activities |
|
| Monday, January 11 | Van Driver Training Course 8:00 - 10:00 AM, McCosh 66 |
| Saturday, January, 23 - Saturday, January 30 | Wilderness First Responder Course -
Princeton-Blairstown Center OA Leader Training Course - Ocala National Forest, FL |
| Saturday, January, 23 - Wednesday, January 27 | Cross-country Skiing House Trip to Vermont |
| Saturday, January, 23 - Tuesday, January 26 | Winter Camping Trip |
| Wednesday, January 27 - Sunday, January 31 | Cross-country Skiing House Trip to Vermont |
| Thursday, January 28 - Sunday, January 31 | 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, Princeton University.