The Outdoor Program has grown with Colorado Mesa University.
“There is a real buzz going on at the OP, with more students, there is more demand,” OP Director Chad Thatcher said.
The building on the northeast corner of campus released an almost constant rummaging sound as two OP employees tried to reorganize space for rafts and rafting equipment. A calendar behind the front desk is covered with plans for trips and classes. These trips include rafting and kayaking trips, skydiving, and a trip to Zion National Park later this month. Thatcher was pleased that weekend trips with the program are full until mid-October.
“We are creating new ones still, and student ideas are welcome,” Thatcher said. “The OP goes with the ebb and flow of what students want.”
One backpacking, hiking, and fishing trip to the Grand Mesa was the idea of a single student.
Trips with the OP that are still coming together include international trips to Colombia and the Trans-Siberian Railway, which goes from Moscow to Beijing. These trips are expected to occur in the winter and summer, respectively. The program’s winter activities and classes are still in the planning stages as well. These programs incorporate backcountry skiing trips, avalanche classes, and ice climbing.
Over the summer the OP gained some new gear. They are now equipped with stand-up paddleboards, multi chambered inner tubes, and inflatable kayaks, in addition to their many rafts and kayaks. This gives students plenty of options to enjoy the river.
“Students can take advantage of the river without having to use a cheap Wal-Mart tube that gets popped by a branch,” Thatcher said.
The program is also looking into getting more bikes for their “Mav-Bikes” program. All 40 of the programs bikes were checked out within four days this year.
“The OP isn’t a club. It is for beginners, to introduce students to the outdoors” Thatcher said, “If you’re going to CMU and you’re not taking advantage of the surrounding area, you’re missing out. We can help you get there.”

elinko@mavs.coloradomesa.edu