Upcoming Outdoor Center Events

By Josh Hughes

Even though the quarter is over halfway over, there are still some upcoming Outdoor Center led excursions that students can attend. As it’s getting warmer and nicer out, the next month of trips will include more spring and summer based activities such as sea kayaking and outdoor climbing. Here’s a comprehensive list of the last of the OC trips for the 2017-2018 school year and everything you might want to know about them:

Information Clinic on Orienteering
When: May 22 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: Outdoor Center (VU 150)
How much: Free
Though it’s not an excursion, the OC offers occasional clinics that cover various aspects of outdoor recreation. The upcoming topic will be orienteering, where attendees can learn about navigational skills including compass and map-reading.
 
Information Clinic on the Best of Bellingham
When: May 29 from 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Where: Outdoor Center
How much: Free
The last of the informational clinics of the quarter will be more broadly on the best outdoor excursions and destinations throughout Bellingham. This will be catered towards summer activities.
 
Intro to Sea Kayaking in the San Juans
When: Pre-trip meeting on May 16, classroom date on May 18, trip dates May 26-28
Where: Pre-trip meeting at OC, trip itself in the San Juans
How much: $210
This trip is considered one of the more difficult that the OC has to offer. Students will get the chance plan an extensive kayaking route, spend the weekend exploring the San Juans, and search for tidal pools and bioluminescence. The classroom day will be spent preparing for the trip. Once on the excursion, students will get to stay at the Viqueen Lodge on Sinclair Island. Currently, four of the six slots remain open.
 
Sunset Sea Kayaking
When: May 17 and June 7, both starting at 5:30 p.m.
Where: meeting at the OC, trip will occur in the Bellingham Bay
How much: $30
This trip is an ideal opportunity for beginners looking to get into kayaking. Students will paddle around the Bellingham Bay at a leisurely pace and get to enjoy the sunset from their kayaks. Two of the nine slots currently remain open for the May date, and all nine are currently open for the June date.

Bioluminescent Bike and Swim
When: May 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: meeting in the OC, trip will be along the Chuckanuts
How much: $10
Another beginner trip, this excursion will include a short evening bike ride out to a beach where bioluminescence should be visible. Students should note that personal gear is not included for this trip. 14 of the 16 slots are currently open.
 
Intro to Sport Climbing
When: Pre-trip meeting on May 29, classroom date on May 31, trip dates June 2-3
Where: TBD
How much: $140
This trip is tailored for students who enjoy recreational climbing but may not have much outdoor experience under their belt. The excursion is a two day trip where students will learn all the necessary components of sport climbing to go out on their own or with friends. While current climbers are encouraged to attend, it’s also a beginner trip, so anyone is welcome. Currently three of the nine slots are open.
 
The OC is also offering a Womxn’s Mountaineering trip and a Mountaineering trip at Mount Baker, but both trips are already completely full.
 
Students wanting to sign up for any of the trips can stop by the OC at VU 150. Anyone looking for more information on these excursions or upcoming trips for summer or the following year can email the Excursions Coordinator at as.oc.excursions.coord@wwu.edu or call 360-650-7677.