By MacKenzie Dexter
The Associated Students Outdoor Center celebrated their 50th anniversary at Lakewood on Saturday, May 18. Students and alumni were invited to participate in a day of free watersports and food and to learn about the history of the Outdoor Center.
According to Isabella Jones, Outdoor Center marketing and resources coordinator, this celebration was a way to look back at the past 50 years of the program and reflect positive feelings of what it has done for the community.
The Outdoor Center also launched its Impacts Grant on Saturday. The grant will be funded through donors that give students the opportunity to participate in a variety of excursions around Washington. This will give students the opportunity to participate in trips and engage with new people without having to worry as much about financial hurdles.
“We are launching our Impacts Grant, so now folks can donate to the Outdoor Center to improve accessibility and equity within our excursions and Western Outdoor Orientation Trips (WOOT) programs. This is super exciting for us and a monumental moment for the future,” Jones said.
The Outdoor Center started as a club in 1969 and became its own office on campus and equipment shop in 1990, Jones said. In the equipment shop, students can rent equipment or get their own equipment fixed for an affordable price that varies depending on the service. The Outdoor Center has also shifted away from advanced trips that might cause travel or financial concerns for students more accessible and affordable.
“We enhance student experiences through our programs and providing an outlet to get outside, away from school and build a community through outdoor recreation,” Jones said. “I think the OC benefits WWU because we offer low-priced rentals so students can adventure without having to spend a pretty penny on gear themselves. Also, having free events and trips to go on is a great way to meet new people.”
Steve Walker, Western alumni and retired advisor of the Outdoor Center, spoke about how the program has changed and developed over the years. Walker started working in the Outdoor Center in 1983 as an advisor. He explained that the leadership role was completely in the hands of the students.
“The key to the past successes of the Outdoor Center were in its commitment to experiential learning,” Walker said. “Students were the decision-makers. They were not subordinate to university staff. Not just in the field, but in the office as well. Students who have real leadership responsibilities gain valuable life experience.”
Walker explained how important it is to provide opportunities for students to escape classes and get outside, whether they rent a bike, kayak or sign up for an excursion.
“The physical exercise, fresh air and companionship can be powerful for revitalizing one’s energy to return to academic pursuits,” Walker said. “The students who are fortunate enough to work at the OC have the added benefit of being part of a fun-loving community and learning particular skills while providing services for their colleagues.”
Walker is still connected to the Outdoor Center even after his retirement. The students and staff he worked with continue to play a role in his life, according to Walker.
“I am in touch with many of the students who were leaders at the OC during my tenure at Western,” Walker said. “I have been on Ski-to-Sea teams with some of them. I even officiated the wedding of one of the students who was an Excursions Coordinator at the OC. My job advising the OC was the greatest chapter of my life. The connections I made with students were the best part of my professional career.”
Vivian McNett, Outdoor Center excursions assistant coordinator, explained different resources students should take advantage of while attending Western. She said the Outdoor Center provides affordable bike repairs as well as lessons on repairing. Lakewood also offers cheap water sport rentals as well as a challenge course.
“The Outdoor Center serves to inspire discovery and build community,” McNett said. “I would love to see the Outdoor Center grow along with have more trip leaders and more of a presence on campus.”
Students are encouraged to become more involved in order to spread the word about the Outdoor Center and it’s resources, whether that is renting equipment, stopping by the office, or signing up for an event, Jones said.
“We really do want all folks to feel welcome in our office and in our programs,” Jones said.
A Western student at the event also shared how the Outdoor Center influenced their time at Western.
“The Outdoor Center makes the impossible seem possible with the resources they offer,” Ben Hanks, Western student, said.
Jones explained how her time at Western has been enhanced due to her time at the Outdoor Center.
“Being a coordinator at the OC, I have gained far more than I could have ever asked for, from friends, professional skills and personal development, this list goes on,” Jones said. “I am so thankful for my time here.”