OXFORD, Miss. – Ole Miss Outdoors at the University of
Mississippi has several trips left on this semester’s
schedule that should interest nature lovers and sporting
enthusiasts. The adventures, under the guidance of trained
student trip leaders, are open UM students, employees and
community members.
A division of the Department of Campus Recreation, OMOD
emphasizes adventure, environmental awareness, challenge,
education, personal development, safety and fun.
From now through December, OMOD offers trips with
destinations as close as Sardis Lake and as far away as
Winter Park, Colo. The two remaining events this month are
an Oct. 14 sailing clinic at Sardis Lake for $20/$25 and an
Oct. 26-28 canoe float weekend at Buffalo River, Ark., for
$65/$75.
For a complete OMOD schedule and other information, contact
OMOD at 662-915-5591 or visit
http://www.olemiss.edu/depts/campus?recreation/omod/mission.html.
Space is limited, and payment of fees is required upon
registration. Shannon Baker, OMOD assistant director, said
for weekend trips, planners strive to choose locations
within an eight-hour drive, while keeping fees to a
minimum. The schedule also includes extended trips, such as
backpacking and snow sports.
“We offer a range of opportunities, from canoeing to
whitewater rafting to rock climbing and many more,” Baker
said. “Some trips are laid-back and some are physically
intense; but whatever your outdoors passion, OMOD can
provide it. We just encourage you to get out and live.”
Leigh Peterson, a junior biology major who got involved in
outdoor recreation while attending Mississippi Gulf Coast
Community College, has been on two OMOD trips.
“Both the trips were well-planned and very fun,” Peterson
said.
Peterson said she loves the challenges the trips provide
and the interactions with new people. “The OMOD trips are
great for getting to meet new people or just to experience
something new. With every trip is a new experience, so
encourage anyone who’s curious about the outdoors and
wanting to learn more, to sign up for one OMOD trip and you
will be hooked,” Peterson said.
Most trip registration deadlines are the Tuesday before the
trip date. You must pay for your trip upon registration to
secure your spot.
Following is the remaining fall schedule: -Nov. 9-11:
Bouldering & Bluegrass Weekend in Horsepens 40, Ala. Cost:
$65/$75 -Nov. 16-20: Fall Break: Backpacking the Ozarks,
Ozark Highland Trail, Ark. Cost: $150/$180 -Dec. 1: Grimy
Gripper Bouldering Competition, U.T. Memphis Indoor
Climbing Wall. Cost: $25/$35 -Dec. 7-14: Wilderness First
Responder Certification, UM Turner Center. Cost: $540/$560
-Dec. 14-21: Winter Break Ski Trip, Winter Park, Colo.
Cost: $650/$675
For assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-5591.