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Outdoor Center plans for Wilderness Quest
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Boise State’s Outdoor Center is once again packing equipment and reading topographic maps in preparation for Wilderness Quest 2002, scheduled for Aug. 19-23.
Wilderness Quest, a five-day backpacking orientation, helps new Boise State students ready themselves for college life. Not only do questions about financial aid, academics, clubs and organizations get answered, participants also learn about low-impact backpacking, river rafting and climbing in the Frank Church Wilderness in central Idaho.
“Idaho has the largest roadless area in the lower 48 states and we will be journeying into the middle of it,” Outdoor Center director Geoff Harrison said.
“The whole adventure happens the week before school starts and is, in my opinion, the best way to spend your last week of summer because you get to meet new people, have fun and challenge yourself by learning new skills and activities.”
Last year, Wilderness Quest yielded about 21 participants who spent the better part of a week in the Needles area of the Frank Church Wilderness. Harrison is enthusiastic about this year’s excursion and said he is optimistic about a larger turnout this year.
“This program is gaining much popularity. We are expecting big numbers for Wilderness Quest 2002.”
No previous backpacking, climbing or rafting experience is necessary to participate in Wilderness Quest. Four trained instructors from the Outdoor Center accompany the students. All Wilderness Quest trip leaders are proficient in wilderness travel, group leadership and first aid/CPR.
Team leaders not only teach important survival skills and help students prepare for college life–they make wilderness safety priority one.
“Wilderness Quest supplies the ultimate challenge between personal challenge, growth, and fun. Plus, we foster a safe environment in the backcountry,” trip leader Patrick Chetwood said.
Team leaders also stress the importance of low-impact camping and backpacking, including no-trace and preservation techniques.
“Meeting new friends and learning about protecting Idaho’s pristine backcountry are valuable resources for new students,” Harrison said.
“Wilderness Quest is the ultimate pre-college adventure.”
The registration deadline is Aug. 2. Once the fees are paid, the participants will receive an information packet that includes a trip itinerary, personal equipment list and medical forms.
Participants are required to furnish their own equipment such as backpacks, sleeping bags, clothing and boots. The Outdoor Center has some rental backpacks and sleeping bags, but the supply is limited. Harrison recommends reserving rental equipment as soon as possible. The Outdoor Center can provide a backpack, sleeping bag and pad for $20.
If you go…
The cost of the five-day backpacking, climbing and rafting adventure is $175. This covers transportation, instruction, ontrail food, tents, cooking gear and equipment. Call the Outdoor Center at 426-1946 for more information or log onto www.boisestate.edu/recreation/outdoor.
J. Patrick Kelly
