Outdoor Adventure Pursuits

The Outdoor Adventure Pursuits program strives to engage students in meaningful outdoor experiences utilizing a variety of outdoor activities and excursions. Students gain confidence in skills as in problem solving, leadership development, self-awareness, sustainable living, global citizenship, all ability levels welcome...beginner to advanced!

What We Offer

  • Multiple levels of outdoor fun ranging from beginner day trips to advanced expeditions
  • The ability to become a Trip Guide and obtain multiple industry certifications
  • 34ft Climbing Wall with tons of programs
  • Well stocked Outdoor Resource Center with all your gear needs

Mission Statement

The purpose of the Outdoor Adventure Pursuits program at West Chester University is to engage students in meaningful experiential education opportunities by utilizing a variety of outdoor activities, excursions, and workshops. These programs will develop participants’ commitment to the campus community, encourage healthy living, and help them gain confidence in their ability to lead in an interconnected world.

Vision Statement

Our mission is achieved through the integration of our three core values through the following interwoven approaches to student development as a result of our program.

Goals & Objectives

Social Justice

  • Sustainability
  • Outdoor Ethics (Leave No Trace Training)
  • Inclusivity and access to the outdoors
  • Eliminating barriers (cost, gear, stereotypes)

Wellness

  • Leadership Development - identifying your ability to lead
  • Connectedness to others and the more-than-human
  • Self-care
  • Identity
  • Skill development
  • Nutrition
  • Kinesiology

Professional Development

  • Budget Management
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Training & Development
  • Logistics coordination

Climbing Wall

Content

Activities and Excursions

OAP Trips

When trips are shown as full, you may send an email to outdoorpursuits@wcupa.edu to be placed on the waiting list.

9/12 Paddleboarding ($15)
Marsh Creek, PA

9/17-9/20 Community Care ($30)
Lake Placid, NY

9/26 Day Hike ($15)
Ridley Creek, PA

10/23-10/25 Outdoor Climbing & Camping ($30)
The Gunks

11/7 Fossil Hunting Trip ($15)
C&D Canal, DE

11/14 Day Hike ($15)
Hawk Mountain, PA

Teambuilding & Leadership Development

The Outdoor Adventure Pursuits (OAP) program offers a wide array of teambuilding and leadership development opportunities. Interested in learning more about these opportunities? Check out the tabs below and reach out with any additional questions or to book a session.

Contact:

Kayla Walden
Assistant Director of Campus Recreation for Outdoor Adventure
kwalden@wcupa.edu
(610) 436-2100

Challenge Course

Challenge courses enable participants to grow at both the team and individual levels by facilitating problem-solving and communication through a range of activities.

The Low Ropes Course focuses on collaboration. The goal of the program is to concentrate on group skill development by navigating a series of activities while within a supportive group atmosphere. These activities enhance communication skills, cooperation, interpersonal awareness, leadership skills, decision-making, and trust-building.

The High Ropes Course emphasizes personal risk-taking and confidence in one’s own abilities. The challenges enable participants to expand their comfort zones and recognize fears that may hinder personal and professional growth.

Student Organization

  • $0/hour

WCU Affiliated Group*

  • $0/hour

Non-affiliated Group*

  • $40/hour

*2-hour minimum rental
*Additional fees with added outside our normal hours of operations
*If the event requires custodial coverage, an additional $40/hour will be charged, for one hour longer than the rental time.
*Hourly rates include ALL equipment necessary to partake in the Challenge Course
*Minimum of 2 Challenge Course facilitators are required per every 5 participants at an additional $40/hour.

Adventure Education

Climbing Wall

Our climbing wall can also be booked for use in teambuilding activities! Our certified climbing wall instructors will facilitate climbing activities that promote group engagement and trust among teams.

Student Organization

  • $0/hour

WCU Affiliated Group*

  • $0/hour

Non-affiliated Group*

  • $50/hour

*If the reservation is not during operating hours, a charge for staff will be included in the rate. The rate will be dependent on the scope of the event.
*If the event requires custodial coverage, an additional $40/hour will be charged, for one hour longer than the rental time.
*Hourly rates include ALL equipment necessary to climb
*Minimum of 2 climbing wall attendants required per every 5 participants at an additional $30/hour.

Gear Rental

Content