Most colleges offer outdoor adventure programs for their students. Like a rec sport on steroids, these outdoor adventure programs offer off-campus excursions for backpackers, rock climbers and avid hikers, as well as more extreme sports pursuits - ocean kayaking, canyoneering and paragliding, for example.
They typically include instruction and transportation, as well as all-day or multiple-day excursions, and they are open to students, faculty and staff. Some universities underwrite a portion of the cost, making these outings more affordable on a student budget. These outdoor adventures, much like their cousins, the university outdoor orientation program, are a great way to meet fellow students and form friendships outside the classroom. And a day spent rappelling or hiking may be just the thing to de-stress before midterms.
But, like any outdoor activity, there are risks. Your child will be asked to sign a waiver absolving the university of liability in the event of injury or even death. Risk management and safety lessons are emphasized and mishaps, other than the occasional bumps, bruises and broken bones, are fairly rare. But these are extreme sports in the wilderness - exhilarating, yes, and typically well-supervised by knowledgeable staff, but your child should not participate without a clear understanding of the risks and a realistic view of his own physical fitness.
