By Keli Berkman*
I was recently asked, “what does adventure look like to college students?” That’s a loaded question. Gone are the days of big vista kids. Not that big vistas are not, big. They just – aren’t it. Connection is the number one reason their getting outside. Not just for college students. That goes for all of us. Today, taking that walk with a friend to catch up, disconnected from phones and the demands of the everyday, is more meaningful than the view of the Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park. That’s the photo they want. Everyone laughing, together.
But let’s face it. Getting outside isn’t always easy. They may need gear, they may need a car, or they may just need the know-how. At Auburn Outdoors, we aim to make it easy for students to say, “yes.” Yes, to trying something new. Yes, to getting outside. Yes, to building connection.
Located on the lower level of the Recreation and Wellness Center, Auburn Outdoors is home to an outdoor gear rental center, bike repair shop, climbing wall and trip program. We hope that however students connect with us, that they’ll feel a sense of belonging at Auburn, rooted in the passion and perspective of the outdoors.
There are so many places to explore right here in Auburn’s backyard. A few of our favorites:
- Day hike at Kreher Preserve & Nature Center – 10 minutes
- Mountain Biking at Standing Boy Trails – 1 hour
- Stand-up paddleboarding at Dare Power Park on Lake Martin – 40 minutes
- Disc golf at the Red Barn – 3 min
- Swim in the waterfall at Chewacla State Park – 11 minutes
Times are calculated from the rental center at Auburn Outdoors.
Visit us at our rental center Monday – Friday between 2 – 8 PM. You and your friends can check out bikes, boats, disc golf sets and much more at no cost. That’s right. If you pick up and return on the same day, your rental is free.
Students can also check out an entrance pass to Chewacla State Park. In partnership with Alabama State Parks, Auburn Outdoors offers entrance passes to Chewacla State Park at no cost to Auburn students. Chewacla or “Chewy” as we affectionately call it, is home to a 30-foot waterfall, over 30 miles of hiking and biking trails as well as lakefront swimming and boating. And, it’s just 11 minutes from our rental center.
Programs like this are so important in helping students connect to others and the outdoors. By providing a positive outdoor experience, we hope to support the overall wellness of the Auburn student. We hope to see you at the tiger table this Spring. You’re always welcome!
Keli Berkman is Assistant Director of Auburn Outdoors.
