Swiftwater Rescue Class

Ben Varick ‘ 13 guides a canoe with Henry McKenna ’13 in front. Photo by Will Stauffer-Norris ’11

A swiftwater rescue class teaches paddlers the skills they need to paddle safely and to rescue others in emergency situations. For the past 4 years, CC has partnered with Nick Wigston at Downstream Edge to train kayaking and rafting leaders in advanced swiftwater rescue techniques. Nick is a seasoned instructor for the American Canoe Association.

The  6 CC students who attended the course drove one hour from campus to Waterton Canyon on the South Platte River. First and foremost, Nick’s rescue class instructs student leaders in safe paddling practices. This includes pre-trip planning, good group dynamics, and how to recognize hazardous river features before they become a problem.

The class then switches gears and students get to learn techniques to rescue others from fast moving rapids. These techniques utilize life jackets with rescue harnesses, throw ropes, vector pulls, and 3:1 hauling systems. Nick’s class is unique because of the number of on-water scenarios that students get to practice. Nick and his co-instrucors swim into the middle of class III rapids and pin themselves or their boats, requiring students to think on their feet and improvise rescues using the skills that they learn throughout the course.

The class is essential for CC’s student paddlers as they lead trips for the school and as they progress in their own paddling skills to paddle more challenging rivers. Here is what Sam Seiniger ’14 has to say about this year’s course:

Whitewater leader Sam Seiniger ’14 on the Colorado River

“Last weekend six students from Colorado College headed to the South Platte to take a Swiftwater Rescue Course. All the students who took the course are avid paddlers and very involved in the Whitewater program at CC, so we were all excited to practice old skills and learn new ones. We covered aspects of paddling that ranged from pre-trip planning to advanced multiple rope systems used to recover gear and people from dangerous situations. Over the course of two days we all did our fair share of swimming, carrying our boats, banging our knees, and getting scared. We all had a blast and learned a lot. I think all the trips we go on will be safer because we have had this training!”

-Written by David Spiegel ’12

BreakOut: Block Break Service at Mission Wolf

Wolves at play!

My co-leader Mary Jones and I wanted to do something for seventh block break that would top all of our others. Not knowing much about the organization, we decided to go to Mission Wolf. A last-minute scramble for a second driver and eighteen tripees later, we rolled out vans into Mission Wolf, greeted by the chorus of thirty seven howling wolves.

We felt at home instantly. The staff was incredibly warm and welcoming. We toured the property, set up camp, and they offered to let eight of us sleep in their visitor’s teepee. Jeff, a two-year staff member that we worked with closely told us about the organization’s mission and why he chooses to work there. The organization was started by a couple looking to move their lives off-the-grid. They had no interest in corporate life and aspired to build a completely sustainable house for themselves and their wolf-dog. Strangers who had purchased wolf puppies and soon realized that they couldn’t manage a wolf soon began dropping their pets off at Kent and Terry’s home in the Sangre de Christo mountains. Eventually, Mission Wolf became a completely sustainable non-profit organization to showcase why wolves should be left in the wild in addition to to the benefits of a simple lifestyle. This was something we appreciated throughout our time in the mountains. It was a joy to see the inherent trust of the close-knit community and how the most menial things can become enjoyable in that setting.

Relaxing around the campfire

We spent our days preparing food for the wolves, doing fence work, gardening, and playing catchphrase. We had campfire sing alongs every night. We went on sunset hikes and played games. Though we were initially nervous about the large size of our group and how the dynamic would be, it could not have been better. Our group bonded through service and around the campfire and developed a cohesive atmosphere.

When we arrived back on campus, it felt as if we had gone from one home to another. Me and Mary’s block break vision came true: this was an incredible experience.

-Written by Savannah Johnson ’15

More Outdoor Climbing Trips!

High above the ground at Shelf Road. Photo by Veronica Spann '15

On the first Friday of 7th Block, we piled into two vans and headed to Shelf Road for an awesome weekend of climbing on the ORC beginner rock climbing trip. After learning the basic knots and belay technique at City Rock and hearing endless amounts of climbing stories from our leaders, we were all excited to get out and see what everyone had been talking so much about. We spent a clear, star-filled night outside at the trailhead where we cooked a delicious dinner and roasted s’mores. In the morning, we hiked up to the wall to set up the routes. Our leaders, Sally, Hanson, Chris and James were the best. They had to translate some climbing jargon for us along the way but they taught us everything we needed to know for a great day of climbing. We all did our best to pick up some much-needed slang so that we could understand what Chris and Hanson meant when they said something was bomber, or to send it. By the end of the day everyone had climbed on great routes, soaked up the views of Shelf Canyon and snacked on some delicious pretzel-peanut gorp. I think I speak for all of us when I say I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend a weekend and get into climbing.

-Written by Emma Marshall ’15

What is Outdoor Education at Colorado College?

FOOT Trip 2011, Photo by Ben Varick '14

Some of you may be asking yourselves, “what is outdoor education at CC?” The existence of a department of Outdoor Education at Colorado College is a recent phenomenon. For many years, outdoor oriented student groups have operated relatively autonomously. Amazing student leadership and initiative allowed for many outdoor clubs to flourish.

The department is the culmination of the hard work of many of these long standing student organizations that previously fell under the umbrella of Campus Activities, the Center for Service & Learning, and other independent organizations. These groups include the Freerider’s Union of Colorado COllege, the Outdoor Recreation Committee including the kayak club, the CC Farm, the Climber’s association of Colorado College, the Ritt Kellogg Climbing Gym, the Ahlberg Gear House, and BreakOut. The department also organizes the Priddy Experience — the five-day service experience that is part of new Student Orientation.

These formerly disparate groups now receive oversight from the same department, creating a unified approach to outdoor and service experiences off campus. Currently, the department includes three professional staff, 35 student employees, and hundreds of dedicated student volunteers.

These staff, employees, and volunteers seek to enhance the knowledge, skills, and leadership development of students through wilderness recreation and service experiences while creating a unified platform for off campus excursions. We hope that you are excited as we are as CC moves towards building the best college Outdoor Education department in the country!

-Written by Outdoor Education staff

Current Trips!

Check out these great upcoming outdoor ed opportunities:

• April 14 Pinon Canyon Hiking Trip: The trip will go hiking in Pinon Canyon in southern Colorado and talk with a local rancher about environmental education. Sign up in campus activities!
• April 14 ORC MedWar: Teams will race through a course in Red Rocks Open Space that will test their Wilderness First Responder, orienteering, and bushwhacking skills! Contact Neal Smeltzer ’12 for more info!
• April 14 Outdoor Rock Climbing Trip: The trip is full but we will let you know as soon as more trips are planned! Find out more about the Outdoor Rock Climbing Trips: https://ccoutdoored.wordpress.com/2012/04/04/outdoor-education-begins-outdoor-climbing-program/
• May 5-6 Beginner Kayaking Extravaganza: This trip will leave the morning of the 5th and return the evening of the 6th. If you have been in a kayak in the pool then you are eligible to sign up! The trip will venture to a beautiful section of the Colorado River and tackle class II whitewater rapids. Camping on the river will feature s’mores and hot springs! Trip cost is $30. Signups will be in Campus Activities until Monday, April 16.
• May 6 Intermediate Kayaking/Beginner Kayaking: This trip will depart campus on the morning of the 6th and return that very same evening! We will tackle class III-IV rapids on the Arkansas river. The rapids should provide great entertainment to all rafters, regardless of experience level. Beginner rafters welcome! Kayakers who wish to come should have a strong intermediate background (Class III or stronger. contact me or John Nestler with questions). Trip cost is $20. Campus Activities until Monday, April 16.
• New Kayak Roll Instruction Dates: Come to the pool April 16, April 23, and May 14 from 8-9:30pm to learn how to roll and paddle a whitewater kayak. Just bring a swimsuit and a smile!

Fall 2011 beginner kayaking trip to the Colorado River

Stay tuned for more updates on how you can get outside!

-CC Outdoor Ed

Cycling Race on the Roads at CC

Racing down Cascade street

On April 1st the Cycling team held their home race around the Colorado College Campus. With races scheduled from 8 AM to 5PM, racers did numerous lapse on our .8 mile course. This featured a 180 degree turn and hill sprint each lap up Cache La Poudre. Spectators, especially drowsy college students walking to brunch, got to watch collegiate and local riders fly around this course, averaging in the mid twenties in the faster races. Colorado College riders were featured in almost all the collegiate races, scoring two podium finishes from Austin Allison and Emily Guffin. Congratulations Austin and Emily!

With weather timed right, we saw sunny 80 degree weather! Luckily it wasn’t the day after, where riders would have seen 40 degree temperatures, gusty winds and potentially a little snow. In addition, at lunch there was a costume race around the top part of the course. Thanks to the few that joined in the fun! Also, a thanks to all the volunteers that came out to help throughout the day and sorry about the sunburns…

If you would like to know more about the CC Cycling Team, contact Crosby Nordbloom @cc. The Cycling Team is a great for cycling enthusiasts of all skill levels  to get outside and ride. The club has frequent group rides around Colorado Springs for the everyday rider as well as the seasoned pro.

Speeding down the roads in CC gear

-Written by Crosby Nordbloom

Outdoor Recreation Club: Spring Break Leader Training

Ever wondered how to light a camp stove? How to read a map? Do you want to take a group of your peers into the backcountry or just gain backcountry confidence? The Outdoor Recreation Committee (ORC) has the answer! This year, the ORC trained 83 new student backcountry leaders. The ORC’s leader training program prepares students to lead their peers on outdoor pursuits throughout Colorado and neighboring states. Trainees learn a combination of hard skills and soft skills that include how to maintain and use camp stoves properly, read maps, plan a safe trip, and create a positive group atmosphere.

Leader training trip looking tough in Grand Gulch Photo by Kathryn Baker '12

During Spring Break 2012, leader training trips ventured to Utah to learn backcountry skills in Grand Gulch, Coyote Gulch, and Escalante. Here is what Ben Varick ’13 has to say about the training trip that he led to Grand Gulch, Utah:

“The Advanced Spring Break Training trip was a huge success! We went to the Grand Gulch Primitive of Utah, just South of Monticello and Canyonlands. The route took us down Slickhorn canyon, along the San Juan River (a rewarding sight), and up Grand Gulch. We hiked a total of 70 miles in 10 days. The section along the San Juan River involved some tricky scrambling, but a few huge bags of GORP (Good O’l Raisins and Peanuts) pulled us through. The stars were out every night and we only set up tents one night. The trainees learned a lot about leading trips and gained valuable backcountry experience. The food was excellent. We feasted on homemade pizzas, burritos, curry, chile, and pasta. As the Grand Gulch is one of the best places in Utah to see pictographs and cliff dwellings, we took our time at the ruins and did some guided meditation (thanks to our in-house yogi). I would highly recommend this hike for anyone looking to spend some quality time in the canyons.”

Don’t despair if you missed ORC leader training this year. The ORC will be training a fresh batch of new student leaders next year!

-Written by David Spiegel ’12 with help from Ben Varick ’13

Outdoor Education Begins Outdoor Climbing Program

Hanson Smith '14 belays at Shelf Road

This past weekend’s climbing trip to Shelf Road ushered in a new program to the Outdoor Ed. Department. For the first time in decades, CC now has an Outdoor Climbing Program that offers students a safe and fun opportunity to get outdoors and climb on real rock. The program is the product of hardworking students and staff who saw the need for outdoor climbing trips that would provide a safe opportunity for students who might not otherwise have access to rock climbing. We are sending out three weekend climbing trips this block and hope to send out many more in the future.

The trip to Shelf Road, was spectacular. Beautiful weather, perfect limestone rock, and great attitudes amongst the trip participants made for a fantastically fun learning experience. People tried new things, stepped out of their comfort zones, and discovered they could do things they never thought possible. We set up 4 top-rope rock climbs ranging from 5.7 to 5.9 and everyone in the group climbed at least two of them. After a long day of climbing on awesome rock, we ended the day with a post-trip burrito party at Chipotle. Overall, the trip went great and we met our number one goal: get people psyched on rock climbing.

We are sending out two more trips this block: one more sport climbing trip to Shelf Road, and a traditional crack climbing trip to Parachute Rock. But this is only the beginning! Next year, we plan to send out many more trips in an effort to continually grow the awesome climbing community here at CC.

Camping at Sand Gulch

-Written by Chris Dickson ’14

New Outdoor Education Director Visits CC

Ryan Hammes

After months of searching, CC found a new Director of Outdoor Education! Starting on July 1, Ryan Hammes will take over the position. Ryan visited campus last week on March 29th and 30th to meet with students and the administration. During his visit, Ryan got to know the students that he will be working with next year, meeting with representatives from 8 different student clubs.

Ryan grew up in Wisconsin and discovered his love for the outdoors through climbing, canoeing, and backpacking. During college, he began to lead trips for the outdoor program and worked for Outward Bound in Colorado. Throughout the past 6 years, Ryan developed the Outdoor Program at Sonoma State University in California.

Ryan is excited to move to Colorado and to work with students to make Outdoor Education at Colorado College the best that it can be. According to Ryan, “I am excited for the opportunity to be at an institution where the student population is so excited about the outdoors. I want to bring clarity to the new direction of outdoor education and to be facilitator for all of the student ideas.”

Ryan will return to campus for a second visit on April 11-14 to continue getting to know the Colorado Campus and student body. Make sure to say hi and get to know him if you see him around! If you would like to meet Ryan, contact the Outdoor Education office.

Spring Break Service in Canyonlands National Park!

Over spring break 10 CC kids ventured to Utah with the Rocky Mountain Field Institute to do trail work and go canyoneering. We were led by two fantastic RMFI staff members, Joe Lavorini and JB Haab. These two guys knew how to have fun while working hard. We spent the first five days Indian Creek, a world famous rock climbing area just south of Moab reconstructing a trail up to the Blue Grama Wall.  Days were spent playing in the dirt, learning the art of trail work, carrying lots of rocks, and laughing all the time.  For two days, we partnered with a group of students from Montrose High School’s outdoor club and worked together to reconstruct the trail.  After five full days of work and nearly 100 new stone steps, we successfully finished the project.

Trail work at Indian Creek

We then packed up our camp and traveled to Cedar Mesa where we strapped on our packs and descended into canyon country. For five days we walked along canyon bottoms and up onto mesa tops. Walking through areas of dense kryptobiotic soil, we saw lots of animal tracks and even crossed paths with a rattle snake. Each day we saw numerous Anasazi ruins tucked high up in the canyon walls. We were lucky to explore many of them including Moonhouse and Seven Kivas. A highlight of our trip was climbing up the Citadel, a tower like rock formation that stands as a sacred site for the Anasazi people.

The trip was a complete success and CC is very lucky to have support from the Ritt Kellogg Fund and Ahlberg family to make this trip happen each year.

-Written by Fiona Haslett