SPU Outdoor Recreation Program

Another reminder that ORP leadership application deadlines are soon approaching! See the link in our bio to be connected to the online applications.

Assistant Applications are due THIS FRIDAY, April 9th at 5pm.

Coordinator applications are also STILL OPEN! So if you’re interested in either position, you still have a chance to apply.

Even if you are a little bit interested in applying, you should send in an application to see where it might lead. If you are interested in a (non-staff) trip leader position, please also reach out to the email below:

Reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.

Photo Description: Students trek through deep snow between tall snow-covered pine trees with black and white text that reads “ORP Leadership Applications are Live!!!”

Some educational content for your Thursday:

According to the Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) the 2020-21 winter season thus far has been one of the most dangerous avalanche seasons in the last century: “although we are only halfway through the winter season, we are approaching our national average for avalanche fatalities.”

ORP wants to provide resources for you to recreate as safely as possible this winter. Here are some of the most basic avalanche safety tips:

1. Learn what causes avalanches and where they happen
2. Take a comprehensive course on avalanche safety
3. Check the weather and avalanche forecast in the location of your excursion
4. Carry necessary safety gear and know how to use it
5. Be on guard for avalanche signs as you recreate
6. Make alternative plans if conditions are hazardous. Let’s normalize cancelling or rearranging plans in the name of safety!

*Learn more about these tips in the links in our bio

If you check out the link in our bio there are a few links to outside resources with more comprehensive information about avalanches and avalanche safety. NWAC even offers several free courses in avalanche safety!

Photo Description: Large avalanche barrels down the side of a mountain scattered with pine trees.

Happy Happy Earth Day! Here are a few pictures of Earth and ORP enjoying it!

Today we celebrate the ways our Earth provides for us, nurtures us, heals us, and connects us. If humans have learned anything from recent events, it is that we can and should be doing a much better job caring for the Earth, others, and ourselves. We hope that in coming seasons, even during this one, you take time to care for the Earth as much as it cares for you! Just as ORP aims to do, get outside and bring others along with you so that you might experience its beauty and diversity and how important it is to protect it.