As spring approaches and weather becomes more enjoyable, the great outdoors beckons students to get outside and experience nature in and around San Antonio. Trinity’s outdoor recreation organization, or O-Rec, offers excursions where students can get off campus and experience the outdoors in a group setting. This semester, O-Rec trips are free of cost for the first time, courtesy of SGA.
O-Rec trips allow students to get off campus for a day, weekend or week at a time. Some trips planned for this spring include activities like paddling, horseback riding and camping. During spring break, O-Rec will be taking a group of students backpacking in the Ozark Mountains.
“Our goal is to get students out of the Trinity bubble,” said junior Kirk Gulliver. “Students have a lot going on and the trips can allow them to take a break and relax.”
Gulliver is a trip leader, which means that he helps guide participants and provides support during the trip. He and fellow trip leader, sophomore Briaunna Barrera were hired for having several trips’s-worth of experience and a passionate interest in the organization.
“When I first came to Trinity, O-Rec was what I wanted to do. I was really excited. I went on three trips and absolutely knew it was the job I wanted,” Barrera said.
Barrera encourages students to go on these trips while they can and experience what O-Rec has to offer while they’re at Trinity.
“Experiencing the outdoors is a really amazing thing,” Barrera said. “Living in a city it is easy to forget there is a whole world around us to be explored. I think students should take advantage of O-Rec while they can because, once we leave Trinity, and have more responsibilities we might not have these opportunities.”
Sophomore Chloe Phea recently went on an O-Rec spelunking trip at the local Robber Baron cave. She says that the experience allowed her to push herself and expand her horizons.
“I’ve always heard that O-Rec is a lot of fun and a good way to meet new people and get off campus,” Phea said. “I had a lot of fun and I think it is something everyone at Trinity should try at least once.”
Students interested in taking part in O-Rec can sign up on a first come, first serve basis on designated days announced prior to the trips. Questions can be emailed to [email protected].
