ASC Adventure Programs has much to offer (02-07-06)
Mick Daniel on top of Little Bear.
Mick Daniel, coordinator Adams State College Adventure Programs, has his spring schedule set and is ready to play.
He said he wants to make the trips more than just a hike.
"I want to make it special for the participants," Daniel said. "I want the trip to be something people wouldn't experience just going to the mountains for the day. I don't eliminate risk on these trips, but balance fun with safety."
He said he obtains the proper permits before leading any expeditions.
"The forest service and the bureau of land management personnel have been great working with me," Daniel said. "I appreciate the time they take when I have requests."
This semester Daniel is taking interested students and community members skiing at Wolf Creek and Monarch a total of seven times and has six programs, including the trip to Moab over spring break, scheduled as well.
"Students pay less than community members because they pay Associated Students and Faculty dues which helps to fund my programs," Daniel said. "The trips provide group and individual equipment, transportation and food."
Daniel said the price Adventure Programs charge is a fraction of what a professional outfitter would charge. Trips may include ice climbing and canyoneering.
"Everything is aimed at beginner to intermediate level," Daniel said.
He also manages the rental shop and the Challenge Course at Adams State College.
"We have many community resources," Daniel said. "The Challenge Course is a great way for a small staff to team build and learn goal setting."
He said he can adapt the Challenge Course to age groups from fifth grade to adult and would be willing to set up a smaller scale program in an office space.
The Rental Shop has gear available for the campus and community, with such items for rent as, camping gear, rafts and snow shoes.
"We have backpacks, sleeping bags and family sized tents at the Rental Shop," Daniel said.
The Climbing Wall, located in Rex Gym, is also available for interested community members.
"Besides the Youth Climbing Club, which stresses parental/youth involvement, people can also by a membership for the climbing wall," Daniel said.
He has been at Adams State College for over a year and said he chose it because it had all he wanted.
"The mountains were a big draw as was the size of Adams State College and its Adventure Program," Daniel said. "There wasn't anyone who was solely in charge of the Adventure Program for a few years and was perfect for coming in and making some positive changes and building on old programs."
Bobbi Keefer, director of Student Life, said Mick has done a great job of promoting all his programs.
"The program has grown by leaps and bounds under Mick's direction and the support of his student employees," Keefer said.
He believes the trips are beneficial for students.
"College is a time of discovery," Daniel said. "Research has shown that if young adults are exposed to outdoor programs they are more apt to continue those types of activities throughout their life."
He said his student guides receive invaluable experience to lead trips.
"Leading is building life skills," Daniel said. "If you are taking care of someone's life for one day or a week it builds self-confidence." Keefer said she has seen Mick take an active role in recruiting, participating and leading the trips.
"He has done a great job at developing strong student leaders," Keefer said.
Adventure Programs for the spring include three more rides to local ski areas, Yurt Tour February 15-18; Spring Break in Moab, Utah March 11 - 18; and two Tres Peidres Rock Climbing trips April 8 and 22.
For more information on the Rental Shop, Climbing Wall or any Adventure Program trips contact Daniel at 719-587-7962.
By Linda Relyea
