The Women’s Outdoor Program has had a slow six years since its inception, but new coordinator TJ Beezley hopes to see an increase in participation soon.
“We’ve had an informational meeting and done some activities at the pool,” Beezley said. “We tried to go to the ropes course at Paradise Ridge, but we didn’t have enough interest. It’s hard because everyone is so busy.”
The Women’s Outdoor Program focuses on getting women active and outdoors while eliminating intimidation that can result from co-ed activities.
“People want to get into activities but if they’ve never done it before, there’s a lot of intimidation there,” Beezley said. “Having women only eliminates that. It has a different dynamic than a co-ed group.”
Heather Gasser, Women’s Center director, said the Women’s Center fully supports the Women’s Outdoor Program and does what it can to help increase awareness and involvement.
“I feel it’s really important to create empowering opportunities for women to participate in activities that are usually only available for men,” Gasser said. “The Women’s Center is really interested in continuing to support those goals to create empowering opportunities for women.”
Beezley said they have about 40 or 50 people interested in the program so far.
“When it comes down to attending the programs everyone has such busy schedules,” Beezley said. “Hopefully people will have more of a chance to participate with more activities.”
Danielle Lawson, a movement sciences graduate student attended kayak activities and the planning meeting.
“It was awesome because we were able to have a kayak instructor, who was also a woman, help us,” Lawson said. “With the help of TJ and the instructor we were able to roll our kayaks underwater, which was really intimidating.”
Lawson said the women-only environment was beneficial for learning purposes.
“It’s easier to learn in a less competitive environment,” Lawson said. “Without guys there it was easier to relax and learn.”
Participation fees vary with each activity.
“I’m trying to make it as affordable as possible, I know everyone is on a budget,” Beezley said.
Next semester Beezley said she is planning larger trips including snow shoeing.
She also said activities will be on the Outdoor Program’s schedule, which will increase advertising and, hopefully, attendance.
“Right now I’m trying to figure out activities and what time frame works for everyone, because there’s lots of interest,” Beezley said. “So it’s what needs to be done so people can participate.”