Hi guys, this is mainly for Simona, but can anyone talk about the outdoor programs at Smith? I saw that there are 1 or 2 credit classes that are offered, are those usually after classes? I don't need to be in the climbing class to use the wall, right? (I love colleges with climbing walls) Are there also weekend trips? Do they fill up, or can most people get into them?
Hi there! The Outdoors Program does offer 1 or 2 credit classes, such as Primitive Outdoor Skills (talked about here by one of our bloggers, Anna), Rock Climbing I and II, Archery, Whitewater Kayaking, Canoeing, and more. These classes meet once or twice per week and fall within the regular schedule of class times (somewhere between 9am and 4pm). Outside of getting credited classes - we have weekly adventures on Tuesdays from 4:30-6:30pm, which are dependent on the season, but can include anything from hiking, kayaking, skiing, climbing, and more! We also sometimes have bigger weekend trips for things like outdoor climbing, hiking, backpacking, camping, etc or some combo of those. You don’t have to worry about having your own gear for these - even hiking boots or a fleece jacket - for you can rent anything and everything you might need from the Outdoors Program (headquarters in the Boat House at Smith). To answer your question about the climbing wall – anyone can use it during open hours (Off the top of my head I think open hours are 4-6pm every weekday except Wednesday which is 7-9 and then weekends 1-3pm but those could be subject to change in the fall). Everything is free, including renting shoes and a harness. There are always student staff members at the wall to belay people too, so you can just show up and climb to your heart’s content. You can also get belay certified on Fridays with Scott and Stephanie, the faculty leaders of the Outdoors Program. Also, the Outing Club (which I am VP of) does ~weekly trips to Central Rock Gym in Hadley (either on weeknights or weekends), also free for Smith students! We all take the PVTA over to CRG together, or sometimes someone with a car will drive. You have to sign up ahead of time for these trips, but if you’re on the Outing Club email list you’ll receive emails well in advance about upcoming trips. Here are all my posts about climbing and here are my posts about the Outdoors Program. Hope this is helpful!
