Summer Hours
Mon., Wed., & Thurs.                                 11:30am - 1:30pm
Tues. & Fri.                     11:30am - 1:30pm, 3:30pm - 5:30pm

The Outdoor Program

The Outdoor Program (OP) is an outdoor recreation cooperative sponsored by both the college and the Associated Sutdents of Whitman College (ASWC). One of the largest of it's kind for a small college, and recently rated the top college outdoor program in Washington state, the main function and goal of the OP is to assist people in  their outdoor pursuits. The primary goal is to manage risks so as to offer safe and rewarding recreational experiences in addition to providing quality rental equipment in the fields of hiking, backpacking, climbing, flatwater and whitewater kayaking, rafting , canoeing, fishing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing and telemark skiing. Activiites cater to novice, beginner, and intermediate skill levels. On campus the OP is active in organizing visiting speakers, slide shows, instructional seminars, classes, and films. The annual Teton Gravity Research ski film and the Banff Mountain Film Festival are examples of some of the presentations available. The OP also oversees the Sherwood climbing facilities and the first-year preorientation "Scrambles" wilderness trip program. Outdoor Program activities are open to anyone at anytime.

Another important function of the Outdoor Program, is to teach outdoor skills, both elementary and advanced, in such areas as wilderness safety, first aid, kayaking, climbing, skiing, canoeing, mountaineering, and outdoor leadership. The program is a resource for those interested in planning their own trips, exploring the outdoor surroundings of Walla Walla, purchasing equipment, or obtaining instruction. Magazines, books, videos, equipment catalogs, buyers' guides, map, literature on recreational programs, and outdoor jobs are on file at the program office.

 The Outdoor Program is not a club. There are no dues; anyone, regardless of ability or skill level, may participate. Through the Outdoor Program, all students interested in noncompetetive, nonmotorized pursuits may share adventures.