Meet our Outreach Coordinators. These Whitman students help to create a welcoming and accessible atmosphere in the Outdoor Program and at the Climbing Center.
No Barriers
The Outdoors Is for Everyone
The Outdoor Program at Whitman is for everyone—and we mean everyone. We want students of every ability, experience level, background and identity to have the chance to explore the outdoors, learn new skills, find community in nature and work together to build a more inclusive outdoor culture. We are focused on breaking down barriers and opening up opportunities. Whether you’re an avid nature lover or have never set foot in a forest, you belong in the outdoors.
Discover the World Outside
The Outdoor Program regularly brings speakers and film screenings to campus so that you can start to see yourself outdoors.
The documentary “An American Ascent” addresses issues of race and the outdoors as it follows the first African American expedition to climb North America's highest peak, Denali.
Outdoor educator Nyles Asher busted misconceptions of disability in outdoor recreation and trained trip leaders on how to deconstruct barriers that people with disabilities might face.
Monserrat Alvarez spoke about her work as DEI inclusion manager for the American Mountain Guides Association, which is building a diverse community of outdoor guides and instructors.
Adina Scott shared her experiences as a scientist at Palmer Station in Antarctica and base camp tech for the Full Circle Everest Expedition, the first all-Black team to summit Mt. Everest.
Making the Outdoors Affordable
We don’t want to the expense of outdoor recreation to stop any student from getting outside. So we’ve created a variety of free or low-cost ways to test the waters.
Bob Carson Outdoor Fund. This fund gives trip credit money to every Whitman student to be spent in the Outdoor Program. It can fund up to three trips a year. The fund honors retired Professor of Geology Bob Carson, a Whitman icon and a strong supporter of the Outdoor Program.
Leadership Education Advancement Fund. If you’re interested in leading trips or working for the Outdoor Program but can’t afford the required leadership and certification courses, this fund can help. It provides need-based awards that can cover or reduce the fees for one leadership course and one medical training.
Special Activities Participation Fund. The Dean of Students’ office will fund one class activity fee each semester for students with financial need. That can be used for many of the classes in the Sports Studies, Recreation and Athletics section of the catalog.
Free Open Kayak. Come try out kayaking for the first time or brush up on your existing skills. You’ll learn all about paddling and rolling—and play fun games like kayak polo. It’s available to anyone twice a week at the Baker Ferguson Fitness Center. All equipment provided!
Free Open Climb. Whitman’s Climbing Center is open seven days a week. When climbing classes aren’t in session, you can try your hands at more than 7,000 square feet of climbable surfaces. We’ll provide the harness and shoes.
Find Your Community
The BIPOC Outdoor Club organizes events on campus and in the surrounding areas for Whitman’s BIPOC and international students. It’s a welcoming and safe space for students to explore activities, strengthen outdoor skills, and build meaningful friendships.
What do we do?
- Climbing wall takeovers and day trips
- Hiking trips
- Mountain biking outings
- Camping trips
Courses in Sports Studies, Recreation and Athletics
Round out your course load with classes that put the outdoors front and center.
SSRA 208
Outdoors for All
America's wild places belong to all of us, but not everyone uses them equally. Why not? We’ll examine the historical reasons Black, Indigenous and people of color are less likely to seek recreation, adventure and solace in our nation's wilderness spaces. And we’ll explore national efforts to make outdoor recreation and environmental conservation more diverse, inclusive and culturally relevant.
SSRA 114
Beginning Snowboarding
Always wanted to shred? Hit the slopes at Bluewood Ski Resort, just an hour away from campus. You’ll learn how to strap in and figure out your stance. And you’ll practice balancing, skating, gliding, turning, stopping and much more.
SSRA 127
Beginning Fly Fishing
This class will introduce you to the tackle, casting techniques, water-reading and fish-handling skills fly fishers use during a day on the water. Known for its meditative qualities, fly fishing is a great way to relax—and could be the start of a lifelong hobby.
SSRA 137
Beginning Indoor Rock Climbing
Learn the basics of bouldering, top rope climbing and belaying. Whitman’s state-of-the-art Climbing Center has sections designed to mimic a range of natural features, so you can try out crack climbing, face climbing, steep overhangs and more—all indoors.
SSRA 141
Beginning Flat-Water Kayaking
Learn how to kayak on lakes, ponds and rivers. We’ll cover entry and exit techniques, basic paddling strokes, recovering from a capsize and more. Kayaking builds stamina and endurance, and there’s no better way to experience local waters like the beautiful Columbia River.
SSRA 142
Beginning Camping Skills
No camping experience? No problem. Before you head into the woods, we’ll show you what to bring, how to pick a camping spot, how to set up camp and how to “leave no trace.” Plus, you’ll practice knot tying, backcountry cooking, treating water, fire building, map reading, basic gear repair and more.
Learning Through the Land
Students in the Outdoors for All class share their research about inspiring outdoor trailblazers.
Mentorship Matters
Your needs are unique. You deserve unique solutions to reach your goals. Outdoor skills can open up opportunities you didn’t know you had. We can help by connecting you with:
- Classes
- Clinics
- Clubs
- Leadership roles
- Readings
- Outdoor companies
- National Outdoor Leadership School
- Whitman alums
How have students used the Mentorship Program to secure amazing summer jobs and research opportunities?
- Two students took a Glacier Mountaineering course before doing research in Alaska.
- Students have earned their Wilderness First Responder certification before doing raptor counts in wilderness areas.
- Several students have used River Guide Leadership and Climbing Wall Instructor courses to become raft and climbing guides.
Looking for a Mentor?
Reach out to the Outdoor Program’s Director or Assistant Director to get started.