Grand Valley State University’s Outdoor Adventures (OA) program provides students with the opportunity to enjoy a range of outdoor activities, offering space for exploration, leadership development and community building. The program believes in the power of experiential learning, where students face real-world challenges in a controlled environment. From purifying water to being safe on hiking trails, students gain practical skills that can be applied both in the wilderness and in everyday life.
Part of the University’s Recreation and Wellness department, OA gives students the chance to participate in outdoor and adventure-based experiences without any formal membership needed, and unlike traditional student organizations, OA is staffed by paid students. Students are welcome to participate as much or as little as they wish, creating a flexible and inclusive environment.
The program operates several key resources, including the University’s Climbing Center, a bike maintenance area and a gear rental library. These services allow students to engage in outdoor activities.
Located in the Fieldhouse, the Climbing Center is a central hub for students interested in rock climbing. Though the OA program itself does not focus heavily on social climbing activities, due to the presence of GVSU’s climbing club, Vertical Earth, there is a strong partnership between the two groups for trips and skill development.
The outdoor gear rental service provides essential equipment for backpacking and camping trips, enabling students to explore the outdoors independently or with friends. The bike maintenance area helps students keep their bikes in good working condition, offering hands-on support for repairs and upkeep.
“I strive to engage students through outdoor and adventure-based opportunities, and any GVSU student can participate as they desire,” said Joe Bitley, the assistant director of Recreation and Wellness, who oversees OA.
Exploration is a central value in OA’s mission. The program encourages students to step outside of their comfort zones, promoting self-awareness and curiosity through adventure-based experiences. This focus on exploration is reflected in the variety of trips and activities that OA offers, which range from day hikes to multi-day camping excursions.
Leadership is another core value for the OA program. The goal is to help students develop leadership skills through physical challenges and peer-to-peer interactions. OA fosters personal growth in areas such as integrity, preparedness and perseverance. The program encourages students to share the skills they’ve learned on their own personal expeditions.
Community also plays a vital role in OA’s approach. The program strives to create an environment where students feel safe, included and encouraged. Whether it’s cheering on fellow climbers at the Climbing Center or helping a peer with bike repairs, OA staff and participants work together to build a supportive atmosphere.
“Since GVSU doesn’t have an outdoor club, the Outdoor Adventures program does try to fill that void with regular opportunities for social engagement with other students who enjoy things like hiking, camping, biking and paddling,” said Bitley.
Safety is a top priority in all of OA’s programs. Recognizing the inherent risks of outdoor activities, OA emphasizes proper preparation, education and rigorous leadership training. Outdoor Adventure Leaders (OALs), the student staff that run the program’s activities, undergo training to ensure they can manage potential risks, and keep participants safe.
An upcoming event will take students to Muskegon State Park for a day at the beach and on hiking trails. Recently, OA hosted a social gathering where participants learned to tie essential knots and hitches used in camping and backpacking. Once a week, the program hosts social events like these that are focused on teaching practical skills for outdoor activities.
