Outdoor Program
The Westminster Outdoor Program exemplifies Westminster's unique environment for learning, which is located minutes from world-class skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing in the local Wasatch Mountains. Beyond the Wasatch lie Utah's red rock deserts, wild rivers, and vast wilderness areas—all of which become both Westminster's playground and classroom.
Through meaningful outdoor experiences, the Outdoor Program helps students to develop leadership, technical skills, self-awareness, character, and stewardship. Student leadership is a priority for the program and most outdoor trips are student-led. Graduates who were a part of the Outdoor Program often leave Westminster having weeks of valuable field experience, advanced certifications, and an understanding of how lessons learned in the outdoors can apply to other areas of college, career, and everyday life.
Whether you're joining us for an evening hike or a weekend in the backcountry, you'll most likely learn something new, meet interesting people, and spend time in awe-inspiring places.
Upcoming Trips and Events
Westminster students, faculty, staff, alumni, and their guests are welcome to participate in outdoor program trips and events. We're committed to supporting anyone who is interested in getting involved regardless of skill level, previous experience, or equipment needs. Contact outdoorprogram@westminstercollege.edu with any questions or if you would like to participate but cannot pay the entire event fee. While modest, the Outdoor Program Participation Fund is designed to help in these cases.
Wilderness First Responder/WEMT Course
March 3–7, 2023
This is a Hybrid Wilderness First Responder course through the Wilderness Medicine Training Center (WMTC). This course requires 40+ hours of independent online study and testing (Part 1) prior to the in-person practical session (Part 2) March 3-7, 2023. Westminster students wishing to receive academic credit for this course (2) should first register for OEL 245A. If you're hoping to take this course to complete your WEMT, please contact us for more information.
Cost:
Desert Backpacking Trip
March 17-19, 2023
Explore the red rocks and canyons of southern Utah! This trip is geared toward any experience level, including beginners. If you have been interested in seeing a different part of the state, backpacking, getting more involved with the outdoor program, or just getting outside for the weekend - this trip is for you!
Cost: $80 includes all food, transportation, equipment, and instruction.
Spring Bouldering Competition
Thursday, March 23rd, 2023
Location: Bishop’s Wall in Eccles HWAC
Time: 4–10:00 p.m.
Cost: $10
This is a gendered, skill-based competition with recreational (V0-V2), intermediate (V3-V5), advanced (V6-V7) and open (V8+) categories! We will have categories for female, male, and non-binary competitors. Please choose the option that best suits you. You will self assess your grade/difficulty level. If you complete more than 2 climbs in the next category up, you will be bumped to that category.
The first place individual from each category (women's recreational, women's intermediate, women's advanced, etc.) will be invited to participate in the Utah State Bouldering Competition at Weber State University in Ogden on Saturday, April 1st.
This event includes raffle prizes from Black Diamond, Dynamite Starfish and other local businesses, free pizza (vegan and gluten-free options available) and awards for finalists!
Ongoing Events
Kayak Roll Sessions
Wednesdays, 8:00–10 p.m.
First–timers meet in the Eccles HWAC Aquatic Center from 8–8:30 p.m. All other current students, faculty and staff arrive at 8:30 p.m. to come practice your roll and kayaking skills.
Cost: Free
Intro Climbing Hour
Fridays, 1:00 p.m.
Location: Bishop’s Wall in Eccles HWAC
This time is dedicated to new climbers who want to “learn the ropes." No equipment or experience required– just come ready to climb. If you haven’t already, please complete the Climbing Wall Registration before arriving.
Cost: Free
Faculty/Staff Climbing Hour
Last Friday of each month, 12:00 p.m.
Location: Bishop’s Wall in Eccles HWAC
Heard of “walking meetings?” Now you can have climbing meetings too! Or just come climb. No equipment or experience required– just come ready to climb.. If you haven’t already, please complete the Climbing Wall Registration before arriving.
Cost: Free
Refund and Cancellation Policy
- If there is a fee, you must pay for the trip or event before you are considered to be registered. Email outdoorprogram@westminstercollege.edu if you're having trouble with payment.
- If you register for a trip and cancel before the registration deadline (if applicable), you can receive a refund for the trip.
- If you register for a trip and cancel before the pre-trip meeting (if applicable), but after the registration deadline (if applicable), you can apply the registration fees as a credit toward a future trip with the Outdoor Program within the same academic school year.
- If you cancel after the pre-trip meeting (if applicable), no refunds or credits will be given.
- You MUST attend scheduled pre-trip meetings for trips if applicable. Meeting dates and times vary and will be included in event information. If you do not attend the meeting and have not made other arrangements with us to get trip information, your spot on the trip may be forfeited. Email outdoorprogram@westminstercollege.edu with any questions or concerns about attending pre-trip meetings.
- No refunds for Wilderness First Responder/First Aid/re-certifications, avalanche certification courses, and AMGA Single Pitch Instructor course will be given unless the Outdoor Program cancels the event.
Contact
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Outdoor Program
