Anna-Catherine Kueng ~ Assistant Editor
According to the University of Lynchburg website, midterm vacation is March 7-15, 2019. For students who wish to spend their break in nature, the Outdoor Leadership Program will be hosting a trip to the Florida Springs.
According to an email sent out by the University of Lynchburg, “on this nine day Florida adventure, we will explore the Suwannee River Wilderness Canoe Trail, watch grazing manatees, camp on the side of the river, and swim in some of the clearest water in the world at Florida Springs.”
This is not the first time the Outdoor Leadership Program has hosted a trip to Florida, but it is the first trip to the springs.
“Last year, we went to the Everglades, but we stopped at a spring on the way home. The experience seemed to be the highlight of the trip for some, so I thought it deserved its own trip,” said Tim Slusser, outdoor leadership program coordinator.
“I am always up for a new adventure, and this trip sounded like too much fun to pass up. I went on the spring break trip last year to Florida and it was so enjoyable, so I wanted to do something similar again this year,” said Allen Walker, a student at the University of Lynchburg.
“I decided to go on the Florida Springs trip because I thought it would be a fun experience. I am looking forward to snorkeling, swimming with manatees, and the clear spring water,” said Hannah Gross, also a student at University of Lynchburg.
The midterm break trip is $300 per person, but the sign-up slots are currently full; however, there is a waiting list.
In addition to the Florida trip, the Outdoor Leadership Program has many events planned for the new semester. On Feb. 16, 2019, they will be going on a caving trip and on Feb. 17, 2019, there will be a hiking trip to Spy Rock. One of the upcoming events Slusser highlighted is the Wilderness Woman Retreat, which is a girls only backpacking trip from March 30-31, 2019.
“The Wilderness Woman Retreat is in March. That’s going to be cool and I am really proud of it,” said Slusser.
“I consistently take advantage of the programs OLP offers. I have gone on countless adventures over the three years I have attended this school. The most memorable adventures were the ABOVE program when I was an incoming freshman and the Everglades trip. Personally, I think OLP is one of the best organizations U of L offers and I would recommend it for everyone interested in the outdoors. I have never been disappointed on any of the trips I have attended,” said Walker.
