“Hanging out around a campsite is a natural way to socialize and meet people.” – Brent Goodson
When you walk up to the EPIC climbing wall most mornings, you will see a group of students learning the ropes, usually there is a actual class. But any student can climb, starting with bouldering, which requires no ropes. Simply walk up, sign a waiver, watch a short safety video, and pick a route on the short wall design to challenge you without being dangerous.
EWU EPIC Adventures offers way more than a climbing wall. It’s a way to experience pretty much all of the Northwest, have fun, and make new friends. If you’ve never been camping before, jump aboard one of EPIC’s year-round adventures.
They get a lot of students brand new to outdoor recreation. Especially for weekend trips like to hot springs, or dog sledding. Ice-climbing is a popular trip, too.
Bernt Goodson, a senior Environmental Science/Geology major, started going on EPIC trips his freshman year, now this is his third year leading them. He says EPIC is perfect for freshmen college students. And it brings together students from different cultural backgrounds and experience levels. “International students love our weekend trips; they often come as a group. We have a ton of fun.”
Upcoming trips include Methow Valley and Wenatchee Raft and Climb trips. Bouldering and climbing day trips trips are coming up to McLellen and Minnehaha, close to Spokane. On the Spokane River, rafting, kayaking and even river surfing is popular.
Service Learning trips involve giving back. EWU Climbing Club recently returned from a Service Learning trip to Dry Falls, an ancient dried up waterfall 2 hours east of EWU. They hiked around the vast canyon, picked up litter, and checked climbing holds for safety.
As Goodson says, “just try it out!”
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