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Outdoor Programs

 

The Sweet Briar Outdoor Programs strives to create outdoor recreational opportunities that foster personal growth, responsibility, leadership, and environmental sensitivity through experiential learning in small group settings. Check out the trail map and all the activities on campus as well as those trips off campus.

 

The Sweet Briar Outdoor Program strives to:

  • Create opportunities for students to have meaningful interactions amoung peers, staff and faculty
  • Make meaningful curriculum connections through relevant experiences outside of the classroom
  • Offer programs and activities that encourge morally and ethically responsible behavior, sportsmanship and cooperation
  • Educate students in the value of leisure time through development of lifetime skills, leadership and the practice of wellness
  • Teach value and conservation of the environment through Leave No Trace Wilderness Ethics

 

Just a few of the trips you can look forward to this spring:

 

Indoor Rock Climbing

Rise Up Climbing Gym offers several routes that cater to every climber from beginner to advanced. Come and build your skills by challenging yourself on either the bouldering wall or the top robes! On alternating Wednesdsay each month, the 'Sweet Climbers" will be making the trip to Rise Up from 7-10 p.m. The Outdoor Program instructors are there to teach, encourage, and guide you as you climb on. Stop in the office to learn more and check out our Belay Bonanzas to learn how to get belay certified.

All this climbing is leading up to our favorite: Outdoor Climbing! Join us for our trip to Goshen pass in April and try out a whole new type of climbing! This trip is great for all skill levels!

 

Kayak Water Polo

On the alternating Wednesdays that we don't go climbing, we spend quality time in our kayaks...in the Sweet Briar Pool! Join us for games and other fun skill building activities from 7:30-9 p.m. These clinics are open to everyone and beginners are always welcome. Come learn the basics and build your skill set up to including rolling and other maneuvers before joining us on our Spring Break river paddling trip in North Carolina.

 

McAfee Knob Day Hike - March 3rd

Join us and enjoy a SWEET day hike to one of the most photographed locations on the Appalachian Trail! McAfee Knob has spectacular views of the Catawba Valley to the west, the Roanoke Valley to the east and catches a glimpse of the Tinker Cliffs to the North. The hike is about 8 miles round trip and a break for lunch will be included right on McAfee Knob.

 

 

Spring Break Trip - March 10 - 17th


We will be hiking, paddling, and exploring on the Appalachian Trail and Nantahala River near Bryson City, North Carolina. Bryson City is the nation's third best paddling town, and it has been said that if you can't find something exciting to do there, you're not breathing. A Sweet Briar Alumna, Juliet Jacobson Kastorff is the co-founer of the company we'll be going with, Endless River Adventures.

We'll be spending the nicer days out on the water paddling, and then on the other days we'll either do some day hiking or spend time in town, checking out the local culture and getting some homework done, because we know it never really goes away. 

 

Cole Mountain Backpacking Trip - March 24 - 25

Enjoy day hikes and camping? Combine them on our backpacking trip to Cole Mountain! This is a beginner's hike; after a short hike in we set up camp and prepare a backcountry meal. Outdoor Program instructors will guide you to the summit of Cole Mountain. Beautiful views and great food await you on this trip. Don't miss it!

 

Outdoor Climbing - April 21st

What's better than indoor climbing? Outdoor Climbing! Come with us to Goshen Pass next to the Maury River, where we will set up climbs for every skill level to enjoy. For those who are interested, you can take a trip to the top to see how our ropes are set up and get a bonus view of the gorgeous valley below. The food is good, the company is great and the climbs are better. There's nothing that makes you feel more hardcore than climbing some rocks!

 

Fly Fishing with a trip to the Hot Springs - April 22nd

Join the Outdoor Program as we head to The Cascades in the beautiful mountains around The Homestead for fly-fishing! There are beginner lessons for those who have never fly-fished before, but those who are experienced can head straight to the stream. We will enjoy our lunch by the water, check out th falls, enjoy the mountain air, and maybe even see a river otter as we cast out our lines. 

Bring your swim suits because afterwards we'll drive to the Jefferson Pools, a hot spring where Thomas Jefferson would go to relax. Who could ask for a more relaxing day?

 

Hang Gliding - April 27-29

Come have a world class experience as you glide over the massive sand dunes of Jockey's Ridge State Park in Kill Devil Hills, NC. The instructors at Kitty Hawk Kites will walk you through ground school and pre flight check before letting you take off into the wind. Join the Outdoor Program for two nights of camping in tents with shower/bathroom access and one day of awesome hang gliding.