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The Sweet Briar Outdoor Program

 

The Sweet Briar Outdoor Program (SBC Outdoors) 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 among 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

 

Every Wednesday, come Indoor Rock Climbing or Kayaking in the pool with us!

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 Wednesdays 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.

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. 

 

Here are some of our unique trips this spring (more will be added soon, keep checking back): 

 

Night Skiing at Wintergreen

Want to ski or snowboard up at wintergreen?! Never been before?! No problem!! We can rent you gear you need. The $30 fee includes lift ticket, rentals and a beginner lesson! We get to the mountain around 4:30 pm and we stay on the mountain until 10:00 pm. These ski trips run every Friday, weather permitting, until the end of February. They are very popular trips so please stop by and sign up as soon as you can. 

 

Spontaneous Friday

We're trying a new type of bi-weekly activity this spring semester, called Spontaneous Friday!  Every other Friday, we will be hosting spontaneous, surprise outdoor activities as a way to help introduce students to our mission. The Monday before the scheduled Friday is when the activity will be announced via our Facebook. These are low-key, on campus activites that start at 3pm and last for a few hours, depending on the activity. Stay tuned online to find out more, or stop by the office with questions. 

 

Blue Ridge Snow Hike

Want to get the most out of the winter season? Sign up for our Snow Hike on February 17! We will be hiking on Mount Pleasant, guided by our resident local expert and campus librarian, Joe Malloy (and his golden retrievers!). He will share his expertise and local history of the area. Bundle up and come enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridge with us! 

 

Caving

We will be running a few trips this spring to nearby Crossroads Cavern or Island Ford Cave. We'll experience firsthand the stunning karst topography, learn more about the unique ecology of caves, get a chance to explore underground, and have some fun getting dirty! These trips will be on February 23 and another TBD date. Come by the office to learn more or sign up! There is no caving experience necessary to participate in these trips. 

 

Spring Break 

For more information about our Spring Break Trip to Arizona, please check out this post on our blog.

 

Outdoor Climbing 

Our Outdoor Climbing trips will head to Goshen Pass, a Virginia Natural Area Preserve for a day trip.  No previous climbing experience is necessary for this trip, but if you'd like to get a jump start on your skills, we recommend attending our bi-weekly indoor climbing sessions mentioned above. This climb offers amazing views and some neat things to see at the top, plus an adventure on an old-school rope bridge. These trips rill run late in the spring, so please stop by the office to sign up and see the finalized dates. 

Backpacking

This spring we will be offering a three day, two night backpacking trip along the Appalachain Trail. Explore places you can't get to by car and enjoy sleeping under a tent under the stars. Our qualified instructors will plan meals, s'mores, and some excellent views for you to enjoy.  No backpacking experience necessary! This trip will be the weekend of March 22. 

 

Check out our trip schedule to see a complete list of the trips offered this semester.