Outdoor Challenge

Interested in the outdoors?  Wondering how you are going to make the transition to college life?  Want to form a group of new friends?

Join a Richmond College tradition with Outdoor Challenge.  While camping, a group of 30 first-year men will face a variety of challenges designed to help them prepare for the academic and social aspects of the University of Richmond.  Participants will experience high ropes challenges including climbing, a 600-foot zipline, balance beams, rappelling and belaying.

Outdoor Challenge begins with your arrival on campus on Sunday, August 17, 2008.  The following day, participants will depart for the two-night, off-campus experience which will consist of activities that challenge leadership and communication skills, test mental strength, and encourage teamwork.

You will leave the program with an increased sense of what you are capable of achieving, as well as having discovered new levels of courage and creativity.  This is also your chance to enter new student orientation having already formed a support system of other first-year men.

Outdoor Challenge is scheduled for August 17-20, the three days before first-year student orientation begins.

Professional instructors from Challenge Discovery will lead the group through all the outdoor activities.  They have a 25-year history of running events that help groups work together, communicate more effectively, solve problems and gain confidence - all while having fun and gaining new appreciation for one another.

Additionally, two University faculty members will serve as advisors during Outdoor Challenge activities.

David C. Howson is associate director of the Modlin Center for the Arts where he teaches courses as part of the arts management concentration for the Department of Theatre & Dance.  Originally from Philadelphia, he received a B.A. and M.L.A. from the University of Richmond, as well as an M.F.A. in theater management from Yale University.  In addition to teaching, Professor Howson is a College Fellow and lives in Dennis Hall with his dachshund, Fiyero.

LTC Doug Gillem spent much of his youth fly-fishing, camping and hiking.  He has successfully completed specialized Ranger, Airborne, Jumpmaster and Air Assault training schools.  During his 16 years in the army, he has led soldiers on three combat tours to Afghanistan and Iraq.  He is currently a professor of Military Science.  He and his wife still make time for fishing, kayaking and camping with their four children.

Click here to apply to the Outdoor Challenge program.