The Outdoor Experience Program (OEP), located in the new gym, is a resource on campus that allows students to take a break from books and explore the wilderness of California and attend exciting attractions not found in Merced.
“OEP aims to get people outside and soak in the beauty of their surroundings, whether it be by going to see the sights in San Francisco or exploring the granite peaks in Yosemite” says long time OEP staffer, Holly Mondo.
Some popular trips put on by OEP every year are kayaking San Francisco, Alcatraz tour, rock climbing, and rafting the American River. Another popular trip, aimed at incoming freshmen, is the Week of Wilderness. Incoming freshman spend the week before move in day backpacking the high sierras and preparing for the upcoming years.
Trip participant Kimberly Ferguson said, “The trip was very fun … Yosemite is so close and it is great take advantage of our close location.”
Students who are interested in going on a trip are encouraged to check out the Outdoor Experience page on the UC Merced Recreation website. More information can also be found by visiting the Outdoor Experience Office locate in the new Student Athletics and Activities center. They are open Mondays through Fridays from 1:00pm to 6:00 pm.
Joshua Anderson
Staff Writer
janderson24@ucmerced.edu