Insite Magazine May/June 2017 | Page 8

8 INSITE May/June 2017 Indoor Rock Climbing is open seven days a week during the regular semester, with the exception of holidays, and is available to members and nonmembers. Nonmembers are required to pay a usage fee. If you know how to belay (handle the ropes while climbing up and down the wall) you will need a skills check first to get started. Skills checks are renewable during each academic semester and can be performed during regular business hours. If you have never climbed before, you’ll need to sign up for an orientation class to get started. If you don’t own your own equipment, you can rent the Rec’s equipment. The Bouldering Wall is open during normal Rec hours. To get started, you will need to drop by one of the desks in the Rec Center to sign a waiver and watch an informational video. A complimentary wristband will be issued once you are cleared to boulder. Prices for climbing and climbing gear can be found online. Outdoor Resources are available to anyone looking for more information about their next trip or destination. Outdoor Adventures serves as an information resource on outdoor activities, locations, and equipment. Information is available on Texas parks and recreation areas, Texas rivers, lakes, rock climbing areas, hiking trails, fishing areas, and a wide variety of activities such as backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, and wilderness camping. The Outdoor Adventures staff is available to answer questions and assist customers with personal trip planning. Venture Base Camp is a two-session camp geared towards incoming students at Texas A&M. Each session includes four days of hiking, rock climbing, and river excursions. Campers will get the chance to stay in dorms and learn about Texas A&M traditions and develop the skills every incoming Aggie needs to know. Similar to Fish Camp, Venture Base Camp is an outdoor- based alternative that will take place in July: Session 1 begins July 10, and Session 2 begins July 17. i