WNMU’s Outpost offering outdoor gear
WNMU students get ready to hit the trail on mountain bikes that are available for rent at The Outpost on campus, now located at Barnard Hall, in the parking lot next to the Student Memorial Building.
The campus of WNMU isn’t only a place for students to enrich their minds with academic learning. At The Outpost in Barnard Hall, located in the parking lot next to the Student Memorial Building, students, staff and members of the public alike have a chance to take their learning outside the classroom by making use of outdoor gear like kayaks, canoes, mountain bikes, tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, rock climbing gear and more.
The Outpost might be the best-kept secret on the university campus.
“I think the awareness could be better,” said Abe Villarreal, WNMU director of communications. “We certainly offer a wide range of equipment that could be used in local and regional outdoor areas. It is also super-affordable.”
A kayak, helmet, paddle and spray skirt can be rented for up to four days for $40, or five to seven days for $75. A four-person tent goes for $12 for up to four days, a wetsuit goes for $5 to $8, rock climbing shoes are just $3 to $5 and a cook pot $3 to $5. A mountain bike is $10 for one to two days or $25 for the weekend, which gives you three to four days. And it’s not one size for all either. There are different frame sizes, both youth and adult backpack sizes. There are also headlamps, camp stoves, canoes, air mattresses, sleeping bags, and basic things like frisbees. All of the equipment is available free to students. Some items require a deposit, which is refundable upon return of the equipment in good condition.
Professor Kathy Whiteman, who started WNMU’s Outdoor Program with university President Dr. Joseph Shepard back in 2012, said the benefits of getting outdoors expand beyond just enjoying the wilderness.
“We live near a biological place. There are a million acres of land to explore. It is important to know its impact. Being outdoors helps us learn about ourselves, leadership and community.”
To see what’s available for rent, visit outdoor.wnmu.edu and scroll down to the bottom and click on the thumb that says Rent Outdoor Gear, call 575-538-6253 or email Whiteman at Kathy.Whiteman@wnmu.edu.
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