Wilkes Adventure Education kicked off the school year with a new tradition this fall – WAE weekend, packed with various outdoor activities to enjoy the fall weather and get out to explore some locations near campus.

“I felt like this weekend was a success, this will definitely become an annual thing for us.” Adventure Education coordinator, Jill Price said.

On Saturday, Sept. 14, students had the option of going biking, hiking, or kayaking. On Sunday, Sept. 15, there was outdoor rock climbing, as well as yoga.

The kayaking group, 20 students led by Susquehanna Outfitters, rowed 14 miles.

“The coolest thing about it was that there were a lot of people who had never done it. People were just willing to go on the adventure,” Price said.

“The group that biked ended up logging just under 30 miles on the D&L trail,” said Anthony Fanucci, junior, organizer of the bike trip. “We stopped and had lunch in Whitehaven. Every rider whether beginner or advanced I think had a great time.”

According to Patrick Killian, president of the Rock Climbing Club, Sunday’s outdoor climb was “phenomenal because lots of new people came out with us, and everyone seemed to really enjoy it.”

With numbers up, Jill Price and WAE participants are excited.

“We’ve seen a lot of growth in the past year … in participation, interest, and ideas. The purpose of WAE is to introduce people to things they might come to love,” Price said. “We have a lot of cool stuff coming up. There’s a yoga circuit that’s happening every Sunday for nine weeks, and Monday “fundays” every Monday. There’s also rock climbing in UCOM every Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Thursdays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.”

For more information on how to get involved with WAE or to stay updated on the adventures, email Price, [email protected], or stop in at her office in the SUB lounge.