Adventure Education is a Wilkes University program where students can seek adventure but also learn from their experiences in the process. The program offers a wide variety of activities that focus on teamwork, communication, problem solving, group bonding, and leadership.

“It is introducing students to things that will enhance their college life and beyond,” said Jill Price, the Adventure Education Coordinator. “The focus of this program is for people to get outside and play. In the seriousness of an academic education sometimes the play is last on the list and Adventure Education combines playfulness with the purpose of gaining awareness of experience”, said Price. 

Adventure Education regularly offers three activities that are available to all students, a yoga series, bike rentals, and the step-up rock wall and ropes course.

Yoga Series

The yoga series takes place at Melt Yoga in the Gateway Shopping Center in Edwardsville.At a normal yoga studio, you would typically have to pay around $10 for a single class but with Adventure Education it is only $10 for five classes. The shuttle picks students up at 6 p.m at the SUB or you can also drive and meet everyone there. 

Bike Rentals

Another program offered by Adventure Education is the bike rentals. Students are provided the bike, helmet, lock, and a total of four hours riding. This serves as an opportunity for students to get outside and get some exercise while also being able to see the local area in a way they might not normally get to do. The dates, locations, and times for when the bikes will be available will be announced in the near future on Wilkes Today. 

Rock Climbing

Adventure Education also offers rock climbing every Friday from 6 to 8 p.m at University center on main (UCOM) that is free for all students, staff, local high-school students and the Wilkes-Barre community. The step-up rock wall and ropes course encourages students to challenge themselves with either the high and low ropes course or the 30-foot indoor rock climbing wall. This program encourages teamwork, communication, trust, problem solving and overcoming your fears. 

Adventure Education also offers weekend trips throughout the school year. One of these trips is the State Park Hiking Series which offers students a chance to experience the outdoors and will help contribute to their overall health and wellness. The State Park Hiking Series begins on Sept. 29 at Ricketts Glen. The hikes will take place at a different park each month thereafter. 

The Adventure Education program emphasizes a community oriented atmosphere. 

“We practice and preach inclusion,” said Price. “We want students to take part in activities but students do not have to attend every trip or meeting. The meetings are more informational and directed to a specific trip. You can do one thing with Adventure Education in your four years and still say that you were apart of Adventure Education.” 

When you think about going on trips with a school program one of the first questions might be, what would the cost be? With Adventure Education most of the costs are included. “Cost is kept ridiculously low so that students can try things that they might not normally be able to,” said Price.

In regards to having gear for trips, such as the hiking series, Adventure Education provides almost all of the gear that students will need. The only thing students have to provide themselves is clothing, shoes and any other extra items they might want.

Adventure Education gives students the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy new local experiences. The program offers a fun, educational opportunity that also challenges students to enhance their communication and social skills. Adventure Education can help contribute to health and wellness during the busy school year. If you are interested in this program contact, [email protected].