Students get into shape outdoors
Campus Times
March 12, 2004
Carmen Ramirez, a junior at Cal State Fullerton, swings on a rope found
by a group of 10 University of La Verne students on their hike through Marshall
Canyon Sunday. The four-mile hike, dubbed “Get in Shape,” was organized
by the Office of Housing and Residential Life.
Donning backpacks filled with fruit snacks and granola bars, 10 students trekked
single-file onto a shaded trail for a hike Sunday through Marshall Canyon.
Under a bright blue sky, it felt like springtime as the troupe hiked along
a stream fresh and full from the recent rains.
Program assistant Stephanie Dreyer, sophomore, and sophomore resident assistant
Jason House planned the “Get in Shape” event as a way to get students
to enjoy the outdoors and exercise at the same time.
“When Stephanie and Jason came to me and proposed this one, I was excited
because one, it was a weekend program and there’s not a lot of weekend
programs, and two, it was an outdoor activity which was different too,”
said Veronica Ramirez, assistant director of programs and publications.
A majority of the programs planned for residents of the University of La Verne
are indoors with the occasional social gatherings in the quads, she said. Turnout
for this event was better than expected, Dreyer said, which could lead to future
outdoor activities based on the students’ positive response to the hike.
“It’s better than sitting in the city,” said freshman Taylor
Harry.
Harry and Dreyer were the first ones on the trail, energetically running down
a slope and picking a small rock feature to climb and conquer.
The trail crossed the stream more than once, allowing the group to fully experience
a late-morning lark as they leapt over the water or made their ways across balancing
on rocks.
At two spots on the three-mile expanse of the 11-mile trail, ropes were tied
to tree branches, allowing for Tarzan-like swinging.
Eager to get her fellow hikers to make the most of the outing, Dreyer volunteered
to swing first.
“Someone help me stop,” Dreyer said, laughing as she swung on the
rope, letting her feet dangle close to the stream below.
The trail took the hikers alongside a golf course and ended at horse stables.
Many La Verne residents were out enjoying the warm weather.
Bikers cycled by and joggers took to the trails too.
“Hopefully they’re enjoying it. They’re all having fun back
there,” she said, motioning to the group as they played an ABC trivia game
of movie titles.
House, who grew up going hiking with his family, said he wanted the program
to get students more familiar with the local mountains and all that the outdoors
has to offer so close to the University.
“I’ve never been up here. So it has exposed me to an area I’ve
never experienced,” said junior Sarah Hoisington.
“I think we accomplished our goals in just trying to get some students
out in the outdoors, especially with the bad weather lately, it’s good
to have a nice day and get outside,” House said.
Each month, RA’s and PA’s must submit program proposals to their
supervisor, Ramirez said. Once the program gets approved, it is put on www.ulv.edu/housing/events,
she said, adding that not many students use this resource.
