The Associated Students of Walla Walla University Outdoors team (ASWWU Outdoors) recently took a group of 35 students, faculty, and staff on an overnight cabining trip to ABC Mountain Retreat in the heart of the Blue Mountains.
For many years, ASWWU Outdoors has held the tradition of hosting this retreat the weekend before review week to provide students with a break right before finals. Luke Palau, sophomore aviation technology major and the head of ASWWU Outdoors, finds trips like cabining important for students that are interested in both active and relaxed trips. “It's not hard core,” said Palau, explaining that some students choose to go out and play in the snow, or go on a hike, but if they wanted to stay back in their cabins and play board games with their friends, that's okay too. In fact, Palau said this trip is very popular and one of the best attended all year.
ASWWU Outdoors looks to take advantage of the university’s placement in the Pacific Northwest and is committed to creating spaces where students can explore the beauty of God’s creation and build meaningful connections with one another. Darren Wilkins, WWU vice president of student life, takes pride in this, emphasizing the importance of the community that is built when faith and adventure come together to create memorable experiences for students. “It's doing it with a good friend that makes it beautiful. Whether it's a big adventure or just seeing something jaw dropping, it's the shared experience that is really powerful,” said Wilkins.
On previous trips throughout the quarter, Palau has seen a strong sense of community when students get to connect with each other over their faith and shared experiences on trips. “That’s what I love about Walla Walla,” he said. “You see people who don’t really know each other very well standing around the fire having conversations like they've been friends for years. It’s cool to see students experience that.”
This trip was one of several organized by ASWWU Outdoors, with more adventures to come. This winter, WWU partnered with Bluewood, a nearby alpine ski area, to offer students, faculty, and their immediate families a once-in-a-lifetime ski deal, with eight full-day tickets costing only $320. For first time skiers, WWU also offers a ski class for credit where students can learn with instructors.
For more information, and to keep up with ASWWU Outdoors, go to aswwu.com/outdoors and follow @aswwuoutdoors on Instagram.
Posted Dec. 16, 2024
