Idaho State University’s OAC is a center for all kinds of adventure. From rafting and rock climbing to skiing and camping, the OAC offers rentals in every shape and size. The OAC is paired with the C.W.HOG program which is an incredible organization that allows people who are handicapped to enjoy any adventure they can dream of.
The OAC, otherwise known as Idaho State Universities Outdoor Adventure Center began in 1970 under an inspired idea from Harrison Hilbert, known just as “H.”[1] H had served in the Korean war and took his experience from the Military, especially his remarkable leadership skills to structure the OAC program. From his own experience he knew that the ridged structure of the military would not work for the program he deeply desired. He wanted something new and unusual, other than the military systems that most outdoor activity programs were run like in those days.[2]
H’s desire was for a structured yet fun experience – which is known as “Common Adventurism” in the outdoor education field.[3] By 1970, H had recruited both Pierre Pulling and Bill March, and the three would continue to grow the program. March had a big influence on the program and began teaching courses for credit. The courses caught the attention of an Englishman named Tom Whittaker. However, in the late 1970s, Whittaker would be involved in an automobile accident which resulted in him losing his foot. The outdoor program and the ISU community would come to his aid, helping him to become well again. Once his strength was restored, he would once again have his love for nature and would help create the C. W. HOG program known as the Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group in 1981.[4]
Harrison Hilbert retired as the director of the Outdoor Program 1981 and Ron Watters took over. Watters helped get a grant to jump start the C.W. HOG, and Tom Whittaker helped expand the horizons of the program.[5] The C.W. HOG is a remarkable program that takes handicapped individuals on amazing adventures that they may not otherwise be able to go on. From rafting on rivers to adaptive skiing, Whittaker oversaw that anyone with a sense of adventure could go on trips.[6] When Whittaker left to teach at another college, the program was taken over by an intern named Jim Wise. Starting in 1988, Wise fine-tuned fitness classes and the ski program. He even oversaw a ski trip that took place in Austria.[7]
After Wise, the director of the program was a man named Jeff Brandt. Brandt created Kid’s Camp in 1994, and was followed by director Justin Dayley in 2001 until he became a staff at the Outdoor Adventures Center. Dayley was responsible for upping the participation by implementing more regular meetings. The current director of the C.W. HOG is David Kriner, who has successfully branched out the ski and water program and has worked with programs such as Americorps and Vista Volunteers to help with the program.[8]
The C.W.HOG has successfully taken many people on countless amazing trips, including guiding the first group of people with disabilities to the base camp of Mt. Everest in 1998, which received national attention.[9]
Today the OAC offers a number of services such as organized rafting trips, ski rentals, and any camping gear you could ever need. Along with providing adventure gear, the OAC and College of Education worked together and provided staff to create and emphasis and minor in Outdoor Education.[10] This program produces future guides and people who work in the outdoor field, and encourages outdoor safety. The Outdoor Program along with the C.W. HOG create an exciting and safe way for people to enjoy the outdoors and get in touch with their sense of adventure.
– Cassandra Jensen & Lindsay Todd
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Works Cited
Brief History of the ISU Outdoor Program/OAC. Provided by Justin Dayley, Director of the Outdoor Adventure Center.
Outdoor Adventure Center Departmental History. Provided by Justin Dayley, Director of the Outdoor Adventure Center.
Outdoor Adventure Center (OAC) Division of Student Unions and Involvement. Provided by Justin Dayley, Director of the Outdoor Adventure Center.
Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group A part of the Outdoor Adventure Center Division of Student Unions and Involvement – Provided by Justin Dayley, Director of the Outdoor Adventure Center.
[1] Brief History of The ISU Outdoor Program, OAC
[2] Brief History of The ISU Outdoor Program, OAC
[3] Brief history of The ISU Outdoor Program, OAC
[4] Outdoor Adventure Center Departmental History, OAC
[5] Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group History, OAC
[6] Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group History, OAC
[7] Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group History, OAC
[8] Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group History, OAC
[9] Cooperative Wilderness Handicapped Outdoor Group History, OAC
[10] Outdoor Adventure Center Division of Student Unions and Involvement, OAC
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