Outdoor adventure done flatland style.
— Matt Rosenbaum '12
The Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) is a large and diverse group. GORP offers outdoor recreation opportunities and the instruction and equipment necessary for them to pursue outdoor adventures on their own. GORP serves in four main ways: physical education instruction, on campus workshops, off campus trips, and an equipment rental and loan program. There is almost everything an outdoor adventurer could want, from tents to water bottles and from sleeping bags to rain gear. The availability of good equipment allows people to enjoy the outdoors on their own, with a group of friends, or with a GORP leader.
At the beginning of the year GORP offers the Grinnell Outdoor Orientation Program (GOOP) to incoming students to familiarize them with the Grinnell culture and to give them the opportunity to meet other incoming students. A group of twenty-five incoming first-years and eight upper-class leaders venture to the northern woods of Wisconsin for a five-day canoe trip.
Leadership training is an integral component of GORP programming and students can take certification courses in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and outdoor skills.
Throughout the year GORP students take weekend trips whenever the Midwest weather permits. Students canoe, kayak, backpack, cave, sail, camp, and ski.
Grab your own favorite mixed gorp (trail mix), GORP gear, a GORP leader, head for GOOP orientation, and make some Grinnell friends for life!
The Grinnell Outdoor Recreation Program helps foster the College community by providing trips and outdoor education for students with wide ranges of wilderness experience. The program operates year-round and is truly an important part of campus life.
Matt Rosenbaum '12 is one of the student leaders for GORP. During his time with the program, he has learned about leading groups so they have a safe, enjoyable time exploring the outdoors.
