New TPWD Grant Funds TAMIU Outdoor Adventures Program

Get your paddles ready for kayaking, and your backpacks packed for camping ...Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students will soon venture out of their classrooms into the great outdoors thanks to a new outdoor adventures program launching this Spring at the University.

The TAMIU Outdoor Adventures (TOA) program, funded by a competitive grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), hopes to foster a lifelong connection to nature through camping, kayaking, and outdoor education, said Juan G. Perez, TAMIU Outdoor Adventures program coordinator and associate director of TAMIU Rec Sports.

“Through TAMIU Outdoor Adventures we want to connect varied and underrepresented communities to the outdoors by providing accessible and impactful recreational opportunities. We’ll do so through activities like camping, kayaking, and outdoor education, focusing on welcoming all and encouraging skill-building.

“We will support student and community participants to develop their outdoor competencies and environmental stewardship.  We will collaborate with local partners to ensure safety, learning, and community engagement.  We believe TOA can break barriers to outdoor participation and promote conservation among underrepresented groups,” Perez explained.

TAMIU vice president for Student Engagement Rosalinda García, concurred and said the new program offers opportunity and promise for all participants.

“We’re thrilled to have TAMIU Rec Sports selected to receive this TPWD grant to support TAMIU Outdoor Adventures.  This will provide broad, multi-season opportunities for our students and community to immerse themselves in nature. Participants will share experiences that promise to enrich lives, foster environmental stewardship, and promote healthy lifestyles right here... close to campus and home,” García observed.

Perez offered details on excursions, locations and sessions TAMIU Outdoor Adventures will offer, starting this April.

“Our kayaking sessions will be held twice a month, typically lasting between 1 - 2.5 hours depending on the location and participants' skill levels. Camping events will take place at local parks like Lake Casablanca State Park, with overnight stays, typically in the spring, summer, and fall months. Excursions will vary in length, from half-day kayaking trips to multi-day camping trips. Participants earning the Leave No Trace certification will undergo a series of educational sessions and practical application, which will teach sustainable outdoor practices and ethics,” he said.

All activities will be led by a team of qualified staff, including Recreational Sports Outdoor Adventures staff and TPWD personnel, such as rangers, interpreters, and game wardens, depending on the event. TAMIU Outdoor Adventures staff will be certified in kayaking and other essential outdoor certifications to ensure safety and expertise in guiding these activities.

The new TAMIU Outdoor Adventures program will be offered at no cost to participants, he noted.

“There are no costs associated with participating in the kayaking, camping, or certification events. All equipment and food for camping will be provided, but participants may need to cover personal costs for special dietary needs or personal gear. TAMIU Outdoor Adventures will provide all equipment for camping and kayaking, including kayaks, paddles, camping gear, and food.

“Participants should bring their own water containers and any personal items like sunscreen, hats, or clothing appropriate for outdoor activities. For kayaking, participants should wear comfortable clothing that can get wet and shoes that can securely stay on in the water. For camping, we recommend weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear, and any personal hygiene products,” Perez shared.

TAMIU Outdoor Adventures will launch in April. For registration details visit tamiu.edu/recsports/outdoor.adventures.

A Microsoft registration form will be available.  Additional program details are available by emailing juang.perez@tamiu.edu.  Information by phone can be provided by calling  956.326.3012.

Find out more about TAMIU Rec Sports programming at tamiu.edu/recsports

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