Editor's Note: The event has been cancelled due to lack of attendance.
From the Smithsonian to the cherry blossoms, students and camping fanatics alike will travel to the nation’s capital for a weekend of sightseeing and camping on a budget.
For Outdoor Pursuits, an adventure recreation department of the Division of Student Affairs, the beauty of the blossoms will be a large attraction for its travels to Washington, D.C.
From Friday to Sunday, the organization will be venturing its way to camp and enjoy the outdoors, as well as visit historic landmarks and sites like the National Mall, Smithsonian Museum and many other places they hope to squeeze in.
“In a way, it is more of a giant tour of the place, rather than just an outdoor pursuit,” said David Roth, the graduate assistant for Outdoor Pursuits.
The organization has been planning since last semester for the annual trip. Students are expected to pay $95 and non-students will pay $105, which includes food, transportation and trained guides.
“For me, I hope students gain an increased awareness of what it means to go camping, as well as our nation’s capital and an appreciation for the outdoors,” Roth said.
If students are still interested in participating, but haven’t signed up yet, they don’t need to worry just yet. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday at 10 p.m. To register, go to the Outdoor Pursuits link on the ohio.edu website.
“I went to D.C. in middle school and fell in love with the city and all of its history,” said Kyle Brooks, a freshman studying wildlife and conservation biology. “I have been meaning to go again, and this trip was a perfect opportunity. Not only is it set up better than it would be with say just me going by myself, but it’s also very cheap.”
In addition to the prices, which he considers “an absolute steal,” he believes the opportunity to camp makes the trip a win-win.
“I hope to get a weekend of relaxation, history and fun out of the trip,” Brooks said.
Additionally, Dan Vorisek, the director of Outdoor Pursuits, said he hopes that students are able to make themselves a part of this trip, instead of including themselves into the fest seasons. He said he also believes this is a great way for international students to gain exposure to the nation’s capital in their limited time here in the U.S.
“We like to offer these types of outings,” Vorisek said. “Students can benefit from these surroundings and this area, the socialization, a lot of these students don’t know, so it gives them a chance to connect.”
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