Hollins University

Hollins Outdoor Program

 

If you enjoy the outdoors, with some adventure thrown in, then the Hollins Outdoor Program -- or HOP -- is for you. HOP combines adventure, education, self-awareness, and leadership all into one fun, exciting program.

HOP is a natural for Hollins. Here are some reasons why:

• Located in a valley surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the college is a ten-minute drive from the Appalachian Trail, with endless opportunities for hiking and camping. Visit www.roanokeoutside.com to learn more about outdoor activities in the Roanoke area.
• The New River Gorge, home to some of the best rock climbing and white-water paddling on the East Coast, is just two hours from the university.
• The many caves of the Appalachian region provide exploring opportunities year-round.
• During ski season, the slopes of the Homestead, Wintergreen, and Snowshoe ski resorts beckon Hollins students, faculty and staff.

 

The outdoor program boasts an indoor climbing wall and a full-service outing center, with maps and all kinds of equipment for rent. Staff members and trained student instructors lead you safely on a wide range of adventures, from rock climbing excursions to caving expeditions, from hikes to white-water rafting. Click here to view a slideshow of HOP activities.

 

Hollins also offers the The Hollins Outdoor Leadership Certificate (HOLC) and the Wilderness Education Association’s National Standards Course. More information...

HOP is also affiliated with the following organizations:

Wilderness Education Association Hollins is the first and only all women’s affiliate with the Wilderness Education Association. The mission of the WEA is to promote the professionalism of outdoor leadership through establishment of national standards, curriculum design, implementation, advocacy, and research driven initiatives.

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people, worldwide. All of the trips offered by the Hollins Outdoor Program are run based upon the Seven Principals of Outdoor Ethics.

American Mountain Guides Association The AMGA is the premier source for training, credentials, and services for professional mountain guides and climbing instructors in the United States. Since 2003, Hollins has been running its climbing trips to the stringent standards set forth but the AMGA.

Spring 2010 offerings include:

• February 13 - Day hike to Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve ($7)
• February 28 - Bouldering at McAfee’s ($10)
• March 13 – Rock climbing at Bozoo ($15)
• March 14 – Day hike to Mount Pleasant ($7)
• March 17 - Climbing at Radford University ($10)
• March 20 - 28 - Spring break in Florida ($230)
• April 10 - 11 - Virginia Downriver Canoe Championships (TBA)
• April 21 - Climbing at Radford University ($10)
• April 16 - 18 – Nelson County Triathlon (Contact HOP office)
• April 25 – Whitewater rafting in West Virginia ($95)
• May 1 – Tye River Race (Contact HOP office)
• May 12 - Horseback trail ride ($45)