Your college mission: To explore new activities, seek out adventure, and climb toward your future career. If you're ready to take exciting courses that feature more than just textbooks and term papers, gear up -- college adventures await! Just ask the students participating in the Adirondack Experience at Plattsburgh State University (Lake Champlain, NY).

This SUNY school's unique Adirondack Experience is an outdoor alternative to traditional classroom courses, offering both credit and non-credit courses in sea kayaking, ice climbing, rock climbing, telemark skiing, and backcountry skiing. Since the program's inception two years ago, over 100 students of all backgrounds and interests have taken advantage of the school's 'extreme learning' opportunities.

"We can't offer enough classes," says Dr. Larry Soroka, history professor and creator of the Adirondack Experience program. "The interaction between students and faculty is wonderful. Everyone starts out a beginner."

Classrooms Without Walls
"Climbing and Culture," one of the most popular courses, combines the experience of climbing with academic study. Students learn the history and philosophy of climbing before going to the mountains. With cliffs as their classroom, students are taught techniques for steep rock and crack climbing, along with safety skills, chockcraft, and ropework. And, for students worried about their mountain mastery, the current system for grading is pass/fail.

"My business courses are pretty demanding," says Danielle Litke, a marketing major who longed for a 'different' type of elective. "[Taking the rock climbing courses allowed me] to earn credits while taking advantage of my surroundings." Beginners should not shy away from participating. In fact, Danielle had not done any climbing before. "I was really nervous at first, but the instructors made me feel really safe and comfortable," she says.

Aside from the physical challenge, students' problem-solving skills are constantly tested. After all, their safety depends on how well they do. "You may think that because there is a foothold to your left, you should use your left foot. But, you must think ahead to the next step in order to make it up the rockface," Danielle explains. "It may be easier to move with your right foot first."

The Ultimate Location
Plattsburgh State University -- on the shore of Lake Champlain and only 20 minutes from the Adirondack Mountains -- is the perfect spot for the Adirondack Experience. After all, nature is its classroom.

In such an environment, sea kayaking is also a popular course of study. The Lake Champlain Sea Kayak Institute includes demonstrations, contests, and lectures. Paddling skills, self and team rescue, and the Eskimo roll are taught in the water. Homework for this class includes watching out for the wind and waves.

Isabel Arrendondo, assistant professor of Spanish at Plattsburgh State, participated in the sea kayaking class to broaden her contact with the environment. "After work, kayaking is a good way to release the stress from teaching. And, kayaking extended my love for the lake."

John Hopper, a nursing student, participated in ice climbing and telemarkskiing. "I never thought about climbing in different terrain," says John. After learning the ropes on day one, however, John was able to climb a frozen waterfall. Certainly not your typical assignment!

As for extra credit, getting in shape is one of the bonuses of the course, says John. "It really works your legs -- you learn to fall down a lot."

Experience with the Pros
Dr. Soroka, who once owned a rock- and ice-climbing school in Minnesota, teaches the courses along with local guides.

"The instruction was phenomenal," says Sarah Shimko, a sociology and criminology major who had her first ice-climbing experience in the program. "Most people were just starting out and the instructors were helpful at any level."

Students interested in receiving a free brochure highlighting the Adirondack Experience's program can contact the Center for Lifelong Learning at 800-388-6473 or Dr. Larry Soroka at laurence.soroka@plattsburgh.edu.

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