Weinstein Center updates outdoor adventure program

The staff of the Weinstein Center for Recreation and Wellness is revamping the Natural High Program this semester to encourage more students to take advantage of Richmond's outdoor opportunities, such as white-water rafting and kayaking, said Lucia Anderson, interim outdoor and facilities coordinator.

"My goal is to really help students be aware of all the great outdoor things they can do within 10 minutes," Anderson said.

There will be seven local weekend trips this spring for a reduced price: one skiing, two hiking, three kayaking and one white-water rafting trip, she said.

The kayaking trips will be $5 for students, including transportation, equipment and a boxed lunch, Anderson said.

Student recommendations are always appreciated, Anderson said. "I would love to see the program continue to expand," she said.

The Weinstein Center staff has incorporated a new acronym, "TEAM," into its work atmosphere to instill core community values and help the employees to live them out every day, Anderson said.

TEAM stands for Teamwork, Educate, Accountable, Make an Impact.

The four words boil down to the basics, Roberts said. "In the fall, we recognize different team members with the acronym, based on who sets a good example," he said.

Associate Director Kelly Harris said: "It's a way for all of our employees to commit to that concept. Whether it's a part-time or full-time student, we are all part of a team, and we're all working together in Recreation and Wellness."

Anderson hopes to create a place where employees have fun and can learn important skills that they can take with them when they graduate to other professions, she said.

In addition to the TEAM program and the Natural High Program, the Weinstein Center staff is working to keep its facilities up to date, said Tom Roberts, assistant vice president of Recreation and Wellness.

The Weinstein Center needs a face lift, he said. "We would like to re-do some of the cosmetics, and a big one will be re-doing the carpet and some other things to jazz up the place."

Contact reporter Katie Davidson at katie.davidson@richmond.edu