The Rocket

Issue date: 3/9/07 Section: Focus

Media Credit: Submitted Photo Jeremy Summerville, left, and Jake Eddy kayak in Alexander Springs in Ocala National Park last March during spring break with SRU's Outdoor Adventures Club. [Click to enlarge]

For the past five years, some students at SRU have abandoned spring break as a social phenomenon and have sought sanctuary amid the peaceful outdoors.

This year will be no different, with the university's Outdoor Adventures program preparing for its sixth annual canoe trip to Ocala National Forest and Canaveral National Seashore.

"The itinerary will be much the same as before," Steven Roberts, coordinator of Outdoor Adventures, said. "Fourteen students will depart from the university around 6 p.m. Friday night and arrive at Flagler Beach, in Florida, around noon."

Ocala National Forest was established in 1908 and remains the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River valley. Ocala, located 20 miles north of Orlando, is known for its numerous lakes, ponds and natural springs.

Students who will embark on this trip met for the first time March 1 to discuss everything from eating arrangements to equipment and the tentative itinerary.

"Students will be going to the same places as before, but every trip is a different experience," Roberts said.

Scott Slusser and Jeremy Summerville, both seniors in parks and recreation, will lead the expedition.

"Everyone seems excited to see some really great wildlife," Summerville said. "Usually, you see some alligators while canoeing and spend a day snorkeling with the dolphins. It's pretty intense."

Slusser said the trip allows students to break away from a set-in-stone schedule that some other university-sponsored trips may have.

"The schedule is pretty flexible," Scott Slusser said. "We'll do our driving, mostly at night, so that everyone can sleep on the way down, and when you wake up, you'll be in Florida."

Anytime students participate in activities, like the Ocala trip, risks must be assessed, Roberts said.

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