The Carroll Adventure and Mountaineering Program (CAMP) embarked on their annual spring break trip in search of outdoor activities, warmer temps, and sunshine! This year the trip landed them at a basecamp just beyond the entrance station of Zion National Park's South Entrance just outside of the town of Springdale, UT. The trip was led by Director of Campus Recreation Brad Maddock ‘12 and consisted of 16 student participants, four of whom are student leaders for the CAMP program. The students participated in numerous hikes in Zion National Park including Angels Landing, Observation Point, and The Narrows. The most unique hike of the trip, The Narrows, is not your normal hike, but instead much of the "hike" is spent wet wading through a river beneath towering sandstone cliffs.
"Spending a week in Zion was the most immersive experience I've had outdoors. The vibrant and towering cliffs all around you in the canyon inspire awe at the vastness of the walls completely surrounding you. Every day was completely action packed with amazing experiences and there was never a dull moment. Best spring break ever." ~ Jared Ball
The group also participated in activities outside the park such as mountain biking and rock climbing. Participants were challenged, learned many new skills, and made lifelong friendships on the trip. The group also gave back via a service project in collaboration with the National Park Service, cleaning up graffiti and trash on one of the park's more popular hikes, The Watchman Trail.
"The trip was great! As a new transfer student, it really helped in meeting others and creating a sense of community." ~ Willem Trainor
"Going on CAMP's Spring Break trip was one of the best decisions I have made over the course of my time at Carroll. I am extremely grateful that I had the opportunity to experience Zion National Park and the surrounding area with a wonderful group of Carroll students. We got to mountain bike just outside the park, hike up Watchman's Trail and to Observation Point, wade in the Narrows and climb sandstone routes (among a lot else!). As a group, we supported and encouraged each other while hiking, played Kubb at dusk and spent nights around the campfire and in tents bonding. It was a truly wonderful experience and I know it'll be a memory I'll treasure forever." ~ Nicole Morgen