Students gathered at 6 a.m. Saturday morning at the University Recreation (UREC) center. After gear checks, introductions and a game of Tetris to load the van, we hit the road for the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Vantage. Needless to say, everyone in the back was fast asleep within minutes—until we reached Safeway for a quick pit stop.

It was very cold, and then it started raining. With the weather saying the rain shouldn’t last long, we decided to still continue with our plans, spending some time in the van and waiting out the rain. Thankfully, it didn’t last too long.

The view was very beautiful and quite amazing. Even just looking at the rocks was entertaining. Some of the group were very experienced climbers, while others had a lot to learn. We were taught some safety measures and basic climbing techniques.

When I was just starting out, I felt like I couldn’t do it and I ended up falling multiple times. But my group leaders, and even group members, encouraged me to keep trying. So, I made a promise to myself to try every climb. I ended up getting the hang of it and conquering multiple routes, reaching the top! Without them, I don’t think I would have been able to do it.

Lucy Sun, a fourth-year finance major and trip attendee, shared her first time climbing, which was about two and a half months ago.

 “My first time [ever climbing] was when my friends dragged me down to Vantage, where we just went, and they were like: ‘you’re going to climb it,’… and I had so much fun, I just decided to keep doing it.” Sun said.

She was very reassuring about my struggles, as was everyone else. 

“When you’re on the rocks, you’re just scared of so many things. You just need to just tell yourself to just do it and not worry about anything else.” Sun said. 

That even includes falling. The safety measures in place during our trip were very precise and checked multiple times. 

During this overnight trip, we camped, cooked our meals and had a good time. The weather was the worst part, as everyone attested. It was constantly cold, and in the middle of the night, two of the three tents collapsed. Still, that night was full of laughter and commotion as everyone was struggling to fall asleep, stay asleep or keep the tents up. 

Dragon Truong-Le, a fourth-year finance and accounting double major, has been climbing on and off for about a year, and loves the community he has found since adopting the hobby.

“I think climbing is a really good community, and I think everybody is facing their own challenge, and I think everybody understands that you’re working through a challenge, and we always encourage others to do their best,” Troung-Le said. 

The goal of these outdoor trips is to create memories, explore beyond your comfort level, get active, get outside and have fun regardless of your skill level. 

Alex Bohls, a third-year nursing major, has been climbing for two years. 

“I think the thing I love about climbing is it just forces me to be really present in my body, and outdoor climbing specifically, I love it because I’m connecting with nature, and also I get a greater sense of accomplishment since it’s not intended for me to climb, necessarily,” Bohls said. 

I can personally affirm what he said. I felt really accomplished and proud of myself for even trying. I think everyone should try climbing at least once in their life. For anyone thinking, “I could never do that,” I was once in your shoes—nervous, unsure and convinced I’d fall off of every route. But I showed up, tried and found a version of myself I didn’t know existed.

These trips aren’t just about climbing or camping. They’re about discovering what you’re capable of, laughing through the cold and building friendships that last beyond the trail.

Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or someone who’s never stepped outside your comfort zone, UREC Outdoors has a place for you. All it takes is one trip to change how you see yourself, and the world around you.

Our journey to Vantage reminded me that the scariest experiences often become the most cherished. They shape you, challenge you and sometimes even become your favorite memories. No matter your current interests, UREC has a trip waiting to help you reconnect—with nature, with others and with yourself.