Tales of weekend escapades on the river abound in Outdoor Adventures. (Outdoor Adventures/UC Davis photo)
Look for those outdoorsy weekend warriors
Check out The Barn between the Silo Union and the 194 Chemistry lecture hall and you'll find a particular "look."
You won't find any couch potatoes here, nor will you see any yuppies afraid to get their hair wet or their clothes dirty. Outdoorsy weekend warriors are a better description of the guides and staff. Tales from weekend adventures are always circulating around the office.
"It's always fun to hear stories about what people did over the weekend," says Danny Milks, assistant director of the campus's Outdoor Adventures program. The working atmosphere is a mix of adventure and a heavy dose of responsibility. Student guides design, organize and run trips for participants from all walks of life and ability.
‘Guides teach the guide schools — they build up all the leadership on their own.’
Danny Milks, assistant director of Outdoor Adventures
"Guides teach the guide schools -- they build up all the leadership on their own," Milks says. "It's really cool to see them develop and grow to take on bigger trips and more responsibility."
Experiences develop lifestyles, and those who pursue lifestyles that include the great outdoors are always looking for more adventures.
Outdoor Adventure's family of guides encompasses undergraduate, graduate, doctoral students and alumni that continue to remain a part of the campus experience.
Despite leaving Davis to pursue careers, many return to guide on the weekends.
"Even people that have gone on to become doctors still come back to guide," says Milks.
— Ian MacKenzie