The sun was out, and there was a calm breeze at Prairie Creek where about 15 students were enjoying the nice weather in canoes, kayaks, paddle boards and yard games for Outdoor Pursuits' Fun in
the Sun.
Graduate assistant Jessica Edenfield brought these students together. Edenfield said she is a true fan of the outdoors.
"Growing up, I lived in Yellowstone, and it opened my eyes to possibilities," she said.
Edenfield has a lot of experience with the outdoors. In her undergraduate years at South Alabama University, she worked for several programs. She interned in Mississippi after graduation, and she is now working on her master's degree at Ball State. Edenfield said Outdoor Pursuits helps bring people together.
"People that don't already have equipment or a circle of friends to do activities can find them here," she said. "People are drawn to participate by the idea of something different and being on campus."
Freshman speech-pathology major Tatijana Marsee, a first-time participant, had picked up an Outdoor Pursuits pamphlet from the Scramble Light.
"We were always outside, as kids, but it was a lot of sports," Marsee said.
As a result, Marsee has always been a fan of the outdoors.
"My favorite part is the scenery," she said. "I love kayaking."
The time spent at Prairie Creek was not just in the water. Cornhole was set up, and a recreational balance board known as an Indo Board challenged participants to test their equilibrium.
Outdoor Pursuits has a busy schedule for the semester. This weekend, a group will venture to Hoosier National Forest for a backpacking trip totaling 12.4 miles. In October, a group will go on the Ride to Richmond, a 42-mile bike ride on the Cardinal Greenway. As it gets colder, Outdoor Pursuits will take a day trip to Perfect North.
Edenfield said though the program provides great resources, many people don't know about the center.
"A lot of students are not aware of the Rental Center," she said. "They can rent equipment whenever and take their own adventures."
Outdoor Pursuits has two trips also planned for Fall Break, spanning anywhere from Michigan to West Virginia. Students will get the chance to camp, fly fish and raft.
After a few hours of paddling, kayaking and frisbee, the group gathered together in pyramids for picture time. Outdoor Pursuits provided a causal, fun and safe environment to enjoy sunshine and have fun with other students.
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