The Division of Student Affairs at UW-Platteville wants students to go outside and play with the development of an outdoor recreational program. The purpose of the program is to get students outside and connect with nature. Mark Sethne, a former UW-P lecturer in the geography department who has been trained by the Department of Natural Resources, has come up with some spring programs and is looking into adding more for the summer.

“I want to get students outside,” Sethne said. “The students that live in the residence halls need something to do. I want to get them away from video games and computers, and provide them with new enjoyable experiences in the outdoors.”

In April the program is offering several activities including bike trips and spelunking. The bike trip is a 20-mile trip from Mineral Point to Belmont. The spelunking trip is at Popp’s Cave, which is located by Richland Center. Canoeing and kayaking trips are planned for the month of May. All programs are geared toward getting people out of the city of Platteville.

The programs have sparked interest in students on campus.

“I’m an RA in Wilgus Hall, and I thought I’d mention this new program to my ladies. They loved the idea and most of them are coming on the possible canoeing and kayaking trip in May,” Elizabeth Volz, sophomore psychology major, said. “A lot of the girls are also going to the cave trip in April. We all enjoy the outdoors and everything it has to offer so this program is right up our alley.”

The trips are designed to bring groups of students together for fun and experiences that some wouldn’t normally get to have. Sethne has even created a program for beginner campers.

“Lifelong learning,” said Sethne. “Learn to trust, to communicate, help others and be helped by others is what the programs all about.”

All activities are open to students, faculty, staff and the public except for a few that are designed for certain classes. This semester transportation to trips is free and costs are directed towards rentals of canoes and kayaks. Sethne is looking for ideas for summer activities and is willing to help people find other outdoor programs to enjoy.