Adventure Awaits, Awaken Your Inner Explorer with Outdoor Adventures
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie looking to skydive over the Texas coast, a surfer eager to catch your first wave, or someone who simply wants to unwind under the stars during a multi-day trip to a breathtaking national park, the Outdoor Adventures program has something for everyone.
“Our primary goal is to encourage anyone who has called our Island home to stay connected while kindling a love of shared adventure and the environment,” said Katie Chambers ’19, Program Coordinator. “We believe there’s never a bad time to be immersed in nature — be it enjoying our beautiful surroundings in Corpus Christi or exploring the wilderness of Texas and beyond.”
The Outdoor Adventures program is open to Islander alumni, along with current students, faculty, and staff.
“So far, our most popular activities have been group surfing lessons and skydiving outings in Port Aransas, but we also offer once-in-a-lifetime trips to some of the country’s most beautiful national parks, including Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, and the Great Smoky Mountains,” Chambers explained. “Each activity is carefully planned to ensure that our participants are safe and can enjoy themselves while making lasting memories and reconnecting to their Islander roots.”
For Jordan Rodriguez ’21, participating in Outdoor Adventures while earning a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science allowed her to gain a new love for the outdoors while overcoming the stress and isolation that can sometimes be a factor in transitioning to college life.
“As someone who never really got the opportunity to get out into nature as a kid, joining the Outdoor Adventures program was a life-changing experience,” Rodriguez said. “Traveling in a safe, supportive environment was empowering and it sparked a new love for the outdoors. I took part in backpacking, caving, and surfing with Outdoor Adventures, and I am grateful to the program for the friends I made, and for having something exciting to look forward to during times of stress.”
In addition to excursions, the program also provides affordable equipment rentals, making it easier for Islanders to embark on their own adventures without investing in expensive gear. Rental items include kayaks, bikes, paddleboards, hammocks, tents, and various camping gear items.
“We believe in the importance of fostering a community of explorers that can fully appreciate what our beautiful natural surroundings have to offer,” Chambers said. “The rental program has proven particularly popular with current students — it saves them money and space without compromising their travel experiences.”
Matthew Garcia ’13, Regional Director of Community Relations for the Texas Oil and Gas Association and National Islander Alumni Association Board Member, signed up for a surfing session with the program this summer.
“When I signed up for the surfing session, I wasn’t sure what to expect — I hadn’t been on a board in years,” Garcia said. “But with Katie’s instruction and the support of the Islanders participating, it was a really enjoyable experience, and I left feeling more connected to the Islander community. I’d definitely encourage other alumni to get involved. It’s a fun way to bond and keep the Island spirit alive, no matter how long it’s been since you graduated.”
With its commitment to offering unique and affordable experiences, Outdoor Adventures invites all Islanders to embrace their adventurous spirit and discover the incredible opportunities that await.
