Outdoor Center

The PSU Outdoor Center is part of the academic Adventure Education program in the Health and Human Performance Department and as such is an experiential education-based program that serves as a clinical site for students studying Adventure Education as well as being a catalyst for personal growth for all participants.

The Outdoor Center offers the OER program (Outdoor Equipment Rental) which is FREE OF CHARGE to all PSU students. We have equipment for Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring outdoor activities, including paddling, climbing, camping, skiing, snowshoeing and much more.

Through its SOAR (Student Outdoor Adventure Recreation) program the Outdoor Center sponsors trips, clinics, and training. The SOAR trips use human powered outdoor activities to connect students with their surrounding outdoor environment. Students experience empowerment, goal achievement, and group support by moving beyond their own expectations. Based on a challenge-by-choice philosophy, all activities are voluntary, empowering each person to perform to her or his potential, securely and without pressure. There is no prior experience necessary to participate in a SOAR trip.

The Outdoor Center also offers experiential team building and personal growth experiences through its CALE (Community Adventure Learning Experiences) program. The mission of CALE is to provide quality adventure programming experiences to a diversity of groups for the purpose of developing or reinforcing concepts, skills and/or values. CALE staff members provide structured, adventure-based activities that deliver these outcomes. CALE serves the PSU community as well as the larger Plymouth-area community. CALE adventure programs are diverse. They can be delivered via the outdoor or indoor challenge course, low and no prop activities, indoor rock climbing wall, front country outdoor pursuits or backcountry activities.

A minimal fee per participant is charge for the CALE program.

Christian Bisson, Ed.D.

Outdoor Center Co-Director

Professor of Adventure Education
Coordinator of Undergraduate Program in Adventure Education

Plymouth State University
Department of Health and Human Performance
603-535-2676 in the Human Performance Center (Office)

Email: cbisson1@plymouth.edu

Website: www.plymouth.edu/hhp/adventure/index.html

Jamie Hannon, Ed.D.

Outdoor Center Co-Director

Assistant Professor of Adventure Education
Coordinator of Graduate Programs in Adventure Learning

Plymouth State University
Health and Human Performance Department
Plymouth, NH 03264
603-535-3488 (Office)

Email: jhannon@plymouth.edu

Website: plymouth.edu/graduate/academics/degrees/masters/med/physical-education/adventure-education/

Nick Boccia 

Adventure Education Major

SOAR Program Coordinator

(603) 535-2622 (Office)

Email:  psu-soarprogram@plymouth.edu

Sarah Sibley

Adventure Education Major

CALE Program Coordinator

(603) 535-2622 (Office)

Email:  sasibley@plymouth.edu

Outdoor Equipment Rental (OER)

The Outdoor Center offers the OER program (Outdoor Equipment Rental) which is FREE OF CHARGE to all PSU students. We have equipment for Summer, Fall, Winter, and Spring outdoor activities, including paddling, climbing, camping, skiing, snowshoeing and much more.

Note: There is a minimal rental fee for PSU alumni, staff, faculty, and community members.

During the Fall and Spring Semesters, the OER program is open Monday through Friday from noon to 6:00pm.

For more information about the OER Program contact the OER Program Jamie Hannon (jhannon@plymouth.edu)

Student Outdoor Adventure Recreation (SOAR)

SOAR Trips are scheduled outdoor adventures experiences connecting human powered/propelled outdoor activities to students and the outdoor environment. No participant experience is necessary. Trips are led and instructed by volunteer PSU students who promote a respect for the environment and a love for the outdoors. Trips can be day and/or overnight(s) involving activities such as rock climbing, paddling, hiking/camping, surfing and biking.

For more information about the SOAR Program contact the SOAR Program Student Coordinator:  Nick Boccia  (njboccia@plymouth.edu)

Community Adventure Learning Experiences (CALE)

The Outdoor Center also offers experiential team building and personal growth experiences through its CALE program. CALE stands for Community Adventure Learning Experiences. The mission of CALE is to provide quality adventure programming experiences to a diversity of groups for the purpose of developing or reinforcing concepts, skills and/or values. CALE staff members provide structured, adventure-based activities that deliver these outcomes. CALE serves the PSU community as well as the larger Plymouth-area community. CALE adventure programs are diverse. They can be delivered via the outdoor or indoor challenge course, low and no prop activities, indoor rock climbing wall, front country outdoor pursuits or backcountry activities.

For more information about the CALE Program contact the CALE Program Student Coordinator:  Sarah Sibley (sasibley@mail.plymouth.edu)