Adventure programs test mind and muscle - If you're looking for some summer excitement, sign up for one of these programs to see what you're made of

Colorado river rafting, mountaineering in the Andes, sea kayaking in the Bahamas and Outer Banks, trekking the Andes, white water rafting in Utah, sailing in the Puget Sound, rock climbing in Maine. Sound like fun? If your answer is yes, you are not alone. In the hum-drum world of school and work, many of us are anxious to get out and play once in a while.

Yes, summer vacation is a nice time to relax, but some people demand a bit more excitement out of their summers. They demand something different, something exciting, something unexpected. In an adventurous spirit, these young people have increasingly sought out outdoor adventure programs, in which they might find these out-of-the-ordinary experiences.

Outdoor adventure programs are often run through schools, churches, student organizations, and even the YMCA. More than ever, due to increasing popularity, a number of organizations, devoted solely to this market, have been created to meet the rising demand. Two of the most well-known organizations are Outward Bound and Adventures Cross Country.

Adventures Cross Country is an outdoor adventure organization which offers numerous trips throughout the United States for young adults, ages 13-18. They pride themselves on combining learning with the fun of adventure in small student groups of comparable ages. For more information on this organization, please visit their Web site at http://www.adventurescrosscountry.com.

By far, the most popular outdoor adventure program is Outward Bound, an outdoor adventure organization which offers exciting trips throughout the world to people of all ages.

The Outward Bound Web site (http://www.outwardbound.com) encourages students to, "Come discover the amazing things you can accomplish in the wild. Face natural challenges that reveal abilities you never knew you had. And, most of all, enjoy the freedom of the vast, untrammeled landscapes and open water where you can learn, play, take risks and uncover reserves of confidence."

This organization, which offers the expeditions listed at the beginning of the article and numerous others, encourages participants to overcome the challenges of nature, while strengthening their character and self-confidence at the same time. The Web site explains, "The expression "outward bound", as used by mariners to describe the moment a ship leaves its moorings, now refers to cutting people loose from the safe moorings of home, family, and familiar routines. To grow through experiencing the unfamiliar, the difficult and the adventurous is at the foundation of Outward Bound."

Freshman Shannon Chang spoke enthusiastically about her experience with Outward Bound. At the age of 13, she and her fellow classmates participated in a six-day canoeing trip in the Everglades. With fond memories of the trip, Chang explained that the experience was both physically and emotionally challenging, which helped her to grow as a person. She said, "Being put in an adverse environment, I think, makes people learn more about themselves. You have to test yourself."

Indeed, this is one of the main objectives of programs such as Outward Bound. Although participants recall their experiences as being a lot of fun, outdoor adventure programs are not, nor are they meant to be, a vacation.

Another freshman, Suzy, participated in an outdoor adventure program through the YMCA at the Boundary Waters. In her experience, she had to learn that the physical challenges are much more of a mental thing. She explained, "The first day sucked. We all asked, 'Why the fuck did we do this?' But from then on the experience was amazing."

Chang agreed that participants must willingly forgo the luxuries and ease they are accustomed to in order to truly experience, enjoy, and survive in the outdoors. For instance, Chang and her fellow participants had their watches taken away at the outset of the trip, to force them to break away from their reliance on time and the hectic schedules they were used to. One day, later in the week, Chang and her group members were told they had been rowing their canoes until 4 a.m. She had barely even noticed how late it had gotten.

Asked what kind of person these programs are aimed at, the girls explained that the programs are for anyone who wants an experience of a lifetime. There are programs for practically any age and skill level. Chang added that one must be mentally tough and determined to do this.

Interested in outdoor adventures, but don't think you have the time or money to invest in one? In that case, you still have the opportunity to participate in a milieu of exciting outdoor activities through the Hopkins Outdoors Club. This well-established campus student organization offers free trips every weekend, which include canoeing, climbing, hiking, and caving. Check out http://www.jhu.edu/~outdoors/, or contact Director Rob Theobald at rft1@jhunix.hcf.jhu.edu.

Outdoor adventure programs have become incredibly popular in recent years. The opportunities they offer are endless, and the experiences they provide are not to be forgotten. So go out, try something a little different and discover yourself.