University Recreation takes a DIVE into Spring Break

Wouldn’t you like to have spent your Spring Break creating memories and going on adventures that will last a life time? University Recreation took nine students on a nine day adventure to the Florida Everglades during Spring Break as part of the Diversity and Inclusion adVenture Experience (DIVE).  From March 4 until March 12, participants were involved in camping, kayaking, and other outdoor activities, while engaging in discussions and learning about diversity and inclusion, wellness, and clean water initiatives. This is the fourth year the DIVE program has happened through University Recreation, and will continue to be a great opportunity for students on Spring Break.

There were 97 applicants, and the nine spots were reserved for students from diverse backgrounds that exceeded the initial requirements. These participants added more opinions and insight for the fireside discussions. The discussions were based around NC State professor, Dr. Rupert Nacoste’s, book, “Howl of the Wolf”. This book revolves around the diversity and inclusion at NC State. Participants would read a section of the book, then come together as a group to talk about social issues and how to make the NC State community a better place.

Not only were the fireside discussions based on diversity and inclusion, but the participants were able to learn more about personal wellness as well as clean water initiatives. Participants were able to learn more about how to make themselves better, mentally and physically, as well as how to make the world around them better. For example, participants learned that over farming has caused the Everglades to dwindle, which has also caused drinking water problems in Miami because the Everglades acts as a filter for the water.

Every day was also filled with excitement and adventure, from kayaking in rough winds and seeing alligators, to camping on beaches at night. Some participants had never been camping or kayaking before, so this experience was new and eye opening. Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures, Nathan Williams, said that a part of the trip that stands out to him is the first day of kayaking. “It was windy and we had a participant flip over, but the challenge allowed the students to really work together and support each other to get to the calm part of the route. This was a turning point in the trip.”

Now that the students have returned, they will be working on service projects to make a difference here on campus and around the area. The participants were separated into three service groups, diversity, wellness, and clean water projects. The diversity service group plans to host a discussion about different social issues on campus. The wellness group plans to create hygiene kits for homeless students, and students who are in poverty. The clean water initiative group plans to clean up Rocky Branch Creek, which runs through main campus. One of the participants, Alex Brown, reflected on the trip and the clean water service project.

“The University Recreation DIVE program provided a unique opportunity to experience leadership and outdoor adventure in a new way.  After the trip we have decided to give back to NC State after all that the university has given to us. I will be working with two other DIVE participants to clean Rocky Branch Creek, a stream running through main campus here at NC State.  We will be taking four hours one afternoon in April to guide volunteers as we remove the waste and improve water quality around campus. We are hoping to partner with Service Raleigh, the Sustainability Office, and potentially the Eco Village to make a huge impact with this project.”

A big goal of the trip was to maximize campus impact, and that the participants could bring back everything they learned to impact the NC State community in a positive way. By being able to learn more about diversity on campus, and giving back to the local community, the Diversity and Inclusion adVenture Experience will continue to be an effective and fun Spring Break trip for NC State students.