ROOT
Reconnecting on Outer Terrain

Mission Statement
ROOT seeks to provide the Naropa community with access to outdoor gear and wilderness experiences. It is our mission to fulfill the inspiration of those who want to get out into the wilderness, and lead trips with members of the Naropa Community. Through weekly meetings, dedicated volunteer support, and regular office hours we aspire to provide the Naropa Community with access to outdoor gear (at a low rental cost), expertise on local terrain, and shared enthusiasm about outdoor experiences.

About ROOT
ROOT is an acronym for Reconnecting On Outer Terrain. We chose this name for the purpose of reducing exclusivity. There are no membership dues or joining processes. Anyone and everyone in the Naropa Community are welcome to attend our weekly meetings or to participate in our trips (sign up sheets are on a first-come first-serve basis and often fill up quickly).

In the fall of 2002 Scott Epstein and Timothy Crespi were contemplating the idea that many students come to Naropa and have limited access to experiences in the Wilderness. At that time, they were two motivated students who were interested in gaining guiding experience, and helping students to access the wilderness. When they inquired of people at Naropa about the potential of a student-run outdoor organization, they were amazed to find out that someone had already begun by acquiring a small room on campus which now serves as an office and gear storage room. That semester they started collecting donations of gear and organizing wilderness trips for students to attend. In these early stages, there were many concerns including safety, liability, and how to run the gear storage closet as a fully functioning rental/meeting office. They began working with SUN to obtain a budget and were allotted work-study hours. In 2003 ROOT members organized and lead their first overnight backpacking trip in nearby terrain.

ROOT’s trips are filled by students who are eager to learn basic backpacking and climbing. They desire to access the Colorado wilderness in conjunction with other students. Trips have included week-long backpacking in the remote canyons of Utah, beginner climbing trips, short weekend trips, day hikes in the nearby foothills, snowshoe treks, Telemark skiing, and solo back packing/meditation wilderness trips. In the 2006/2007 school year ROOT led 17 trips including full moon hikes, winter camping, snowshoeing, climbing, and desert backpacking in Utah.

In 2007, ROOT became housed under Naropa Student Affairs, increasing its ability to mature and sustain itself as a student organization. ROOT’s mission statement continues to evolve to reflect the goals of its members. ROOT’s staff now includes several highly dedicated volunteers, two student work-study positions, and a director.

ROOT’s office is open for consultation about trips and gear rentals for several hours a week. All funds collected through gear donation is used to maintain gear and to supplement trip expenses for students.

Gear
All outdoor equipment, with the exception of a few items, are accessible to Naropa students for a donation of $1 per day per item. This donation gives students an affordable rental option while helping ROOT to sustain its programs. If you wish to rent gear please visit us during our office hours which are posted on our door in the Lincoln building basement.

Available gear includes:

• Backpacks
• Sleepingbags
• Seeping pads
• Tents
• Climbing Ropes
• Harnesses
• Climbing Shoes
• Snowshoes
• Water purifiers
• Camping pots
• Headlamps
• Maps
• Books

Office Hours
Fall and spring semesters: We are currently open for office hours 5 days per week between two and four hours a day. Please check our current office hours which are posted outside of the ROOT office in the basement of the Lincoln building.

As of October 2007 ROOT’s office hours are as follows:

• Mondays: 3pm-5pm
• Tuesdays: 9am-11am
• Wednesdays: 1:30pm-3pm
• Thursdays: 12pm-3pm
• Fridays: 1pm-3pm

These office hours are subject to change. Please see the ROOT office for the most current office hour posting.

Summer: The office is closed during the summer, however you may be able to contact the director for checking out gear. During the summer it is not guaranteed when he will get back to you. His email address is tcrespi@naropa.edu.

Our Weekly Meetings
Currently our weekly meetings are Wednesdays from 3pm-4pm. This time is subject to change. Please refer to the ROOT office to verify meeting time.

ROOT Trips
Flyers for upcoming ROOT trips are posted at each of Naropa’s three campuses. The sign-up sheet for trips is posted outside the ROOT office door. ROOT trips have a limited number of spaces available and are filled on a first come first serve basis.

If you are interested in ROOT offering additional trips stop by during office hours or our weekly meetings and we can help you make this trip a reality.

Donations
If you are interested in donating gear or funding to ROOT please contact:

Timothy Crespi
Director of ROOT
Naropa University
(303) 319-9793
tcrespi@naropa.edu