For a chance to get some exercise and not worry about being required to attend a physical education class or the gym every week, the Athletics, Physical Education & Recreation (APER) Department offers one-time excursions every semester.
These excursions often take place off campus and offer members of the Mills community a quick getaway from the stress and pressures of academic life.
This semester, APER is offering a kayak trick-or-treating excursion to houseboats in Sausalito on Halloween.
Previous excursions have included taking a ferry to Angel Island for a hiking trip and horseback riding on the beach.
Themy Adachi, Assistant Dean of Student Life and Director of Athletics, said that APER has been offering these excursions “on and off” for the past few years now.
APER sponsors the excursions with its budget, said Nicci Van Dyke, Operations Coordinator and Fitness Center Supervisor.
However, people looking to participate still have to pay a fee.
“There is usually a fee involved and it depends on the activity,” Van Dyke said. “You can usually participate for a lower cost than when doing things individually.”
The fee also covers transportation to and from the destination. For the kayak trick-or-treating trip, light snacks will be provided as well, but it is encouraged that participants bring their own food or have money with them.
The excursions are not restricted to students, however they are given priority through a sign-up list. Van Dyke said that spots filled up quickly for the kayak trick-or-treating trip.
“We only have a few boats, so we are limiting to Mills students only,” she said.
These excursions have been open to faculty and staff in the past. Van Dyke said a majority of people who attended the Angel Island hiking trip were faculty and staff members.
“When we can take more people, we open it up to more people,” Van Dyke said.
There are no other excursions planned yet for this semester. Van Dyke also mentioned there are hopes for another kayaking trip next semester and possibly a rock-climbing trip.
The kayak trick-or-treating trip is from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Oct 31. The trip still has spots available until all fees have been paid. The fee is $10 and that includes equipment and transportation. Participants are allowed to decorate their kayaks before going on the water. No previous kayaking experience is required, but APER asks that participants must be comfortable in open water and must attend a skill session at the Mills pool on
Oct. 28.
