Oregon State University - Beaver Yearbook (Corvallis, OR)

Page 21 text:

Learning to row a canoe students found the experience to be empowering. Braving the rapids made starting school look like a minor fear to these new freshman. J ust before their hike students pose for a phot to commemorate the first year of the FOOTsteps program. experience necessary but peer leaders must help coordinate the daily activities. FOOTsteps is a great opportunity for freshman to meet new friends and faculty. The variety of activities allows various atmospheres in which students can learn about nature and one another. Freshman arc encouraged to attend, not only be staff members, but by their fellow peers. Story By Jennifer Schoncs J-QOTsttjs • iy

Page 20 text:

group of in freshman pose loto after a can-rip with the ?ps program. 0. Fn a hike together the FOOTsteps group had a chance to get to know each other and become comfortable with their new friends. anocing on the Smith River, Rafting on the McKenzie River, and Backpacking in Drift Creek, Twin Lakes, and Square Like arc ail activities that are offered for freshman through the FOOTsteps program this fall. FOOTsteps is connected with the Odyssey class and is a program designed to help students build a sense of communin' and support system with other students, faculty and administrators. According to the FOOTsteps coordinator, Amy Midglcy, the program helps with student retention and makes them feci comfortable and connected with a faculty member. The cost for each trip is S40 and must be payed for in advance. The Outdoor provides all of the equipment for . the rafting and canoeing trips and most of the equipment for the backpacking trip. Students arc encouraged to bring some of their own equipment on the backpacking excursions. There arc 20 students per • group with 18 groups heading out this fall. Last year, 191 students participated and this year, there is a possibility for as many as 360 students to participate. Of the 191, who participated, a large number highly recommend the program to incoming students. According to survey results, the students involved valued meeting people and felt they developed a higher sense of community and remained in contact with other students on their trip. For those of you students interested in being a peer leader for one of these trips, there is no Sindtnt Mifc • 16

Page 22 text:

Many Benton Count)' children are looking for someone to be their friend, someone to share activities, and give them attention and positive reinforcement. And OSU matched them, five to 14 years old. with students who signed up to be a volunteer in the program. Most of these children arc from single-parent households and through this experience, they learn to develop one-to-one relationships. Sometimes they arc going to be a life-long relationship, Mary Vedaa. the director of Student Volunteer Services, said. This activity was totally volunteer and students did not get paid or credit. They arc expected to spend two hours a week with their “little brother or sister.” Student Volunteer Services put on one activity a month that students, the children, and their families could participate in. Activities such as a party, hiking, and so on. Estimated cost per a pair for one year is SI20, and these costs are sponsored by fraternity houses, sorority houses, and residence halls. Katelyn Bailey followed by Krista Brown play musical chairs at the Christmas Party. Photo By Carol Anne Patterson Allison Rooks-Armstrong and Donna Knight pose for a big little picture. Photo by Carol Anne Patterson “D JL art of the Community - this has been OSU s long-range objective. And student Volunteer services has been working on it by encouraging OSU students to join the Big Brother Big Sister Program. This program was started in 1965 by Student Volunteer Services as the YM-YWCA Round Table. Since then, this program has been a strong connection between OSU and the community. Student J,ijc • iS