Plattsburgh State students seeing summits

PLATTSBURGH — Some Plattsburgh State students tackle high-altitude treks in the Everest region.

They hit Mexico to climb the third- and seventh-highest peaks in North America.

They ski out West, and they kayak in wild waters.

But these aren't mere hobbies, though the students have fun. They are simply caught up in their coursework in expeditionary studies, a Plattsburgh State program in its fourth year.

"When we first offered this, all students enrolled were current students on campus," said Dr. Laurence Soroka, director and chair of the Adirondack Experience, Expeditionary Studies.

"Now, we are busting at the seams, and our students are doing all kinds of jobs."

DREAM PROGRAM
The Adirondack Experience coordinates all Plattsburgh State's outdoor programs, including the major and minor in expeditionary studies, which can help students obtain jobs as guides, park rangers, rescue personnel and more.

Before coming to Plattsburgh, Soroka owned and served as a guide for On Ice, a year-round climbing school in Minneapolis.

At Plattsburgh State, he taught English and history.

Then, in 1997, the university went through strategic planning and solicited ideas from faculty. Soroka thought of a program that would combine academics and adventure.

"I had been climbing, and I was also a Ph.D, and I thought I could take an academic approach to this kind of stuff."

The idea kept meeting with nods of approval, and Soroka found himself creating a budget.

"Suddenly, I have the rarity to create a program that is a reflection of self."

The State University of New York and Education Department approved the degree in April 2005, birthing what is considered a lifestyle choice.

'SPRINGBOARD'
"Expeditionary studies was to be as boundless as the global territory that we would make our adventure campground," states a pamphlet about the program.

It teaches advanced skills in rock or ice climbing, back-country skiing and sea kayaking.

The classes include studies in history, leadership, land management, environmental science, ethics and education.

Students specialize in one of four disciplines: rock climbing, ice climbing, back-country skiing and sea kayaking.

"And we have a location here that is a springboard to larger locations," Soroka said. "Our kids do leadership in the field rather than study five different styles.

"We do five to six hours of classes and leave 10 days at a time."

The day the program opened, 14 students walked in Soroka's office to sign up. Today, 55 students are enrolled, surpassing projections.

EXPERT INSTRUCTORS
"Students get to work with guys who have world-renowned reputations," Soroka said.

Steven Maynard, head instructor for paddle sports, is one of the few people in the world to qualify as British Canoe Level 5 Coach Sea and Level 5 Assessor Sea, regarded internationally as the highest level of qualification for teaching, guiding and assessing skills in sea kayaking.

Maynard is also an American Canoe Association Advanced Open Water instructor and has been sea kayaking in the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.

The head instructor for climbing and skiing, Casey Henley, grew up and learned to climb and ski in the Canadian Rockies.

He's climbed the highest mountain in Antarctica, as well as Mt. Logan (with ski descent), Ama Dablam, Imja Tse, Cho Oyu, the Mexican volcanoes, Pakistan's K2 area, Patagonia, the St. Elias Range's peaks and more.

"I had been guiding and instructing for a number of years and wanted to find a position that allowed me to continue to do the things I love and to instruct future outdoor leaders," said Henley of his decision to join the ranks at Plattsburgh State in 2005.

He and his fellow instructors are teaching future outdoor guides and instructors, he stressed, and the only way to get good judgment is by "having meaningful experiences in outdoor settings that students can reflect on and continue to grow and learn from."

'BLOWN AWAY'
Henley bonds with students in the field, watching them grow and helping open their eyes to the places they can travel to and see.

"It's pretty funny to see their eyes light up, and you can tell they have had their minds blown away a bit by how inspiring it is.

"They quickly realize how much more they want to learn and experience."

E-mail Stephen Bartlett at: sbartlett@pressrepublican.com

Photos

Larry Soroka, director and chair of expeditionary studies at Plattsburgh State, talks about the program and the opportunities graduates have when they enter the working world. P-R Photo