The sky is blue, the sun is shining, and the wind is moderate. These are the best conditions for a rock climber like Laurence Soroka. Though the rock ahead seems average, it is a bit larger than the ones he has already conquered.

Kayaking provides a great water-workout

After getting his Ph.D., Soroka began rock climbing for a living. He spent 200 days on the mountains annually. Although that was quite a challenge, this day in particular he faced a new challenge: a new group joined him. This group, he says, consisted of people whose IQ were no higher than those of fourth and fifth grade students.

“I took them rock climbing,” Soroka proudly says. Of course, they could do the same minimal tasks as anyone else, but rock climbing was not easy for them. Soroka was sure, however, that they were strong enough to do it.

The real thrill is not necessarily limited to participating in dangerous tasks. Soroka says the most exciting thing about the expedition is sharing the experience with others. With this perspective, he has been eagerly working with a lot of people.

Now, his new challenge has started at Plattsburgh State University: the establishment of a new major called Expeditionary Studies.

The major will focus on the combination of advanced outdoor skills and “the way of thinking.” He explains, for example, that when people kayak, they have to use their brains to decide where they go, as they use their bodies to make it happen.

It is also important to know where the best conditions for particular expeditions are located. In other words, expecting weather systems and knowing the area's geography could be extremely important before going out.

“You can't just climb; you have to know a lot of things. That is what I mean by thinking and acting.”

Before the major was actually approved, he spent two or three years writing papers and descriptions of each course he was going to offer. Then, those works had to be approved by Plattsburgh State and then the state of New York, which he said was not an easy task.

Although the major was approved only recently, its baby steps started five or six years ago in the name of the Adirondack Experience. At that time, the program offered a few options such as rock climbing and sea kayaking. But as the students continued to praise the courses, the college asked Soroka to take the next step and develop it.

Students listen eagerly to Soroka about their next climb

 

Now, more than 20 students belong to the new major. Adam Crosley, a junior from the Adirondacks, is one of these students who started majoring in this new program.

“I have never been happy at school until this semester,” he says.

Crosley was born and raised in the Adirondacks. Since he was a child, he's enjoyed outdoor activities and nature.

Until last semester, he was majoring in business. “It's neat, but it's not what I want to do through all of my life,” he says. “I can't see myself in a suit for the rest of my life. It's not who I am.”

He says the amount of reading in the Expeditionary Studies major has been more than he thought. Even in an introductory course, he has “tons of reading,” but he says it doesn't bother him because that is what he wants to do.

“I want to take my hobby and make it my life."

According to Soroka, the expedition is one of the fastest growing fields. Even nationally, in terms of what is called outdoors education or recreation, there are a number of programs today.

In the actual classes, he is planning to go out to places like Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. But students are not just going out to these places; they are also required to spend many hours sitting in the classroom looking at maps and charts.

After completing the program, Soroka is sure students will learn how to lead and be responsible. Moreover, he emphasizes it will enhance the life skills in the outdoors. “It's never steady, but could always change,” he says.

"What is great about nature," according to Soroka, "is that it is never the same." Depending on when, where, and who, outdoor activities can be different. He explains, for example, that when a depressed person goes to Lake Champlain to enjoy nature, it might be like taking medicine.

When he challenged the group to try rock climbing, the students loved it. At the end of the day, the sky was a little dark, but for the most of them, their hearts were clearer than ever.

“What I realized was that I had this opportunity to give them a chance to try these very different things,” Soroka says. “I think that's my primary motive.”

What's the most adventurous outdoor activity you've ever tried? Let us know!

Check out the course curriculum of the Expedition Studies major!

Rock the climb and enjoy the view