#PetePerformance: Find your adventure

  • Published
  • By Michael Golembesky
  • 21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. --  Hiking, biking, snowboarding and whitewater rafting are just a few adventures that await Airmen in the vast outdoor playground that is Colorado.

With the assistance of Outdoor Recreation, your adventure can be affordable and hassle-free.

As a part of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation program, outdoor recreation is a benefit that many Airmen use when looking for off-base activities and thrills.

"You got stationed in Colorado, it is the outdoor capital of the world; we have everything here," said Michelle Peterson, outdoor recreation supervisory recreation assistant. "Enjoy it while you can, you are really going to regret not getting out and enjoying Colorado. Your next base, you might not be so lucky."

Outdoor recreation offers many different outdoor adventures and leisure activities for all ages. From skiing and snowboarding at Colorado's best winter resorts to snorkeling with fish at the Denver Aquarium, outdoor recreation has something for everyone.

"We take a trip to Moab (Utah) every year. It is $300 per person and that includes transportation, the camping site, the food is cooked for them and it includes six activities likes mountain biking, off-road 4x4 and whitewater rafting," said Peterson. "You would pay that just for the whitewater rafting trip."

Getting out for a little fun is not only good for Airmen's overall well-being but also encourages a healthy and active lifestyle.

Airmen live on base, work on the base and sometimes they just want to get out of town for an adventure, said Peterson. "We have some really awesome trips; Utah, Aspen, Crested Butte."

If outdoor recreation doesn't have what you are looking for, Peterson welcomes ideas.

"I am always open for ideas. I try to plan things that I think would be fun; we want to hear what the Airmen want to do," said Peterson. "Airmen can come to us and say -- 'Hey, I want to go mountain biking in Utah -- do you have any fellow Airmen that want to come along? Alright, let's go!' I can then put the trip together and get them the best rates and prices."

Sometimes it's not just about having fun; sometimes it is about relieving stress and tension.

"It's a morale boost; everyone needs a getaway," said Peterson. "Especially when they come back from deployment or if they are getting ready to go on deployment. Those are two big transitions and being able to go with your family, or by themselves to have fun, it gets their mind off that stress for a little while."

The winter season is the busiest time of the year for the outdoor rec team.

"SNOFEST is the most popular event we have. We sell out every year," said Peterson. "We go up to SNOFEST (at Keystone resort) every year and because we are part of the event planning, we get early priority on rooms. We book the rooms in advance and offer them to the Airmen. There is no cost for the transportation; they get free party tickets and other freebies throughout the weekend. They get to meet other Airmen and people from around the (region), developing relationships while having a great time."

Providing discounts and scheduling excursions is not all that outdoor recreation does, as they also provide a large array of rental equipment from snowboards to camping tents and canoes.

"We had a woman who wanted to try mountain biking and was considering joining a local group here in town. We gave her a great deal on a two-week bike rental to go out with the group and try it," said Peterson. "You can use the equipment for cheap and see if you even like it before you go out and buy it."

All active duty military, military retirees, Reserves, Air National Guard, DOD employees, their family members and up to three additional guests are welcome to participate in any scheduled Outdoor Adventure Program, or they can help you custom plan your trip for a group or squadron. Anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

For information about events hosted by outdoor recreation, call 556-4867 or go to http://www.21fss.com/about/outdoor-recreation/.

 

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