Virtual Programming

Tips for Social Distancing Outdoors

Here is some helpful advice from the OAP on how to get outside while social distancing:

• Stay local. Now is not the time to go on that next big adventure. Traveling long distances can further spread the virus. Try exploring your local trails and parks.
• Let’s meet up. Try to meet others at your destination. It's better not to travel inside a car with others. Riding your bike is also a great option!
• Avoid busy times on the weekends and afternoons. Fewer people out and about will reduce your likelihood of coming in contact with the virus. 
• Avoid in-person interactions in stores, gas stations, restaurants, etc., when getting supplies and traveling to your local destinations. 
• Keep it clean. Bring some portable hand sanitizer with you to keep your hands clean. Whenever possible, wash with good old fashioned soap (antibacterial) and water. 
• Make good choices. If in doubt, err on the side of caution. The great outdoors isn’t going anywhere.

Articles about social distancing outdoors

• Running While Social Distancing
  
  
• Cycling with COVID-19
  
  
• Hiking during quarantine
  
  
• Ways to get outside
  
  
• Practice Social Distancing: Go Paddling

Virtual Escape Rooms

The OAP is excited to offer virtual opportunities for groups of no more than 8 VCU or University of Richmond Students, Faculty, and/or Staff.

Currently, we are offering a variety of virtual escape rooms. These virtual escape rooms are designed to help your team discover how to communicate and work creatively by using online communication.

These virtual escape rooms last 1 hour in duration which includes 45 minutes of challenging activities and then 15 minutes of time to debrief the experience. These experiences will be held on Zoom conference calls and will be facilitated by an OAP Staff member.

These virtual escape rooms are COMPLETELY FREE until July 1, 2020, and a great way for your team to learn how to better work together during these challenging times.

• Virtual Escape Room Program Requests must now be made via this Google Form. 
• Any group wishing to schedule a program for more than 8 people simultaneously must email Sam Albert at scalbert@vcu.edu.
• All reservation requests must provide at least 48 hours from the submission date to the first program request date in order to allow Rec Sports Staff to schedule and staff your experience.

Available Virtual Escape Rooms

Get Me Home If You Can: Oh no! Your 1968 weekend adventure has turned to disaster. After spending a lovely 3 days in Oregon, you want nothing more than to be home... however, it seems that the airline has different plans. Dressed in your best garb, you embark on an adventure just to get yourself home. Can you get there while the happy vacation memories are still fresh?

The Commute: San Francisco is famous for its cable cars. However, there are many other ways the people and visitors of San Francisco get around. Let's see if your team can explore all the transportation options within 45 minutes. Good Luck.

Haunted Park: You have entered the Park only to find that it is not just creepy but haunted as well. Once you step inside, the only way out is to work your way through the rides, graveyard and other puzzles to get to the exit and Breakout of the Haunted Park.

Other Outdoor Resources

Explore Hidden Worlds of National Parks from Google Arts and Culture

Podcasts

Adventure Journal Recommendations

Outside Online Recommendations

The Sharp End Podcast

The Hammer Factor

Views from the Treehouse Podcast (Local Richmond)

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• All information posted is merely for educational and informational purposes. The links provided are not affiliated with VCU or VCU Recreational Sports.
• If you require accommodations to access this content, please email Joey Parent.