Virtual Programming
Outdoor Programs
Please read our update on access to outdoor spaces in Richmond and Virginia.
Follow us on these social media accounts to see all of our programming.
Welcome to the #OutdoorSocialDistancingChallenge!
Each week @vcuoap will post outdoor challenges that allow for social distancing and encourage you to get outside! Challenges will include
- cooking something outside
- hiking to a body of water
- listening to an outdoor podcast, and much more!
Look for challenges posted to @vcuoap on Instagram and our calendar below. Follow us to stay up-to-date on the challenges and to win prizes.
The #OutdoorSocialDistancingChallenge will begin on Monday, March 30, 2020. See the rules and guidelines in the section below to participate!
Outdoor Adventure Virtual Program Calendar
Outdoor Space Use Update, March 31:
As virtual outdoor programming continues, including the #OutdoorSocialDistancingChallenge on @vcuoap Instagram, we want to make sure that everyone is aware of Virginia’s Executive Order 55, as well as the City of Richmond’s Park and Public Space Order. Please familiarize yourself with these orders and act accordingly when you are outside.
City of Richmond COVID -19 page.
Mayor Stoney’s message about closing parks and the river.
“In accordance with the Governor’s order, the city is restricting access to certain outdoor amenities. Playgrounds and courts at Richmond Public Schools and public parks will be closed. All team sports and activities are prohibited.”
“Activities at the James River are restricted; no swimming, sunbathing or gathering in groups will be allowed, though patrons may still use the area for exercise, such as biking, walking, running and hiking. These new restrictions go into effect Monday, March 30 at 5 p.m.
Governor Northam’s announcement, March 30, 2020.
“Individuals may leave their residence for the purpose of:
- Engaging in outdoor activity, including exercise, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements;”
"Closure of all public beaches as defined in § 10.1-705 of the Code of Virginia for all activity, except exercising and fishing. Social distancing requirements must be followed."
In This Section
Welcome to the #OutdoorSocialDistancingChallenge!
Each week @vcuoap will post outdoor challenges that allow for social distancing and encourage you to get outside!
Follow @vcuoap on Instagram to stay up-to-date on the challenges and to win prizes. The #OutdoorSocialDistancingChallenge will begin on Monday, March 30, 2020. See the rules and guidelines below to participate!
Each week will feature three challenges, starting on Monday, March 30, 2020.
To participate simply go outside, take a photo or video of yourself completing the challenge, and post it using #OutdoorSocialDistancingChallenge and tag @vcuoap. You must post before Sunday evening to be eligible for the weekly prize drawing. Only one post per challenge, please, but participate in as many challenges as you want.
Challenges: The challenges will range from cooking something outside to hiking to a body of water to listening to an outdoor podcast. We recognize that going outside is inherently risky, but the nature of these challenges will allow people of all abilities to enjoy the outdoors.
Prizes:
- A personal flotation device (PFD) from Northwest River Supply
- Rock climbing harness from Black Diamond Equipment
- Inflatable sleeping pad from Thermarest
- Backpacking stove from SnowPeak
- Day pack from Osprey Packs
- Trucker hats, stickers, and more!
- Follow the OAP Guidelines for a safe challenge
- Follow @vcuoap on Instagram
- When a challenge is posted you’ll see
a) description of the challenge
b) a sample photo or video of someone completing the challenge
c) the prize(s) for the week. - To participate you must take a photo or video of yourself completing the challenge. Then post it to Instagram using #OutdoorSocialDistancingChallenge and tag @vcuoap. Posts that do not include both the hashtag and handle will not be eligible for the prize drawings.
- The #OutdoorSocialDistancingChallenge is divided by weeks. Three challenges will be posted each week. Each week will start on Monday and end on Sunday evening. Prize winners for the week will be announced on Sunday nights.
- You can participate in as many or as few challenges as you like. Each participation = one entry for that week’s prize. Limit, one participation per challenge. This means that you can have a maximum of 3 prize entries per week if you participate in all three challenges.
- VCU students, friends of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and Richmond community members are welcome to participate.
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
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
Views from the Treehouse Podcast (Local Richmond)
- We ask that you do not use your VCU email address or eID password when creating an account on any externally linked platforms.
- 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.
- For security purposes, we ask that you not use your VCU email address or eID password when creating an account on websites external to VCU.
- 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.