UNM’s Outdoor Adventure Center builds community and skills

At the University of New Mexico, a unique, integrated business model is transforming how students develop the professionalism and transferable skills that prepare them for careers after graduation, while increasing access to the outdoors.

UNM's Recreational Services Outdoor Adventure Center combines hands-on work experience through five programs run by students. Students develop real-world skills in leadership, customer service, time management, equipment handling and program operations, all while pursuing their passion for spending time outdoors and sharing it with others.

Miles Cargas is the outdoor program specialist who manages the center. He himself was a student at UNM who found his calling as a center student employee and feels lucky to have made it his career after graduation.

"I was blown away that I could do my dream job in the place that helped me grow," said Cargas. "As a student employee here, I learned how to talk with peers and navigate stressful and adverse situations."

Cargas coordinates all five programs under the Adventure Center, which include the Outdoor Rental and Resource Center, the Lobo Bike Shop, Getaway Adventures, Challenge Course and Leadership Development and Classes & Clinics.

The purpose of the center is to make having fun outdoors accessible to the UNM and the greater UNM community. It offers all skill levels a variety of outdoor activity options and educational opportunities while teaching safety skills and fostering a supportive community where participants can work together to learn about the outdoors and themselves.

Cargas shared that "Our goal is to promote outdoor safety and outdoor confidence. This involves sharing Leave No Trace guidelines and teaching practical skills such as bike maintenance, wilderness first aid and scuba diving."

He personally schedules, plans, and executes each adventure from a hike at Mount Taylor to a two-week scuba diving excursion to Honduras. He loves sharing his passion for the outdoors with others and helping participants learn how to plan their own adventures.

Student employees help maintain the gear the center rents out, perform bike maintenance for customers, and learn how to lead the trips.

"This combined model is great for the students, because it connects the dots from the beginning to the end result for them," said Cargas. " They learn how to plan, identify and maintain the necessary equipment, while working with the participants."

This integrated model turns the Outdoor Adventure Center into a living-learning lab where students and community members come together to build community.

To learn more about the Outdoor Adventure Center and equipment that can be rented, visit their webpage or email Miles Cargas at [email protected]. Or just stop by the shop for a great conversation, located at 2400 Redondo Drive NE.