Outdoor Recreation supplies base with adrenaline fix

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ryan Crane and Airman 1st Class Stephany Miller
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho (ACCNS) --  Kayaking class-three rapids, rafting in Hell's Canyon, mountain biking in Moab, Utah, mountain climbing in the Wind River Valley, paintball tournaments and snowboarding the countries best powder. Sounds like a dream come true for an outdoor enthusiast, but these are just some of the activities that the 366th Services Squadron Outdoor Adventure Program offers Gunfighters and their families.

"OAP provides the community here at Mountain Home the chance to see and do activities that may otherwise be inaccessible," said Mike Hurt, 366th Services Squadron Outdoor Adventure Program coordinator.

Though every Air Force base has a recreation program, Idaho provides unique opportunities with the multiple mountain ranges and thousands of miles of rivers here.

"Our notoriety, though, comes from the world class trips run by the staff and volunteers at the program," said Mr. Hurt.

OAP is ran by a handful of civilians working odd hours and dedicating their lives to providing Gunfighters with an adrenaline rush or a calm weekend outing with family.

"During the winter months," Mr. Hurt said, " I'm active in the snowmobiling in Yellowstone, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. In the spring, I run the Moab Mountain biking and help train volunteers for the overall whitewater program. 

Mr Hurt also added that in the summer his focus shifts over to the C.J. Strike Dam as marina manager, and in the fall he runs programs like gold panning and day hiking. As the assistant director for Outdoor Recreation he is represented in most aspects of the program.

Mike Hurt and Russ Scheel, 366th Services Squadron Outdoor Adventure Program event coordinators, plan and organize hundreds of activities and day trips every year. From rafting trips down the Payette River to mountain biking through Moab, these two make sure customers have the experience of a lifetime.

Each season brings a new adventure with a wide variety of activities to keep people busy during any season in Idaho.

"Currently, we are right in the middle of the snowmobile trips to Yellowstone," said Mr. Hurt. "We also offer ski bus service to local ski areas on Saturdays and by request."
To keep costs low, OAP depends on volunteers to help run trips.

"The biggest difference [between OAP and commercial outfitters] is that the OAP is primarily made up of a group of volunteers working together to provide programs for our customers," said Mr. Hurt. "The individuals share a common bond, which is the love of the activity as opposed to receiving a paycheck."

"I love OAP," said Airman 1st Class Samantha S. Crane, 366th Fighter Wing public affairs. "The people are friendly, and it's always fun to meet new people and interact with the customers on the trips. I would highly recommend volunteering to anyone who wants the opportunity to experience everything Idaho has to offer and make life-long friends."

For more information or to sign up for a trip, call 828-6333 or stop by OAP.