You can choose courage or you can choose comfort. But you cannot choose both.
― Brene Brown
About the Program
Deep down we all know that getting out in nature is important. Most of us would agree that when we are outside on a beautiful day and experiencing the world around us, things just seem better, brighter. Getting out, immersing ourselves in the natural world and finding and experiencing an ongoing sense of wonder is critical to our happiness and wellbeing. In fact, studies have shown that even brief experiences of awe have the capacity to markedly shift our perspective, to inspire us to be more curious and creative and can help us feel more deeply connected to things greater than ourselves. Yet, like so many things, the busyness of our lives stops us from doing what we know is good for us. We let schedules and habit and mindless technology block us from getting outside and feeding our souls.
Here at the Rice Recreation Center, we are dedicated to helping working professionals reconnect to the long-buried parts of themselves that yearn for adventure, play, inspiration and the courage to push life's edges. That's why we created the (Re) Discover Your Wild Side Program.
Program Options
There are two RYWS options to choose from:
Wellness Adventure Program
Designed for individuals looking to push boundaries and limitations in a safe and supportive environment, (Re)Discover Your Wild Side: Wellness Adventures will help you build the foundation of energy, health and balance necessary to accomplish a physically and mentally challenging goal. For 6 weeks, you will work with a team of experts who will prepare you (body, mind and soul) for an adventure vacation, and then lead you on a fully-guided expedition guaranteed to ignite your soul.
Wilderness Retreat
Retreat into the peace of the Appalachian Mountains for 4 days and 3 nights of rejuvenation, renewal and adventure. Each day includes options for exercise and hiking, morning and evening mindfulness practice, time for silence and reflection, and expertly prepared nutrient dense, delicious meals. This is the retreat your soul craves!
Program Leaders
Since her first overnight backpacking excursion in the early 90’s, Dr. Elizabeth Slator has eagerly pursued every adventure opportunity that has come her way. An avid surfer, hiker and all-around sports nut, Elizabeth has dedicated her career to teaching and consulting in the areas of health, human performance and behavior change, and finds deep personal reward in leading the (Re)Discover Your Wild Side Program. In all aspects of her work, she supports individuals to meet their lives with authenticity, equanimity and a lightness of spirit.
In addition to her formal education, Elizabeth is an ICF Associate Certified Coach, an American Council on Exercise certified personal trainer, a qualified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher and a certified Wilderness First Responder.