Kaci Turpin is the new Outdoor Recreation Coordinator for California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB). She was hired for the brand-new position in early November of 2017. Turpin earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Davis and her Master’s degree at the University of Iowa in Sports and Recreation Management.
Outdoor Recreation directly aligns with everything she studied in college and with some of her interests and hobbies. She loves working with students and helping them develop throughout their college careers.
“Outdoor Recreation is something I found really impactful and a huge part of my college experience. It’s how I got involved in my university and how I found my community, so I like to give that back to students,” said Turpin.
She believes the student body size of CSUMB is an asset, because of the tight-knit community and she gets to see participants and leaders on a regular basis. Turpin enjoys taking new and first-time students out into the wilderness to get an opportunity to camp or go backpacking.
One of Kaci’s main focuses for Outdoor Recreation currently is working to find ways to improve marketing efforts. The program is constantly trying to evolve, and figuring out what students want, as well as where they want to go.
“It’s important for students to know we’re here to offer a wide variety of trips, and if there’s something that’s not speaking to them personally to just give us some feedback. We love to hear suggestions and really want to cater to what the students want and need,” said Turpin.
In addition to striving for improved marketing efforts, Kaci trains the student staff who are members of the Outdoor Leadership Program, so they can lead the trips offered. Students interested in being part of the Outdoor Leadership Program can apply for positions in the fall. Students learn about the wilderness, first aid training and how to manage a group or site.
Outdoor Recreation provides trips and outings, such as: backpacking, camping, hiking, kayaking, rock-climbing, and bike rides. “Outdoor Recreation just wants to provide the best Otter experience,” said Turpin.
Go to csumb.edu/outdoor to find the schedules for the various outings as well as the prices for events. Students can also pick up a pamphlet of information at the Recreation Desk located in the East Lounge of the Student Center.
