Southwestern University’s Outdoor Adventure Program: Global Exploration and Leadership
Southwestern University’s Outdoor Adventure program provides students with opportunities for global exploration and leadership development. Based at the Howry Outdoor Adventure Center in Georgetown, Texas, the program facilitates diverse excursions, including mountaineering, backpacking, and river paddling, led by Assistant Director Branndon Bargo. These experiences aim to challenge students’ physical limits and foster a sense of purpose beyond the classroom.
What Defines the Southwestern University Outdoor Adventure Program?
The Outdoor Adventure program at Southwestern University is designed to integrate experiential learning with traditional academic pursuits. According to the university, the program takes students into the field to engage in activities such as summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, backpacking through the Grand Canyon, and navigating Texas rivers.
The initiative is led by Branndon Bargo, an Explorers Club member and host of the series Highpointers on Amazon and PBS. Bargo brings a background in endurance athletics to the program, having led expeditions in over 50 countries and set a world record by climbing the seven tallest peaks in Central America in 12 days. The program operates out of the Howry Outdoor Adventure Center, located adjacent to the campus tennis courts.
How Do Students Access Outdoor Adventure Opportunities?
Students can participate in various activities, including organized trips and skills-based classes. The university provides an outdoor gear checkout service to facilitate these excursions. The Howry Outdoor Adventure Center is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Students interested in learning more about upcoming trips or equipment rentals can contact the department at 512.863.1506 or via email at outdoor@southwestern.edu.
What Is the “Seek Your Summit” Project?
In April 2026, the university highlighted a project titled “Seek Your Summit.” As part of this initiative, Branndon Bargo announced plans to climb all 50 U.S. high points in a record-setting timeframe. This project serves as a demonstration of the leadership and endurance values that the Outdoor Adventure program aims to instill in the Southwestern University student body.
Program Overview
| Feature | Details |
| :— | :— |
| Director | Branndon Bargo |
| Location | Howry Outdoor Adventure Center |
| Contact | 512.863.1506 |
| Focus | Leadership, endurance, and global exploration |
The program continues to expand its offerings, ranging from local activities like kayaking on the San Marcos River and rock climbing at the Crux Climbing Center to international expeditions. By combining professional leadership with rugged environments, Southwestern University seeks to provide students with a tangible sense of discovery and personal growth.