University Recreation Participants Gain Valuable Perspectives Exploring Iceland

Megan Turk, an adjunct faculty member in Recreation and Sport Management, hikes near Emstrur, Iceland.
UREC Outdoors, a program of University Recreation, recently completed a five-day backpacking trip along Iceland's Laugavegur Trail.
"The Laugavegur is known for its breathtaking scenery and extreme diversity," said Mike Hoover, assistant director for UREC Outdoors. "The trail was chosen by National Geographic as one of the 20 best hikes in the world."
The trip participants consisted of current students, faculty, UREC members, and university alumni. The group of 10 started their trek in the geothermal paradise of Landmannalaugar, and completed their adventure in Thorsmork, situated at the base of the Eyjafjallajokull glacier.
Participants completed the 33-mile hike completely reliant upon the food, gear, and supplies that they were able to transport in their backpacks. While the group experienced incredible weather during their hike, the terrain, weight of packs, and multiple days in the backcountry provided a healthy challenge.
![]() UREC Outdoors hikers cross a snow field near Hrafntinnusker, Iceland. |
"The trip taught me a lot about myself, it pushed and challenged me," said Kelsey Nagel, U of A engineering major. "I also learned more about my capabilities, as well as how to adjust my mindset during challenging situations."
Because the trail is globally known, hikers have a chance to interact with travelers from all over the world while on the trail and at camp each day.
"The Laugavegur is very unique in that it provides an extremely diverse cultural experience," said Hoover.
All of the participants reported an improved understanding of international travel and a better understanding of various cultures. "Seeing how different cultures act and elements of that culture such as architecture and eating habits was eye opening, and it is nice to have a comparison to the culture I was raised in," stated Carver Bomboy, a recreation and sport management major.
Additionally, the Iceland backpacking group reported a positive connection between the backpacking experience and the spiritual, physical, intellectual, and environmental dimensions of wellness.
Students, faculty and staff who are interested in UREC Outdoors are encouraged to visit the program website at urec.uark.edu or drop in to HPER 102.
Carver Bomboy, Megan Turk and Becca Kilpatrick finish a river crossing near Hvanngil, Iceland.
Hikers enter the black glacial desert between Alftavatn and Emstrur, Iceland.
Contacts
Lindsay Smith, assistant director
University Recreation
479-575-2662,
ltlarso@uark.edu
Mike Hoover, assistant director
UREC Outdoors
479-575-6834,
mdhoover@uark.edu
Headlines
Savannah Baptiste Selected as March Student Leader of the Month
Sophomore Savannah Baptiste has been selected as the Student Leader of the Month for March 2023.
Women's History Month: Dorothy McFadden Hoover
Hoover was the first African American woman to be promoted to the Stability Analysis section, the first African American woman to achieve the title of Aeronautical Research Scientist and the first African American woman to co-publish with her supervisor. Hoover's research and calculations helped to design the modern jet wing.
Mathematical Sciences Professor Helps Solve 50-Year-Old Problem
Chaim Goodman-Strauss, professor of mathematics, helped prove that a single, recently discovered 13-sided shape could be tiled across a plane without creating a periodic symmetry.
Fay Jones School Hosts Environmental Designer Ian Rolston for Diversity and Design Workshop
Rolston, a renowned Canadian environmental designer, led the Together in Diversity and Design workshop, exploring equity, empathy and compassion with students through a design reflection of their space.
Housing's Felisha Perrodin Named Jim Gibson Exceptional Service Award Winner
Felisha Perrodin, assistant director for administrative services, received the Jim Gibson Exceptional Service Award at a recent Southwest Association of College & University Housing Officers conference.