The St. Olaf Outdoor Recreation Program (STORP) offers rental gear for students, faculty and staff at a low cost for use during the week, on weekends and over school breaks. Open Mondays and Thursdays from 4-6 p.m., STORP has students covered for outdoor adventures – snowshoes, backpacking equipment and overnight camping supplies can all be used in the St. Olaf Natural lands, the Carleton College arboretum or anywhere else.
Individuals and groups may check out and rent equipment such as Nordic Ski packages (skis, boots and poles), tents, sleeping bags, frisbee golf discs, backpacks, cookware, stoves and other camping supplies at minimal cost. Rental equipment must be returned the next time the STORP equipment room is open, but offers flexible extensions.
Another highlight of STORP is that it allows students to experience and immerse themselves in the outdoors without needing to buy or store outdoor equipment, alleviating student’s wallets and tiny dorm rooms.
To rent equipment, STORP requires a St. Olaf ID and a blank check, cash or some other source of collateral to serve as a security deposit for equipment (No credit cards are accepted).
In order to generate funding and keep high-quality equipment, there is a $2 late fee (per item, per day) for all equipment turned in late. There is also a repair or replacement cost determined by the original price of the item, so be sure to take good care of your equipment.
STORP is growing and working to expand on their current operation.
“As a relatively new organization, not many people know about us, but as of late we have been doing more to market the organization,” STORP employee Lily Nelson ’20 said. “We have talked about doing collaborations with other organizations through SAC (Student Activities Committee) to sponsor some more outside and environmental events.”
