Explore the outdoors Published Aug. 12, 2016 By Airman 1st Class J. T. Armstrong Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- If you love the outdoors and are looking to take advantage of everything North Dakota has to offer, or you want to explore for the first time, take a look at Outdoor Recreation at Minot Air Force Base.No plans? No gear? No problem.“We help Airmen get involved and experience North Dakota,” said Toni Sanders, assistant manager at Outdoor Recreation. “Our mission is to support Airmen and their families with everything they need outdoor-wise.”Whether you’re a single Airman living in the dorms or have a family, Outdoor Rec.’s goal is to help Airmen. There are many benefits to using this agency when you’re thinking about enjoying the outdoors.According to Sanders, a recent whitewater rafting trip hosted by Outdoor Rec. cost only $75 for Airmen who attended. The same trip would have cost at least $250 to cover travel, rafting and camping on your own.These trips are an opportunity to get out of town, try new things and meet new people. There are usually 18 spots available to sign up and are first-come-first-serve.If you’re looking to have an adventure of your own, Outdoor Rec. still has you covered. You can rent tents, campers, kayaks, jet skis, trailers, fishing poles and almost anything you may need for your trip.Outdoor Rec. offers quality equipment at a fraction of the price it would cost to buy or rent somewhere else.“We just got three brand new campers and three new boats,” said Sanders. “We keep everything in tip-top shape so it’s in the best shape for Airmen to use.”Summer isn’t the only time to utilize Outdoor Rec. either. They offer ski and snowboard packages, skates, snowshoes, ice fishing gear and even snow blowers.“During winter, skis and snowboards are the most used,” said Sanders. “Snowmobiles are also a hot commodity.”Many people don’t know what Outdoor Rec. has. It offers tables and chairs for squadron morale events, lawn and garden equipment, an indoor and outdoor archery range and household goods at no charge to families who are PCSing.If you need it, Outdoor Rec. probably has it.Outdoor Recreation is located at 146 Missile Ave. For more information contact (701) 723-3648 or follow MAFB Outdoor Recreation on Facebook.