The Peak Adventures outdoor recreation program is showing signs of recovery from a six-year deficit, according to Associated Students, Inc. officials.

“I took a tally from the register and found that we surpassed the program?s goals for January and February,” Director Jael Barnoske said. “These are strictly revenue goals.”

Historically, January is the slowest month for Peak Adventures. “I am still very careful about our budget,” Barnoske said.

Barnoske believes increases in student trip participation and networking have greatly contributed to the extra revenue generated. “It helps a lot when the trips fill up,” she said.

The Peak Adventures bicycle shop had five bicyles stolen on Dec. 25.

“The police helped us recover two of the bikes later, but they weren?t in any condition to sell. That was the first time we had to use our insurance. This loss also affected Rec Sports,” Barnoske said.

The Peak Adventures Challenge Center has also contributed to their financial recovery, according to Barnoske.

“I haven?t specifically counted the number of participants, but I believe it is much higher than before,” Barnoske said. “The months of December, January and February are typically a slow time for the challenge course because of the rain.”

Barnoske said her job is stressful because of the constant challenge of finding resources for her program.

“I have to make decisions on small things such as whether to buy a new battery for our radio or not,” Barnoske said. “They cost $35 each and are used on our trips for good communication ? they can go up to a five mile radius.”

Barnoske said that she sometimes hesitates to buy even the essentials for her business, such as a new banner, which got blown away during winter break.

“Our budget constraints allow us to tap into our resources,” she said. “It takes a lot more time to come up with other avenues, and it imposes on our business and what really should be a goddamn simple decision.”

Next year, Peak Adventures is looking at significant increases in insurance, workers? compensation costs and the University Union lease. Currently, the recreation program pays $25,219.20 for rent each year.

Last semester, ASI allocated funds for a projected $42,000 deficit. Historically, Peak Adventures has not been able to meet the expected profit goals projected by its yearly budget.

“The allocation hasn?t been used yet and won?t be provided until they show they need it,” ASI Interim Director Pat Worley said. ASI Vice President of Finance Tom Hughes believes that Peak Adventures is doing well.

“I predict a $2,000 to $4,000 deficit for them by the end of this year,” Hughes said.

To promote the recreation program, Peak Adventures has invested in a new brochure, which Barnoske calls “their main promotional tool” as well as advertising in the new student planner that is given to all incoming Sac State students at orientation.

In an informal poll taken by The State Hornet in February, 200 people were asked about the services Peak Adventures provides. Of those polled, 4 percent knew about the recreation program and had used it, 39 percent said they knew about the program but had never used it and 57 percent said they had never used the services.

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