The CU Outdoors program has been designed to provide incoming Clemson freshmen and transfer students the opportunity to meet other students in a relaxed environment before your college experience begins. The program is open to a maximum of 40 participants. The larger group will be split into small groups of 10 participants and 2 trip leaders. CU Outdoors is a supplemental experience to Summer Orientation and does not replace attendance at the June or July Orientation sessions.
Program Goals:
The CU Outdoors program is a supplemental experience for incoming Clemson freshmen. The program is a result of a collaborative effort between the Clemson Outdoor Recreation and Education Program, Leisure Skills and the Office of New Student and Sophomore Programs. This web site is available to help answer questions you may have about the trip. If there is something that you cannot find here please do not hesitate to contact us.
Session Dates:
Session 1: July 29th - August 2nd 2013
Session 2: August 12th - August 16th 2013
The Adventures:
You will have the opportunity to choose between two adventures. Option 1 will include a 4 day, 3 night backpacking trip on the Foothills Trail and a day of whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River. Option 2 will be base camp style and will include day hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and whitewater rafting.
Sample Trip Itinerary:
| 11:30 a.m. |
Vans Depart from GSP Airport to Clemson |
| 1 p.m. |
Participant Checkin at Campus Beach Area (Clemson) |
| 1-1:30 p.m. | Get To Know Your Small Group |
| 1:30-3 p.m. |
Gear Distribution and Packing |
| 3-4 p.m. | Depart Clemson and Travel to Trail Head or Basecamp |
| Monday | Hike Into First Campsite (Approx. 2 Miles) |
| Tuesday | On the Trail (Approx. 9 Miles) |
| Wednesday | On the Trail (Approx 12 Miles) |
| Thursday | On the Trail (Approx 5 Miles) *Join Basecampers |
| Monday |
Arrive at Basecamp, Setup, Hike to Waterfall |
| Tuesday | Day Hike to Table Rock and Local Waterfalls |
| Wednesday | Group A Mountain Biking Group B Kayaking |
| Thursday | Group A Kayaking Group B Mountain Biking |
| 8 a.m. - 5 p.m |
Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala River |
| 5 p.m. - Saturday | Stay in your Residence Hall (Session 2 Only) |
Freshmen Move In!!

Program Costs:
The program fee is $395 which includes your transportation, all equipment, camping fees and food for the week. A deposit of $200 will be due when you register. The remaining balance of $195 will be due no later than two weeks prior to your trips departure date Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received more than 30 days in advance will receive a full refund minus a $10 processing fee. If you cancel less than 30 days in advance you will not receive a refund.
Pre and Post Trip Lodging Information:
On campus housing is not available for students or parents for the CU Outdoors program. Housing has allowed our participants on the second session to move in on the Monday morning of our second session. You will recieve a key for your room at this time and will be able to stay in your residence hall on the Friday night at the end of our trip. Please see list of available hotels/motels in the Clemson area for any lodging needs prior to or at the conclusion of our first session.
Registration Information:
Registration is limited to a maximum of 40 participants for each session. Registration is taken on a first come first serve basis and is confirmed only after the registration fee is paid in full. If the session you choose is full you will have the option to be put on the waiting list for that session. The deadline for registration is three days prior to the beginning of each session.
Cancellation Policy-Cancellations recieved more than 30 days in advance will recieve a full refund minus a $10 processing fee. If you cancel less than 30 days in advance you will not recieve a refund. Note: Do not make travel arrangements until you have recieved confirmation from the Outdoor Program.
Registration
1) Click on the Online Registration Link and pay the $200 deposit.
2) Once we receive your registration you will be emailed a participant information form to be completed online as well as a link to detailed information for your adventure.
3) Pay the final deposit of $195 no later than 2 weeks prior to the departure of your trip. You may pay by credit card over the phone or by mail in the form of a check made out to Clemson University.
If you have any questions regarding registration please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Contact Information:
CORE Office
Department of Campus Recreation - Division of Student Affairs
206 Fike Recreation Center, Clemson SC 29634
Phone: (864) 656-0892
e-mail: outside@clemson.edu