Campus Recreation

CU Outdoors 2012

 Welcome to the CU Outdoors Program!!

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.raftphoto

Program Goals:

  • To provide a fun and challenging outdoor activity.
  • To meet and form relationships with other students, faculty and staff.
  • To develop an appreciation for the outdoors.
  • To increase your self esteem and provide you with the confidence you will need to be successful at Clemson University. 

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: Monday, July 30th - Friday, August 3rd

Session 2: Monday, August 13th - Friday, August 17th

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:

Day 1 (Same for All Groups)

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

Day 2 - Day 4 (Backpacking Group)

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

Day 2 - Day 4 (Basecamp Group)

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

Day 5 (Same for All Groups)

8 a.m. - 5 p.m  
Whitewater Rafting on the Nantahala River
5 p.m. - Saturday    Camp at Campus Beach!! (Session 2 Only)

Saturday August 20th (Session 2 Only)

Freshmen Move In!!

cuoutdoorsgroup

Program Costs:

The program fee is $350 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 $150 will be paid as a lab fee with the 1 hour Leisure Skills course credit during Fall Semester.

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.


Leisure Skills Course Credit:

This program provides one hour of Leisure Skills course credit for each participant.  The course will be recorded on the Fall 12 transcript.  Participants do not need to register separately for the course.  Each student will automatically be added to the course roster.  This course requires the completion of assignments during the Fall semester.  Please review the syllabus below.

Course Syllabus

Pre and Post Trip Lodging Information:

On campus housing is not available for students or parents for the CU Outdoors program.  During the second Session Student participants are welcome to camp with us at the campus beach on the final night of our program (August 17th).  Please see list of available hotels/motels in the Clemson area.

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.

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
203 Fike Recreation Center
Phone: (864) 656-0892
e-mail: outside@clemson.edu