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: 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:
| 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 | Camp at Campus Beach!! (Session 2 Only) |
Freshmen Move In!!

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.
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