We are now ready to start on our way down the Great Unknown. Our boats, tied to a common stake, are chafing each other, as they are tossed by the fretful river. We have an unknown distance yet to run; an unknown river yet to explore. What falls there are, we know not; what rocks beset the channel, we know not; what walls rise over the river, we know not. - Major John Wesley Powell, from Canyons of the Colorado (an account of the first exploration of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon)
Welcome to the CU Outdoors Program!!
The CU Outdoors program has been designed to provide incoming Clemson freshmen the opportunity to meet other students in a relaxed environment before your journey ever 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:
-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.
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 Appalachian 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.
Program Costs:
The program fee is $295 which includes your transportation, all equipment, camping fees and food for the week. A deposit of $145 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 08 transcript. Participants do not need to register separately for the course. Each student will automatically be added to the course roster.
Pre and Post Trip Lodging Information:
On campus housing is not available for students or parents for the CU Outdoors program. Student participants are welcome to camp with us at the Y-beach on the final night of our program (August 15th). Please click here for a 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 Friday, August 1st, 2008.
Steps for Registration:
1) Print out and complete the Registration Form
2) Mail, Fax or E-mail the Registration Form to the Outdoor Program Office.
3) Once we receive your registration form we will check the availability of space on the session you have selected.
4) An employee from the Outdoor Recreation Office will call and/or E-mail you to notify you of space availability.
5) Once you have been notified that a space is available a check or credit card payment for the deposit will be due with-in 7 days or prior to the registration deadline, whichever comes first.
6) Once we have received your payment we will send a letter confirming your reservation.
If you have any questions regarding registration please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Contact Information:
Robert Taylor
Director of Outdoor Recreation
Department of Campus Recreation - Division of Student Affairs
202B Fike Recreation Center
Phone: 864-656-2353
e-mail: rtaylo4@clemson.edu
