CU Outdoors First Year Experience
Trip Dates: September 12-14, 2025
CU Outdoors is an outdoor program that is designed to provide incoming Clemson students the opportunity to build friendships with other incoming students, learn about life at Clemson from current students, gain experience in local outdoor recreation, and reflect on their transition to college in a fun and relaxed environment before their first semester at Clemson begins. The CU Outdoors program is designed for first-year Clemson students and is tailored towards the beginner! While we teach you the ropes on camping, paddling, and hiking, a base level of physical fitness is required.
Program Goals
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To participate in fun & challenging outdoor activities
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To form relationships with other students, faculty, and staff
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To develop an appreciation for the outdoors
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To have an opportunity for reflection about the transition to Clemson University
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To increase self–esteem and to gain the confidence needed to be successful at Clemson University
Additional Information
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Trip Itinerary
CU Outdoors Itinerary
Location: Long Creek, SC & Chatooga River Area
Dates: Friday, September 12-Sunday, September 14
Friday, September 12
- Departure: Leave campus for campsite in Long Creek, SC
- Evening Activities:
- Cookout at the campsite
- Group games and social time
Saturday, September 13
- Daytime Activities:
- Hiking and paddling excursions
- Visit to Chattooga Belle Farms
- Evening:
- Cookout at the farm
- Overnight camping in Long Creek
Sunday, September 14
- Morning:
- Whitewater rafting on the Chattooga River
- Afternoon:
- Return to campus
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Program Costs
Payment Amount Deposit $100 Second Payment $180 Trip Total $280 Deposit: For all trips, a $100 non–refundable deposit is due to CORE to register for the trip.
Second payment ($180): For all trips, a second payment for the remainder of the registration cost is due to CORE. These payments are due no later than two weeks prior to the departure of the trip.
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Registration
Registration is limited. Registration is taken on a first come first serve basis and is confirmed only after the deposit fee is paid in full. If registration is full, you will have the option to be put on the waiting list.
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- All trip fees are due no later than two weeks prior to the departure of your trip.
- Payments are broken up into a deposit and final payment. All payments can be made online at clemsoncampusrec.com
If you have any questions regarding registration please email outside@clemson.edu.
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Cancellation Policy
Trip Cancellation & Location Change Policy:
Trip locations and activities may change due to a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: inclement weather, natural disasters, operational concerns, or other extenuating circumstances. CORE prioritizes participant safety and reserves the right to make necessary adjustments to ensure a safe and meaningful experience. All efforts will be made to run scheduled trips, change of location or activity may occur.
Multi-Day Trips:
- Full Refund: In the event a multi-day trip is cancelled by CORE, participants will receive a full refund, minus the non-refundable deposit, will be issued.
- No Refund: In the event a multi-day trip location or activity is changed, participants will not receive a refund.
Trip Refund Policy:
Participants are responsible for understanding the cancellation and refund policy for the CORE trip(s) they are registering for. CORE does not issue refunds for trips that are not attended. CORE reserves the right to not issue a refund at the discretion of the program administrators.
Multi-day Trips:
- Full Refund (minus non-refundable deposit fees): Registrants who cancel more than 45 days before the scheduled trip departure date.
- No Refund: Registrants who cancel fewer than 45 days before the scheduled trip departure date. A refund may be given after this time if a replacement can be found from the trip’s waitlist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the trip?
The trip is from Friday, September 12 to Sunday, September 14. Vans will begin departing Friday afternoon and will return Sunday afternoon.
Where does the trip depart from?
The trip leaves from, and returns to the Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center located at the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Center on Lake Hartwell.
Students may leave a vehicle at the Andy Quattlebaum Outdoor Education Center during the trip or can choose to be picked up at another onl-campus location.
What is included in the trip cost?
All equipment, transportation, meals, lodging (tents), activities, and instruction.
More questions?
Contact the CORE’s Associate Director Taylor Williams today!
