NIU Outdoor Adventure Spring 2018 Adventure Guide

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

SPRING 2018 ADVENTURE GUIDE

ASSUMPTION OF RISK Outdoor adventure has an inherent risk of injury or death.

Trips and activities are conducted with safety in mind; however, participants are also responsible for their own safety.

Northern Illinois University, Recreation and Wellness Outdoor Adventures and its employees assume no liability for damages that arise during or from participation in Outdoor Adventure programs.

ACCOMMODATIONS For disability-related accommodations, please contact Recreation and Wellness 815-753-0231.

Advance notice is appreciated.

Contact Outdoor Adventures with any questions regarding trips, teambuilding, rentals, or special events.

EMAIL: outdooradventure@niu.edu PHONE: 815-753-9423 ADVENTURE CENTER HOURS Monday–Friday 3–6 p.m.

TAKE A VISIT! Visit the Adventure Center located on the west side of the NIU Student Recreation Center.

There are temporary parking spaces and a separate entrance.

ADVENTURE CENTER ENTRANCE/LOCATION

INFORMATION GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

HOW TO REGISTER

Register online or in person.

All forms of payment accepted including cash, check, all credit cards, Huskie Bucks and payroll deduction or bursar charge.

REFUNDS, TRANSFERS AND CANCELLATIONS

Minimum participation requirements are established for all trips. Trips not reaching minimum enrollment levels will be canceled and registration fees will be refunded.

Refunds are only given for canceled trips or for a documented medical situation.

Trip or clinic registrations can be transferred to another participant or to a future trip if requests are made prior to the registration deadline.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Students can apply for scholarships to help with the expense of trips.

Visit go.niu.edu/oascholar to apply.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CLUB

The Outdoor Adventure Club is a newly formed student organization looking to have likeminded students plan adventures, seek new opportunities and support the cause of “No Student Left Inside.� Contact outdooradventure@niu.edu for more information or visit the Facebook group at go.niu.edu/oaclub.

CUSTOM GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

“It got our team out of their comfort zone, built togetherness and improved leadership”

CUSTOM GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

TEAMBUILDING AND CUSTOM EVENTS Make your next group event memorable and meaningful! Outdoor Adventures crafts custom programs for student organizations, departments and community groups. Your event is designed around your group’s goals, with a variety of options on and off campus from which to choose.

Custom tips can be for a day, weekend, week or more, with many options for any time of year.

Our knowledgeable and trained staff can provide all your needs from transportation to food, as well as group and individual gear.

Outdoor Adventures can work with any group size, provide space on campus or come to your location. There are no requirements or limits on the possibilities. Opportunities are available to NIU and non-NIU alike!

ADVENTURES SPECIAL EVENTS Backpacking Biking Canoeing Kayaking Caving Camping XC Skiing Hiking Rock Climbing Snowboarding Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Campfire Campus Campout Canoe Battleship “Chopped” Cooking Challenge Crate Climbing Geocache/Scavenger Hunt East Lagoon Paddling Moonlight Hike, Snowshoe, XC Ski Retreats

EDUCATION Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics Orienteering Outdoor Cooking/ Meal Planning Outdoor Skills Outdoor Education

TEAMBUILDING Escape Room Challenge Group Bonding and Ice Breakers Initiatives focused on cohesiveness, communication or leadership Active Group Games Relay or Obstacle Courses

Check out our scheduled trips for ideas; you can also book it for your group!

For more information, including pricing or an online request form, please visit go.niu.edu/team or go.niu.edu/custom.

RENTALS DISCOUNT MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS Day Tripper: 10% discount for $10 Explorer: 25% discount for $25 Expeditioner: 50% discount for $50

PROMOTIONAL ITEMS FOR SALE Your purchase benefits the new scholarship fund. Choose between a soft-style green T-shirt ($10) or a 32oz Nalgene water bottle ($15).

WHO CAN RENT? Anyone! While NIU students rent for the most discounted rate, equiptment is available for rent by staff, faculty, and the non-NIU public for only a slightly higher rate.

RENTAL PERIODS For Bikes, Sports, Water and Winter gear Per Day: Check out one day, return the next.

Weekend: Check out Thursday, return Monday; or check out Friday, return Tuesday.

Week: Check out any day of the week and return by the same day the following week (i.e., Friday through Friday).

For Camping Equipment 1-4 Days or Weekend: Checkout equipment for one, or up to four days.

Week Plus/5-12 Days: Checkout equipment for five, or up to twelve days.

BIKE MAINTENANCE Safety Check Let our staff check your bike and let you know if there is anything unsafe and suggest what it needs. No Charge.

Tune -Up Give your bike some TLC to keep you riding safe. Includes minor adjustments, lube and tightening.

Have a flat? Bring your own tube and we’ll take care of it.

NIU Student: $10 Non-Student: $12

SERVICES The Adventure Center provides equipment tutorials and offers a free resource library with brochures, books and DVDs. Experienced staff provides you with resources and advice to plan your own adventures.

PADDLE AT THE LAGOON! A trailer with rentable canoes, kayaks and standup paddleboards are at the East Lagoon seasonally, so stop by and pick up your paddle, PFD and key at the Adventure Center to paddle whenever you want!

OUTSIDE OF REGULAR HOURS Can’t pick up/drop off your equipment during regular hours? Email outdooradventure@niu.edu or call 815753-9422 to schedule an appointment.

RENTALS GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

CAMPING Two Person, Four Person or Backpack Tent $10/1-4 days $15/5-12 days Hammock (includes straps)

$3/1-4 days $5/5-12 days

Sleeping Bag

(-20, 0, 15, 20 or 40 degree, includes sleeping pad)

$3/1-4 days $5/5-12 days

BOATS Includes paddles, PFDs and car-top kit Canoe, Sit-in Kayak, Sit-on-top Single or Double Kayak, Standup Paddleboard $15/day, $20/weekend, $40/week Inflatable Standup Paddleboard or Aluminum Canoe $25/day, $40/weekend, $60/week

Sleeping Pad $2/1-4 days $4/5-12 days

Kevlar Canoe

Internal Frame Pack

$50/day, $125 weekend, $250/week

(Includes rain cover)

$6/1-4 days $10/5-12 days Day Pack $3/1-4 days $5/5-12 days

Backpack Rain Cover $1/1-4 days $2/5-12 days Two-Burner Stove $6/1-4 days $10/5-12 days GPS Unit $5/1-4 days $8/5-12 days Individual Items* $2/1-4 days $4/5-12 days

(Decreased rental rate for patrons with physical limitations)

Individual Items Car-top kit, Dry bag, Canoe Chair or Cushion, Paddle, PFD, Wetsuit $2/day, $4/weekend, $6/week Canoe or Kayak Trailer

(need prior approval, minimum 4 canoes required to rent)

$40/day, $80/weekend, $150/week

SPORTS Sport Items: Bike Lock

or Helmet, Basketball, Climbing Shoes, Disc Golf Sets, Field Cones, Flip Score, Football, Soccer Ball, Softball, Bat, Tennis Racquet or Volleyball

WINTER Ice Skates

(hockey, figure and children’s sizes available)

$3/day, $5/weekend, $8/week

$2/day, $3/weekend, $4/week

Ice Skate Sharpening $6 per pair

10x10 Canopy Tent $10/day, $15/weekend, $25/week

Snowshoes or Cross-Country Skis $5/day, $10/weekend, $15/week

Trek 4 Series Mountain Bike (Includes helmet and lock)

$8/day, $15/weekend, $30/week

Snowboard Boots or Helmet Only $5/day, $10/weekend, $15/week Snowboard Only $10/day, $20/weekend, $40/week

PACKAGES Camping Package Includes two or four person tent, up to four sleeping bags and pads, cook-kit, stove and lantern NIU Student: $30/1-4days, $50/5-12days Sports Packages (All items included; e.g., flip score, balls, bats) Badminton, Bags, Caving, Climbing/Bouldering, Flag Football, Kickball, Rollerblade, Slackline, Softball or Volleyball NIU student: $5/day, $10/weekend, $15/week Snowboard Package Includes board, boots and helmet NIU student: $15/day, $30/weekend, $60/week

*Individual camping items, as well as non-student pricing information is available online at go.niu.edu/gear

JAN/FEB GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

January Weekly Crate Climbs begin

17

February S’Mores Open House

24

ASB Info Meeting

5

1

29 ASB Info Meeting

SUP Yoga Anderson

4

CALENDAR

6

8

9

12

13

XC Ski

18

15

16

17

22

23

24

Weekly Crate Climb

19

20

Day Ski or Snowboard

25

14

10 Beginner Snowboard

Winter Wonderland

11

3

Kayak Clinic Anderson

Weekly Crate Climb

7

2

26

27

21 Weekly CC Moonlight Snowshoe

28

EVENTS

JAN/FEB GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

WEEKLY CRATE CLIMBS

1/17-3/7, 5-6 p.m.

This challenging activity involves stacking and scaling crates as high as you can. It is harder than it looks, but you will catch on quick!

S’MORES OPEN HOUSE AT THE ADVENTURE CENTER Wednesday, 1/24, 3-6 p.m.

Stop by enjoy a fresh s’more on a campfire, take a tour and find out more about outdoor opportunities.

STANDUP PADDLEBOARD YOGA CLINIC AT ANDERSON POOL

Sunday, 2/4 Come experience standup paddleboarding and practice yoga on the board in the pool. SUP is a growing activity that can be challenging but tons of fun!

KAYAK CLINIC AT ANDERSON POOL

Friday, 2/9 This workshop introduces you to basic kayaking skills; beginners and first-timers are welcome to participate.

WINTER WONDERLAND

Wednesday, 2/14, 5-8 p.m Enjoy a fun evening out ice skating with your friends, or skip the gym and step into cross country skis for a good old-fashioned wintery workout.

Winter Wonderland 2016

BEGINNER SNOWBOARD AT LAKE CARROLL Saturday, 2/17 Learn to snowboard at this perfect beginner hill.

Snowboarding is an achievable goal for you!

CROSS COUNTRY SKI

Sunday, 2/18, Lowden State Park If you have cross-country skied before or just interested in trying a great winter activity, this day trip is for you.

DAY SKI OR SNOWBOARD

Sunday, 2/25, Chestnut Mountain A day of shredding on the area’s finest corduroy slopes with your fellow Huskies.

MOONLIGHT SNOWSHOE

Wednesday, 2/28, Afton Forest Preserve Take a nighttime snowshoe, and meet new people with similar interests for the outdoors.

MARCH GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

CALENDAR SUP Yoga Anderson

1

2

ASB Georgia

Weekly Crate Climb

4

5

6

7

3

8

9

10 end trip

11

12

13

Kayak Workshop Anderson

25

19

15

Weekly Bike Ride

Summer Trips Info Meeting

18

14

20

21

16

17

Rec Takeover Lock In

22

23

24

29

30

31

Weekly Bike Ride

26

27

28

EVENTS

MARCH GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

STANDUP PADDLEBOARD YOGA CLINIC AT ANDERSON POOL Sunday, 3/2 Come experience standup paddleboarding and practice yoga on the board in the pool. SUP is a growing activity that can be challenging but tons of fun!

ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL FOREST Saturday-Saturday, 3/10-3/17

Spend your spring break volunteering with the U.S. Forest Service. Join other Huskies to work on trail and campground construction and renovation projects. Included in the registration fee is transportation, leadership, all meals and equipment.

Find more details at a 5 p.m. Info Meeting: Monday, 1/29 or Tuesday, 2/6.

WEDNESDAY WEEKLY BIKE RIDES Wednesdays, 3/21-5/2

Up for a ride? Join Outdoor Adventures for our weekly cruise. No bike? No problem! We can provide a rental bike at no charge. Meet at the Adventure Center in the Rec at 5 p.m. All levels welcome.

Alternative Spring Break 2016

REC TAKEOVER LOCK-IN Friday-Saturday, 3/23-3/24

Spend the night at the Rec, adventurestyle! Crate climb, games, movies and food included. This is a great event for your organization or group of pals.

KAYAK CLINIC AT ANDERSON POOL Sunday, 3/25 This workshop introduces you to basic kayaking skills, blending skill instruction with practice. Beginners and first timers are welcome to participate.

APRIL GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

CALENDAR

Summer Trips Info Meeting

1

2

3

end trip

8

9

10

16

17

11

6

18

23

24

30

31

25

7

Horse Trail Camp

12

13

19

20

Weekly Bike Ride

Paddle & Pedal

29

5

Weekly Bike Ride

Earth Day Party

22

4

Kettle Moraine Backpacking

Weekly Bike Ride

end trip

15

Weekly Bike Ride

14 Kayaking Chicago River

21 Day Hike

26

27

28

EVENTS

APRIL

GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

BACKPACKING WEEKEND AT KETTLE MORAINE Friday-Sunday, 4/6-4/8 Need an escape from your daily routine? This weekend is for you! Join us backpacking and exploring the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin.

WEEKEND HORSE TRAIL CAMP Friday-Sunday, 4/13-4/15 A weekend in southern Illinois’ gorgeous Shawnee National Forest for beginners and experienced riders alike. Includes an arena lesson, beautiful views along the scenic ride, spending the night camping out with the horses and cooking our meals in the outdoors.

KAYAKING THE CHICAGO RIVER

Saturday, 4/21 Paddling on the scenic Chicago River is a completely new way to experience the amazing architecture of downtown Chi-Town!

The paddle is over three miles each way from Ping Tom Memorial Park to Lakeshore East Park.

THANK THE EARTH DAY PARTY AT THE ECO WOODS/ WEST LAGOON

Sunday, 4/22 Volunteer removing trash and invasive species on campus; afterward enjoy a yoga dance party and healthy eats celebrating our wonderful planet.

Earth Day 2015

HIKE AT STARVED ROCK AND MATTHIESSEN Saturday, 4/28 Spend the day exploring canyons, waterfalls and hiking miles of scenic trails at Illinois’ most popular parks.

PADDLE AND PEDAL THE FOX RIVER

Sunday, 4/29 Spend the day canoeing down the Fox River from South Elgin to St. Charles for a 7.5mile paddle, and then pedal back on Fox River Bicycle Trail.

MAY

GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

CALENDAR Reading Day Climb

Weekly Bike Ride

1

2

3

4

5

8

9

10

11

12

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

6

7 Smoky Mountains

13 end trip

EVENTS

MAY

GO.NIU.EDU/OUTDOORS

READING DAY CLIMBING AT MISSISSIPPI PALISADES Friday, 5/4 Reading Day means no school! Head out and experience outdoor rock climbing. Enjoy the gorgeous scenery and learn new skills.

SUMMER TRIPS Find out more about these trips at the info meetings Monday, 3/19 and Tuesday, 4/3 at 5 p.m.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN HIKE AND CAMP Monday-Sunday, 5/14-5/20

Recover from the stress of finals and treat yourself to an amazing experience with memories that will last a lifetime. Take a 7-day adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains, which includes epic hiking, scenic views, and relaxation in the great out of doors.

Mississippi Palisades

BACKPACKING THE WIND RIVER RANGE, WYOMING Saturday-Saturday, 8/11-8/18

Kick off your fall semester with a once in a lifetime trip! This backpacking trip is led by an experienced guide and features an unparalleled wilderness experience, breathtaking mountain views, and crystal clear alpine lakes.

Great Smoky Mountains

ADVENTURE AWAITS...

TRIPS RENTALS CUSTOM EVENTS

...WE WILL HELP YOU FIND IT