NIU Outdoor Adventures Spring 2018 Adventure Guide
NIU Outdoor Adventures Spring 2018 Adventure Guide
NIU Outdoor Adventures Spring 2018 Adventure Guide
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OUTDOOR<br />
ADVENTURES<br />
SPRING <strong>2018</strong> ADVENTURE GUIDE
ASSUMPTION OF RISK<br />
<strong>Outdoor</strong> adventure has an inherent risk of injury or death.<br />
Trips and activities are conducted with safety in mind; however, participants are also<br />
responsible for their own safety.<br />
Northern Illinois University, Recreation and Wellness <strong>Outdoor</strong> <strong><strong>Adventure</strong>s</strong> and its employees<br />
assume no liability for damages that arise during or from participation in <strong>Outdoor</strong> <strong>Adventure</strong><br />
programs.<br />
ACCOMMODATIONS<br />
For disability-related accommodations, please contact Recreation and Wellness 815-753-0231.<br />
Advance notice is appreciated.<br />
Contact <strong>Outdoor</strong> <strong><strong>Adventure</strong>s</strong> with any questions regarding trips, teambuilding, rentals, or<br />
special events.<br />
EMAIL: outdooradventure@niu.edu<br />
PHONE: 815-753-9423<br />
ADVENTURE CENTER HOURS<br />
Monday–Friday<br />
3–6 p.m.<br />
TAKE A VISIT!<br />
Visit the <strong>Adventure</strong> Center located on the west side of the <strong>NIU</strong> Student Recreation Center.<br />
There are temporary parking spaces and a separate entrance.<br />
ADVENTURE CENTER ENTRANCE/LOCATION
INFORMATION<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
HOW TO REGISTER<br />
Register online or in person.<br />
All forms of payment accepted including cash, check, all credit cards, Huskie Bucks and<br />
payroll deduction or bursar charge.<br />
REFUNDS, TRANSFERS AND CANCELLATIONS<br />
Minimum participation requirements are established for all trips. Trips not reaching<br />
minimum enrollment levels will be canceled and registration fees will be refunded.<br />
Refunds are only given for canceled trips or for a documented medical situation.<br />
Trip or clinic registrations can be transferred to another participant or to a future trip if<br />
requests are made prior to the registration deadline.<br />
SCHOLARSHIPS<br />
Students can apply for scholarships to help with the expense of trips.<br />
Visit go.niu.edu/oascholar to apply.<br />
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CLUB<br />
The <strong>Outdoor</strong> <strong>Adventure</strong> Club is a newly formed student organization looking to have likeminded<br />
students plan adventures, seek new opportunities and support the cause of “No<br />
Student Left Inside.” Contact outdooradventure@niu.edu for more information or visit the<br />
Facebook group at go.niu.edu/oaclub.
CUSTOM<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
“It got our team out of<br />
their comfort zone, built<br />
togetherness and improved<br />
leadership”
CUSTOM<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
TEAMBUILDING AND CUSTOM EVENTS<br />
Make your next group event memorable and meaningful! <strong>Outdoor</strong> <strong><strong>Adventure</strong>s</strong> crafts custom<br />
programs for student organizations, departments and community groups. Your event is designed<br />
around your group’s goals, with a variety of options on and off campus from which to choose.<br />
Custom tips can be for a day, weekend, week or more, with many options for any time of year.<br />
Our knowledgeable and trained staff can provide all your needs from transportation to food, as<br />
well as group and individual gear.<br />
<strong>Outdoor</strong> <strong><strong>Adventure</strong>s</strong> can work with any group size, provide space on campus or come to your<br />
location. There are no requirements or limits on the possibilities. Opportunities are available to<br />
<strong>NIU</strong> and non-<strong>NIU</strong> alike!<br />
ADVENTURES SPECIAL EVENTS<br />
EDUCATION<br />
TEAMBUILDING<br />
Backpacking<br />
Biking<br />
Canoeing<br />
Kayaking<br />
Caving<br />
Camping<br />
XC Skiing<br />
Hiking<br />
Rock Climbing<br />
Snowboarding<br />
Stand-Up<br />
Paddleboarding<br />
Campfire<br />
Campus Campout<br />
Canoe Battleship<br />
“Chopped” Cooking<br />
Challenge<br />
Crate Climbing<br />
Geocache/Scavenger<br />
Hunt<br />
East Lagoon<br />
Paddling<br />
Moonlight Hike,<br />
Snowshoe, XC Ski<br />
Retreats<br />
Leave No Trace<br />
<strong>Outdoor</strong> Ethics<br />
Orienteering<br />
<strong>Outdoor</strong> Cooking/<br />
Meal Planning<br />
<strong>Outdoor</strong> Skills<br />
<strong>Outdoor</strong><br />
Education<br />
Escape Room<br />
Challenge<br />
Group Bonding<br />
and Ice Breakers<br />
Initiatives focused<br />
on cohesiveness,<br />
communication or<br />
leadership<br />
Active Group<br />
Games<br />
Relay or Obstacle<br />
Courses<br />
Check out our scheduled trips for ideas; you can also book it for your group!<br />
For more information, including pricing or an online request form, please visit go.niu.edu/team<br />
or go.niu.edu/custom.
RENTALS<br />
DISCOUNT MEMBERSHIP<br />
PROGRAMS<br />
Day Tripper: 10% discount for $10<br />
Explorer: 25% discount for $25<br />
Expeditioner: 50% discount for $50<br />
PROMOTIONAL ITEMS FOR<br />
SALE<br />
Your purchase benefits the new scholarship<br />
fund. Choose between a soft-style green T-shirt<br />
($10) or a 32oz Nalgene water bottle ($15).<br />
WHO CAN RENT?<br />
Anyone! While <strong>NIU</strong> students rent for the<br />
most discounted rate, equiptment is available<br />
for rent by staff, faculty, and the non-<strong>NIU</strong><br />
public for only a slightly higher rate.<br />
RENTAL PERIODS<br />
For Bikes, Sports, Water and Winter gear<br />
Per Day: Check out one day, return the next.<br />
Weekend: Check out Thursday, return<br />
Monday; or check out Friday, return Tuesday.<br />
Week: Check out any day of the week and<br />
return by the same day the following week<br />
(i.e., Friday through Friday).<br />
For Camping Equipment<br />
1-4 Days or Weekend: Checkout equipment<br />
for one, or up to four days.<br />
Week Plus/5-12 Days: Checkout equipment<br />
for five, or up to twelve days.<br />
BIKE MAINTENANCE<br />
Safety Check<br />
Let our staff check your bike and let<br />
you know if there is anything unsafe<br />
and suggest what it needs. No Charge.<br />
Tune-Up<br />
Give your bike some TLC to keep<br />
you riding safe. Includes minor<br />
adjustments, lube and tightening.<br />
Have a flat? Bring your own tube and<br />
we’ll take care of it.<br />
<strong>NIU</strong> Student: $10 Non-Student: $12<br />
SERVICES<br />
The <strong>Adventure</strong> Center provides equipment<br />
tutorials and offers a free resource<br />
library with brochures, books and DVDs.<br />
Experienced staff provides you with<br />
resources and advice to plan your own<br />
adventures.<br />
PADDLE AT THE LAGOON!<br />
A trailer with rentable canoes, kayaks<br />
and standup paddleboards are at the East<br />
Lagoon seasonally, so stop by and pick up<br />
your paddle, PFD and key at the <strong>Adventure</strong><br />
Center to paddle whenever you want!<br />
OUTSIDE OF REGULAR<br />
HOURS<br />
Can’t pick up/drop off your equipment<br />
during regular hours? Email<br />
outdooradventure@niu.edu or call 815-<br />
753-9422 to schedule an appointment.
RENTALS<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
CAMPING BOATS SPORTS<br />
WINTER<br />
Two Person, Four<br />
Person or Backpack<br />
Tent<br />
$10/1-4 days<br />
$15/5-12 days<br />
Hammock<br />
(includes straps)<br />
$3/1-4 days<br />
$5/5-12 days<br />
Sleeping Bag<br />
(-20, 0, 15, 20 or 40 degree,<br />
includes sleeping pad)<br />
$3/1-4 days<br />
$5/5-12 days<br />
Sleeping Pad<br />
$2/1-4 days<br />
$4/5-12 days<br />
Internal Frame Pack<br />
(Includes rain cover)<br />
$6/1-4 days<br />
$10/5-12 days<br />
Day Pack<br />
$3/1-4 days<br />
$5/5-12 days<br />
Backpack Rain Cover<br />
$1/1-4 days<br />
$2/5-12 days<br />
Two-Burner Stove<br />
$6/1-4 days<br />
$10/5-12 days<br />
GPS Unit<br />
$5/1-4 days<br />
$8/5-12 days<br />
Individual Items*<br />
$2/1-4 days<br />
$4/5-12 days<br />
Includes paddles,<br />
PFDs and car-top kit<br />
Canoe, Sit-in Kayak,<br />
Sit-on-top Single<br />
or Double Kayak,<br />
Standup Paddleboard<br />
$15/day, $20/weekend,<br />
$40/week<br />
Inflatable Standup<br />
Paddleboard or<br />
Aluminum Canoe<br />
$25/day, $40/weekend,<br />
$60/week<br />
Kevlar Canoe<br />
(Decreased rental rate<br />
for patrons with physical<br />
limitations)<br />
$50/day, $125 weekend,<br />
$250/week<br />
Individual Items<br />
Car-top kit, Dry<br />
bag, Canoe Chair or<br />
Cushion, Paddle, PFD,<br />
Wetsuit<br />
$2/day, $4/weekend,<br />
$6/week<br />
Canoe or Kayak<br />
Trailer<br />
(need prior approval,<br />
minimum 4 canoes required<br />
to rent)<br />
$40/day, $80/weekend,<br />
$150/week<br />
Sport Items: Bike Lock<br />
or Helmet, Basketball,<br />
Climbing Shoes, Disc Golf<br />
Sets, Field Cones, Flip<br />
Score, Football, Soccer Ball,<br />
Softball, Bat, Tennis Racquet<br />
or Volleyball<br />
$2/day, $3/weekend,<br />
$4/week<br />
10x10 Canopy Tent<br />
$10/day, $15/weekend,<br />
$25/week<br />
Trek 4 Series<br />
Mountain Bike<br />
(Includes helmet and lock)<br />
$8/day, $15/weekend,<br />
$30/week<br />
PACKAGES<br />
Ice Skates<br />
(hockey, figure and children’s<br />
sizes available)<br />
$3/day, $5/weekend,<br />
$8/week<br />
Ice Skate Sharpening<br />
$6 per pair<br />
Snowshoes or<br />
Cross-Country Skis<br />
$5/day, $10/weekend,<br />
$15/week<br />
Snowboard Boots or<br />
Helmet Only<br />
$5/day, $10/weekend,<br />
$15/week<br />
Snowboard Only<br />
$10/day, $20/weekend,<br />
$40/week<br />
Camping Package<br />
Includes two or four person tent, up to four<br />
sleeping bags and pads, cook-kit, stove and lantern<br />
<strong>NIU</strong> Student: $30/1-4days, $50/5-12days<br />
Sports Packages<br />
(All items included; e.g., flip score, balls, bats)<br />
Badminton, Bags, Caving, Climbing/Bouldering,<br />
Flag Football, Kickball, Rollerblade, Slackline,<br />
Softball or Volleyball<br />
<strong>NIU</strong> student: $5/day, $10/weekend, $15/week<br />
Snowboard Package<br />
Includes board, boots and helmet<br />
<strong>NIU</strong> student: $15/day, $30/weekend, $60/week<br />
*Individual camping items, as well as non-student pricing<br />
information is available online at go.niu.edu/gear
JAN/FEB<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
CALENDAR<br />
January<br />
Weekly<br />
Crate<br />
Climbs<br />
begin<br />
SUP Yoga<br />
Anderson<br />
S’Mores<br />
Open<br />
House<br />
ASB Info<br />
Meeting<br />
17 24 29<br />
ASB Info<br />
Meeting<br />
February<br />
Weekly<br />
Crate Climb<br />
1 2 3<br />
Kayak Clinic<br />
Anderson<br />
XC Ski<br />
4 5 6 7 8 9 10<br />
Winter<br />
Wonderland<br />
11 12 13 14 15 16 17<br />
Weekly<br />
Crate Climb<br />
18 19 20 21 22 23 24<br />
Day Ski or<br />
Snowboard<br />
Weekly CC<br />
Moonlight<br />
Snowshoe<br />
25 26 27 28<br />
Beginner<br />
Snowboard
EVENTS<br />
WEEKLY CRATE CLIMBS<br />
1/17-3/7, 5-6 p.m.<br />
This challenging activity involves stacking and<br />
scaling crates as high as you can. It is harder<br />
than it looks, but you will catch on quick!<br />
JAN/FEB<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
S’MORES OPEN HOUSE AT THE<br />
ADVENTURE CENTER<br />
Wednesday, 1/24, 3-6 p.m.<br />
Stop by enjoy a fresh s’more on a campfire,<br />
take a tour and find out more about outdoor<br />
opportunities. Winter Wonderland 2016<br />
STANDUP PADDLEBOARD<br />
YOGA CLINIC AT ANDERSON<br />
POOL<br />
Sunday, 2/4<br />
Come experience standup paddleboarding and<br />
practice yoga on the board in the pool. SUP is<br />
a growing activity that can be challenging but<br />
tons of fun!<br />
KAYAK CLINIC AT ANDERSON<br />
POOL<br />
Friday, 2/9<br />
This workshop introduces you to basic<br />
kayaking skills; beginners and first-timers are<br />
welcome to participate.<br />
WINTER WONDERLAND<br />
Wednesday, 2/14, 5-8 p.m<br />
Enjoy a fun evening out ice skating with your<br />
friends, or skip the gym and step into cross country<br />
skis for a good old-fashioned wintery workout.<br />
BEGINNER SNOWBOARD AT<br />
LAKE CARROLL<br />
Saturday, 2/17<br />
Learn to snowboard at this perfect beginner hill.<br />
Snowboarding is an achievable goal for you!<br />
CROSS COUNTRY SKI<br />
Sunday, 2/18, Lowden State Park<br />
If you have cross-country skied before<br />
or just interested in trying a great winter<br />
activity, this day trip is for you.<br />
DAY SKI OR SNOWBOARD<br />
Sunday, 2/25, Chestnut Mountain<br />
A day of shredding on the area’s finest<br />
corduroy slopes with your fellow Huskies.<br />
MOONLIGHT SNOWSHOE<br />
Wednesday, 2/28, Afton Forest Preserve<br />
Take a nighttime snowshoe, and meet<br />
new people with similar interests for the<br />
outdoors.
MARCH<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
CALENDAR<br />
SUP Yoga<br />
Anderson<br />
Weekly<br />
Crate Climb<br />
1 2 3<br />
ASB<br />
Georgia<br />
4 5 6 7 8 9 10<br />
11 12 13 14 15 16 17<br />
Summer<br />
Trips Info<br />
Meeting<br />
Weekly<br />
Bike Ride<br />
Rec<br />
Takeover<br />
Lock In<br />
18 19 20 21 22 23 24<br />
Kayak<br />
Workshop<br />
Anderson<br />
Weekly<br />
Bike Ride<br />
end<br />
trip<br />
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
MARCH<br />
EVENTS<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
STANDUP PADDLEBOARD YOGA<br />
CLINIC AT ANDERSON POOL<br />
Sunday, 3/2<br />
Come experience standup paddleboarding and<br />
practice yoga on the board in the pool. SUP is<br />
a growing activity that can be challenging but<br />
tons of fun!<br />
ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK<br />
CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL<br />
FOREST<br />
Saturday-Saturday, 3/10-3/17<br />
Spend your spring break volunteering with<br />
the U.S. Forest Service. Join other Huskies to<br />
work on trail and campground construction and<br />
renovation projects. Included in the registration<br />
fee is transportation, leadership, all meals and<br />
equipment.<br />
Find more details at a 5 p.m. Info Meeting:<br />
Monday, 1/29 or Tuesday, 2/6.<br />
WEDNESDAY WEEKLY BIKE<br />
RIDES<br />
Wednesdays, 3/21-5/2<br />
Up for a ride? Join <strong>Outdoor</strong> <strong><strong>Adventure</strong>s</strong> for<br />
our weekly cruise. No bike? No problem! We<br />
can provide a rental bike at no charge. Meet at<br />
the <strong>Adventure</strong> Center in the Rec at 5 p.m. All<br />
levels welcome.<br />
Alternative <strong>Spring</strong> Break 2016<br />
REC TAKEOVER LOCK-IN<br />
Friday-Saturday, 3/23-3/24<br />
Spend the night at the Rec, adventurestyle!<br />
Crate climb, games, movies and<br />
food included. This is a great event for<br />
your organization or group of pals.<br />
KAYAK CLINIC AT ANDERSON<br />
POOL<br />
Sunday, 3/25<br />
This workshop introduces you to basic<br />
kayaking skills, blending skill instruction<br />
with practice. Beginners and first timers<br />
are welcome to participate.
APRIL<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
CALENDAR<br />
1 2 3 4 5 6 7<br />
end<br />
trip<br />
8 9 10 11 12 13 14<br />
end<br />
trip<br />
15 16 17 18 19 20 21<br />
Earth Day<br />
Party<br />
22 23 24 25 26 27 28<br />
Paddle &<br />
Pedal<br />
Summer<br />
Trips Info<br />
Meeting<br />
29 30 31<br />
Weekly<br />
Bike Ride<br />
Weekly<br />
Bike Ride<br />
Weekly<br />
Bike Ride<br />
Weekly<br />
Bike Ride<br />
Kettle<br />
Moraine<br />
Backpacking<br />
Horse Trail<br />
Camp<br />
Kayaking<br />
Chicago<br />
River<br />
Day Hike
APRIL<br />
EVENTS<br />
BACKPACKING WEEKEND AT<br />
KETTLE MORAINE<br />
Friday-Sunday, 4/6-4/8<br />
Need an escape from your daily routine? This<br />
weekend is for you! Join us backpacking and<br />
exploring the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin.<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
WEEKEND HORSE TRAIL CAMP<br />
Friday-Sunday, 4/13-4/15<br />
A weekend in southern Illinois’ gorgeous<br />
Shawnee National Forest for beginners and<br />
experienced riders alike. Includes an arena<br />
lesson, beautiful views along the scenic ride,<br />
spending the night camping out with the<br />
horses and cooking our meals in the outdoors.<br />
KAYAKING THE CHICAGO<br />
RIVER<br />
Saturday, 4/21<br />
Paddling on the scenic Chicago River is<br />
a completely new way to experience the<br />
amazing architecture of downtown Chi-Town!<br />
The paddle is over three miles each way from<br />
Ping Tom Memorial Park to Lakeshore East<br />
Park.<br />
THANK THE EARTH DAY<br />
PARTY AT THE ECO WOODS/<br />
WEST LAGOON<br />
Sunday, 4/22<br />
Volunteer removing trash and invasive<br />
species on campus; afterward enjoy a yoga<br />
dance party and healthy eats celebrating our<br />
wonderful planet.<br />
Earth Day 2015<br />
HIKE AT STARVED ROCK AND<br />
MATTHIESSEN<br />
Saturday, 4/28<br />
Spend the day exploring canyons, waterfalls<br />
and hiking miles of scenic trails at Illinois’<br />
most popular parks.<br />
PADDLE AND PEDAL THE FOX<br />
RIVER<br />
Sunday, 4/29<br />
Spend the day canoeing down the Fox River<br />
from South Elgin to St. Charles for a 7.5-<br />
mile paddle, and then pedal back on Fox<br />
River Bicycle Trail.
MAY<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
CALENDAR<br />
Weekly<br />
Bike Ride<br />
Reading<br />
Day Climb<br />
1 2 3 4 5<br />
6<br />
13<br />
end<br />
trip<br />
20<br />
Smoky<br />
Mountains<br />
7 8 9 10 11 12<br />
14 15 16 17 18 19<br />
21 22 23 24 25 26<br />
27<br />
28 29 30 31
MAY<br />
EVENTS<br />
GO.<strong>NIU</strong>.EDU/OUTDOORS<br />
READING DAY CLIMBING AT<br />
MISSISSIPPI PALISADES<br />
Friday, 5/4<br />
Reading Day means no school! Head out and<br />
experience outdoor rock climbing. Enjoy the<br />
gorgeous scenery and learn new skills.<br />
SUMMER TRIPS<br />
Find out more about these trips at the<br />
info meetings Monday, 3/19 and Tuesday,<br />
4/3 at 5 p.m.<br />
GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN<br />
HIKE AND CAMP<br />
Monday-Sunday, 5/14-5/20<br />
Recover from the stress of finals and treat<br />
yourself to an amazing experience with<br />
memories that will last a lifetime. Take a 7-day<br />
adventure in the Great Smoky Mountains,<br />
which includes epic hiking, scenic views, and<br />
relaxation in the great out of doors.<br />
Mississippi Palisades<br />
BACKPACKING THE WIND<br />
RIVER RANGE, WYOMING<br />
Saturday-Saturday, 8/11-8/18<br />
Kick off your fall semester with a once in a<br />
lifetime trip! This backpacking trip is led by an<br />
experienced guide and features an unparalleled<br />
wilderness experience, breathtaking mountain<br />
views, and crystal clear alpine lakes.<br />
Great Smoky Mountains
ADVENTURE AWAITS...<br />
TRIPS<br />
RENTALS<br />
CUSTOM EVENTS<br />
...WE WILL HELP YOU FIND IT
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