Govs Outdoors

University Recreation's Govs Outdoors trips/outings are cooperative adventures aimed to empower and connect people through unique and exciting experiences. These experiences are meant to provide participants space to grow and develop skills while having fun in the great outdoors! Each person will be an equal member of the group on these trips, regardless of skill level. Therefore, it is important that each participant accurately and honestly assesses his or her own skill level before taking part in trips that are perhaps beyond his or her abilities. That being said, we offer trips for every level of experience so that all students have the opportunity to take part. University Recreation wants all people to expand their skillset and improve self-reliance to communicate and work as a group while enjoying the outdoor world.

Trip Schedule Trip Info Climbing Wall Workshops Rentals For Credit Classes FAQs

Trip Information:

All trips have a minimum and maximum participant requirement.

Pre-Trip Meetings
A pre-trip meeting will be held at 5 pm the Wednesday before each trip at the Govs Outdoors Center located in the front of the Foy. Attendance is required.

Trip Forms

Participant Medical Information & Agreement

Trip Fees
All prices are per person and include transportation for APSU affiliated participants, in-camp food, group equipment, camping sites, and other miscellaneous fees.

Scholarships
For students that may have trouble covering some or all of the costs for trips, the Adult Non-traditional and Transfer Student (ANTS) Center is now offering scholarships. To apply for the scholarship, click here!
For more information on the ANTS Center, click here!

Equipment
All group equipment and most trip-specific personal gear is included in trip pricing.

Refunds
University Recreation reserves the right to cancel a program due to inclement weather, lack of participation, natural disasters, or extenuating circumstances. In the event Govs Outdoors must cancel a program, a full trip refund will be provided. Should a participant choose to cancel before the trip registration deadline, a full refund will be awarded. Should a participant choose to cancel after the deadline, no refund will be awarded.

Ratings
Trips are given a rating of Easy, Moderate, or Hard based on the level of physical fitness/skill the Govs Outdoors staff believes the trip will require. This is an estimation only, but should be considered before signing up for a trip.

Spring 2019 Trips:

Join us on a journey through the longest known cave system in the world! Mammoth Cave National Park is located in central Kentucky. Participants will enjoy the amazing walking tour through the vast chambers and labyrinths. This place is certainly one of a kind and filled with history!

Registration Closes: February 5, 2019 at 11:59PM

$35
Easy

Join us for a fun ski and snowboard weekend at the beautiful Paoli Peaks! This ski resort is located in the heart of southern Indiana, so it is an easy drive. Plus, it offers 15 trails with terrain for both beginners and experienced ski/snowboarders! Paoli Peaks also offers lighted night skiing until 1 AM to extend the amount of time spent on the slopes.

Registration Closes: February 19, 2019 at 11:59PM

$100 + $30 Rentals
Moderate

Sign Up

Start your spring break right by joining us on a trip to Congaree National Park in North Carolina, hiking amongst the old-growth hardwood forest and paddling through some of the most remote sections of the park! After we finish the paddle, we will drive to Asheville to explore the city for two days.

Registration Closes: February 26, 2019 at 11:59PM

$175
Moderate

For this trip we will head out west to the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, Walnut Canyon National Monument, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Coconino Forest, and Canyon de Chelly National Monument on our 8 day road trip!

Registration Closes: February 26, 2019 at 11:59PM

$450
Moderate

What better way to spend your weekend than hiking, camping, and picnicking around beautiful falls? With breathtaking views, crisp clean air, and great company, this will be an AWESOME and relaxing trip!

Registration Closes: March 19, 2019 at 11:59PM

$35
Easy

Join us for a weekend that will be "jam" packed with outdoor climbing and bouldering at Holy Boulders, Giant City, and Alto Pass!

Registration Closes: March 26, 2019 at 11:59PM

$55
Moderate

Sign Up

Sample some activities the Govs Outdoors Center has to offer as we partner with the African American Cultural Center and the Adult Non-Traditional Student Center to provide a full day of fun! Choose from a variety of activities including staff led hiking, biking, canoeing, a photography workshop and even an outdoor painting class! All gear and supplies will be provided and transportation is included in the trip cost.

Registration Closes: April 2, 2019 at 11:59PM

$20
Easy

Sign Up

Our group will pick a section of the 210 miles of the Cumberland Trail that are open for hikers, and what a perfect way to relax before the end of the semester stress hits.

Registration Closes: April 9, 2019 at 11:59PM

$55
Moderate/Hard

Sign Up

Earth Day is April 22, but that doesn't mean we can't help keep this Earth an awesome and sustainable place 2 days early! This year's theme is "Protecting Our Species" and what better way to protect the critters around us than cleaning up their environment? Join us for this FREE event!

Registration Closes: April 16, 2019 at 11:59PM

FREE
Easy

More Info

Climbing Wall

The Foy Fitness and Recreation Center features a 26-foot wall with 8 top rope anchors and 2 auto-belays. At any given time there are 14-20 routes geared toward the first time climber or the seasoned veteran. We also have a 12-foot free-standing boulder to give that extra challenge without roping up.

No experience, no problem. Our staff is available during open hours to assist those new to climbing. New climbers are briefed on rules, safety measures, and equipment during an orientation from one of our well-trained staff. All participants must complete the required forms at the Climbing Wall desk.

Instructional Opportunities: Once you've developed a love for climbing and want to take your knowledge to the next level, our climbing instructors offer top rope belay trainings as requested and lead climbing clinics on a regular basis. You can even take an academic class to get a solid foundation in climbing knowledge.

Belay Training

If you already know how to belay using the PBUS (Pull, Brake, Under, Slide) technique, you can get belay trained by testing out with one of our Climbing Wall Staff during open climbing hours. Walk-ins are welcome, however, Climbing Wall staff may need to schedule trainings in advance.

Climbing Competitions

Ascension Climbing Competition

March 23, 2019

Registration begins at 9 am
Competition: 10am - 1pm

Climbers get 2 attempts, plus one extra to use on a climb of their choice. Only other participants are allowed to give beta; spectators, volunteers and staff are not allowed to give info.

The top three participants in each category will receive prizes. All participants are entered to win door prizes as well.

Workshops:

Come learn some new skills or hone in on some skills you already have at any of our Skills Workshops. All of the workshops are completely FREE to students and members of the Foy Fitness and Recreation Center. By attending workshops you will receive 20% off your next rental! Be sure to sign up for all workshops at the Govs Outdoors Center or the Foy Climbing Wall!

Outdoor Climbing Opportunities

Friday at the Bluffs: Friday April 12, 3 - 6pm - Located at King's Bluff
Cleanup and Climb: Saturday, April 20 - Located at King and Queen's Bluff Trail

For Credit Classes:

1-Credit Hour

Designed for those with little to no climbing experience, this course introduces participants to the sport of rock climbing. The course will cover the skills and concepts necessary to climb safely in an indoor facility using a top-rope system. The topics covered include: safety practices, different climbing styles, equipment use and care, knots, belay technique, partner checks, climbing movement, terminology, fitness, and injury prevention.

2-Credit Hour

This course offers participants the knowledge and skills to become more confident traveling and living in the backcountry. As we continue to rely more and more on technology, it is imperative that we take a step back and learn basic outdoor skills like how to dress for the environment, water filtration, backcountry cooking, and how to use the environment responsibly.

1-Credit Hour

This course offers participants the knowledge and skills to become more confident traveling and living in the backcountry. As we continue to rely more and more on technology, it is imperative that we take a step back and learn basic outdoor skills like how to dress for the environment, parts of the boats/paddle, and the different strokes.

1-Credit Hour

This course offers participants the knowledge and skills to become more confident traveling in the backcountry. As we continue to rely more and more on technology, it is imperative that we take a step back and learn basic skills like how to navigate using a map & compass.

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Rental Program:

All rentals are available to APSU students, faculty/staff, and members of the Foy Fitness & Recreation Center. All rental fees must be paid at the time of the rental via cash, check, or credit card. To save time, you may fill out the Rental Request Form by clicking the link below. Your equipment will be waiting for you the next date the Govs Outdoor Center is open!

Request Rental Equipment

All equipment will be assessed upon return for late, damaged, lost, stolen, and excessively dirty equipment and charged accordingly. The renter takes full responsibility for the equipment signed out in his or her name.

Item	1 day	2-3 day	4-7 day
Car Camping Tent (4 person / 6 person)	$6/$10	$10/$15	$18/$25
Backpacking Tent (2 person /3 person /4 person)	$6/$8/$8	$10/$15/$20	$20/$26/$35

Item	1 day	2-3 days	4-7 days
Sleeping Pad	$1	$2.5	$5
0-Degree Synthetic Bag	$6	$8	$18
15-Degree Down Bag	$6	$8	$20
20-Degree Synthetic Bag	$4	$6	$20
20-Degree Down Bag	$4	$6	$24
40-Degree Synthetic Bag	$4	$6	$16

Item	1 day	2-3 day	4-7 day
Kelty Redwing 50L	$3	$5	$10
Kelty Pawnee 55L (with pack cover)	$5	$7	$12
Coleman Tatarian 55L	$3	$5	$10
Coleman Chinkapin 65L	$5	$7	$12
Mountain Smith 70L	$6	$10	$15
Pack Cover	$1	$2.5	$5

Item	1 day	2-3 day	4-7 day
2-Burner Stove (includes fuel)	$4	$8	$15
Single Burner Stove (includes fuel)	$3	$6	$12
Single Burner Backpacking Stove (includes fuel)	$4	$8	$18
3-person Pot Set	$4	$8	$15
2-person mess kit	$1	$2.5	$5
Cooler	$2	$4	$12
Camp Table	$2	$4	$10
Re-chargeable Lantern	$4	$6	$12
Camp Chair	$1	$2	$5
Hammock	$4	$8	$20

Item	1 day	2-3 day	4-7 day
Discovery 133 Canoe (includes PFD's & Paddles)	$20	$35	$105
Discovery 158 Canoe (includes PFD's & Paddles)	$20	$35	$105
Dry Bag 40L	$3	$6	$12
Dry Bag 57L	$4	$8	$14
Personal Floatation Device (PFD)/Lifejacket	$3	$5	$15

Item	1 day	2-3 day	4-7 day
Trek 7000 Multitrack (Hybrid)	$5	$10	$30
Fuji Code 1	$7	$14	$36

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Frequently Asked Questions

No! Many of our programs are designed for beginners. We do not expect you to have experience or be proficient unless specified in the trip information. Your trip leaders will teach you what you need to know for your trip. You should anticipate the experience will be a genuine challenge, and a fun, valuable experience.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what trip is right for you. However, asking yourself the following questions may help you in selecting a trip: Where do I want to travel? What activities would I like to try? How much time do I have? How physically demanding is the trip?
Although the majority of trips are open to all skill levels, be sure to read the trip description to determine if there are any required skills and review the physical exertion rating in the trip information. In general, an active person in good physical health, should expect to be fine, but carrying textbooks is a little different from carrying backpacking essentials over uneven trails for multiple days. We want everyone to enjoy our expeditions, and being adequately prepared will lead to a great overall experience.

Generally, there are between 4-14 participants and 2 trip leaders. The number of registrants can vary by trip type, accommodations, cost, and distance.

It depends on the trip. For certain trips we reserve large cabins, while others we camp in tents. Check the trip information for details. If a trip is an overnight trip, it takes place over more than one day. We do not plan day trips that require driving overnight or have extremely late returns. If participants need to share rooms or tents, we determine placement during the pre-trip meeting and do our best to ensure everyone is paired appropriately.

All Govs Outdoors trips are open to university students, faculty, staff, and those with community memberships to the Foy Fitness & Recreation Center. Students who are under 18 years of age must have forms signed by their parent/legal guardian before being eligible to participant on a trip. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact us.
Guest Policy: The outdoor program allows 1 non-university guest per member on each trip.

After the trip deadline, there are absolutely NO refunds unless:
- University Recreation cancels the trip due to low participation or weather.
- The trip is full and has a waiting list, and there is another person willing to take your spot.
- Family/Medical/Academic issues that will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Coordinator of Programs and the Graduate Assistant for Govs Outdoors.
Refunds are credited to student, faculty, or staff through the APSU Business Office and may take several days. Affiliates, guests, and those with community memberships will be refunded by check which can be mailed or picked up in person at the APSU Cashiers window.

No, as long as we are informed what your restrictions are as we will almost always be able to accommodate. Don’t hesitate to be in touch with us if your dietary restrictions may need an explanation. We may also follow up with you. We discuss food options and come to a group consensus for meals at the Pre-Trip meetings.

It depends on the trip. Be sure to read the trip information, especially for overnight trips. On some backpacking and camping trips, bathroom facilities may not be available, but this does not mean we will totally abandon sanitation! Our trip leaders will teach each participant how to use the bathroom outside, keep clean hands, keep clean teeth, and other essentials in order to stay (relatively) clean.

There may be some recommendations in the trip information, but doing some type of regular exercise may help to feel more comfortable with the activities on the trip. Any specific pertinent information, packing lists, or equipment offered will be covered in the Pre-Trip meeting.

Govs Outdoors has much of the equipment necessary for our outdoor activities, covered in the trip cost. If any additional equipment is needed, we coordinate rentals and include the rental fees in the overall trip cost. Participants will be responsible for any clothing items needed for the trip, but normal athletic wear is appropriate for almost every trip we run. If there are any specialized clothing items required, they will be listed in the trip description.