Govs Outdoors

Govs Outdoors is University Recreation’s outdoor adventure department. We offer indoor rock climbing at the Foy, guided outdoor trips, outdoor equipment rentals, and a low-ropes course for challenge, teambuilding and leadership programs. Our climbing wall has bouldering and top-rope climbing for all ability levels. Outdoor trips can be anything from a half-day float on the Red River to a week-long backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon and everything in between. Adventurers who are just missing that one piece of, gear can rent everything from hammocks to backpacking packs. Groups can visit the Challenge Course to build teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Govs Outdoors aims to provide all students with an opportunity to expand their skillset, improve their self-reliance, and their ability to work with a group while enjoying the experience of the great outdoors.

Trip Schedule Trip Info Climbing Wall Gear Rental FAQs

Trip Information:

Govs Outdoors offers a variety of outdoor experiences. Some outings will be short, in and around Clarksville, some will be overnight trips, and some will make use of the Fall and Spring Breaks to allow for 3+ days of adventure. Govs Outdoors trips are cooperative adventures; participants will learn relevant skills throughout the trip and be empowered to contribute to the adventure experience.

Trip Difficulty
There is a Govs Outdoors trip for everyone. All trips are open to newcomers, and none require prior experience, regardless of activity type. Certain trips, such as backpacking, do demand a certain level of physical readiness. Most individuals can meet these demands without additional preparation, but it is an important consideration for any trip. If you are concerned with the potential difficulties of a trip, please speak with our staff at the Rock or the Gear Center, and they will help you understand what to expect.

Equipment
Specialized equipment will be provided and included in trip pricing. Some trips require or recommend specific types of clothing articles that the average participant will already own, such as a dri-fit t-shirt. We may not be able to provide items of this nature, but we will work with you to find a solution.

Trip Fees
Trip fees include all transportation, lodging, in-camp food, equipment rental and activity fees. The trip fee advertised is the fee each individual pays.

Refunds/Cancellations

Full refunds will be granted under the following conditions:

- A trip that is cancelled by Govs Outdoors for weather, low participation, or other extenuating circumstances.
- A trip is full, has an active waitlist, and another participant is willing to take your spot.
- Family/medical/personal emergencies will be reviewed on case-by-case basis by the Govs Outdoors Coordinator and Assiociate Director.
- Cancellations 3 weeks in advance of the registration deadline.

Cancellations 2 weeks in advance of a trip's registration deadline will be eligible for a 75% refund
Cancellations 1 week in advance of a trip's registration deadline will be eligible for a 50% refund.
Cancellations within a week of a trip's registration deadline will not be eligible for a refund.

University Recreation reserves the right to cancel a program due to inclement weather, lack of participation, natural disasters, or extenuating circumstances. Sometimes trip pricing includes outside reservation or activity fees; these fees are non-refundable.

SPRING 2025 Trip Calendar:

*IMPORTANT* Registration for all trips opens at 6AM, Monday, January 20th!

A never-before offering from Govs Outdoors: a mini-course in outdoor self-sufficiency and leadership, culminating in a whitewater kayaking trip where YOU will be the guides. This course will include instruction in trip planning, camp cooking, responsible use of outdoor spaces, and of course, whitewater paddling.

Our whitewater trip will be on the Hiwassee River near Reliance, TN. The Hiwassee is big, beautiful, and wild. It is a perfect place to learn whitewater without getting tossed around, and there is plenty to appreciate and catch your eye on stretches of flatwater.

All trip dates are mandatory. All gear, camp meals, lodging and training is included in the fee. We can't wait to see you there!

Trip Dates:

June 16, 5-7 PM (training/instruction)
June 18, 5-7 PM (training/instruction)
June 20-21, All Day (adventure experience)

Price: $175

Registration Deadline: June 19th

Registration Opens May 5th!

Take the next step in your climbing journey. Level-up your single-pitch skills, and learn advanced principles in lead climbing, anchor-building, rapelling, and tackle bigger and bolder climbs at our very own King's Bluffs climbing area.

Participants who perform well can get a multi-pitch climbing experience on the most dramatic climbing route in Clarksville.

Dates: Summer Dates TBD (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM)

Price: $20

Registration Deadline: 5 PM, the Friday before the trip

Requires Foy Center Climbing Membership

Come on a relaxing float down the scenic Red River. You can explore one of Clarksville's natural hidden gems in your choice of kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. Transportation and equipment is provided.

Dates: September, TBD

Price: $20

Registration Deadline: TBD

The Rock at APSU

Climbing at the Rock at APSU requires a climbing membership. All you need to do is visit the Rock during staffed hours to receive a free orientation. Top-rope and autobelay climbing are available from 2-6pm Monday thru Friday. Open bouldering is available for climbing members anytime the Foy is open.

The Rock features a 12-foot free-standing boulder and a 26-foot roped climbing wall with two autobelay devices. Both the boulder and the wall have climbs suitable for total beginners and advanced climbers alike.

No experience, no problem. Our staff is available during open hours to assist those new to climbing. New climbers will go through a short orientation to become familiar with the Rock's policies. All necessary equipment is provided for free.

Belay Training

Belaying is managing the rope while a climber is on the wall and belay certification is available to all climbing members. Belay certified climbers can belay each other and do not need staff assistance to top-rope.

Belay classes are $5. Fall and Spring belay class schedules will be released on the first day of classes, while Summer semester classes will be based on interest. Belaying is a critical skill in rock climbing. Our class will cover technique, equipment and some common errors to watch out for. Once you are fully belay certified, you can belay at the Foy without staff assistance.

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Bike Shop & Gear Room:

*all bike shop and gear rental inquiries must be made at the Rock while it is staffed*

Bike Shop

Govs Outdoors' Bike Shop is oriented towards keeping you moving. We can assist with all minor repairs and adjustments to tires, chains, shifting and brakes. For major repairs, please call or email the program coordinator before bringing your bike in.

Gear Room

Govs Outdoors keeps an inventory of outdoor recreation gear available for rent by all Foy members. We offer gear for casual car camping trips and for more adventurous activities like backpacking.

Rental Requests can be submitted at the Rock when it is open during Fall, Spring and Summer classes. Rental Requests are unlikely to be fulfilled if received less than 72 hours in advance. We do not accept walk-in gear requests. Gear is unlikely to be available during Fall and Spring Break, as rental gear will be used for Fall and Spring Break trips.

Equipment may be rented for either a weekend, or a week.
Equipment may only be picked up or dropped off on Mondays and Fridays, when the Rock is open.
Renters are responsible for returning gear in good condition. Damages will incur fees. Gear that is damaged beyond repair will incur a charge for its current MSRP, or that of a suitable replacement.
Gear will be inspected before pickup and at drop-off. Participants renting gear that makes use of combustible gas must view a brief demo for such gear before renting.
One PFD will be included with any boat rental; additional PFDs must be rented separately.
If renting a canoe, you must be able to transport the boat independently.

Gear Room Fees

Gear	Weekend	Week
2 Person Tent	$10.00	$15.00
3 Person Tent	$10.00	$15.00
4 Person Tent	$10.00	$15.00
55L Backpacking Pack	$10.00	$15.00
70L Backpacking Pack	$10.00	$15.00
75L Backpacking Pack	$10.00	$15.00
Sleeping Bag (20 deg.)	$9.00	$13.00
2-Burner Camp Stove	$8.00	$12.00
Hammock	$7.00	$10.00
10x10 Tarp	$6.00	$8.00
The Big 3 (Tent, Backpack, Sleeping Pad)	$20.00	$30.00

Gear	Weekend	Week
2 Seat Canoe	$30.00	$50.00
3 Seat Canoe	$30.00	$50.00
Inflatable Kayak (single)	$20.00	$40.00
Inflatable Paddleboard	$20.00	$40.00
PFD/Life Jacket	$7.00	$10.00

Gear	Weekend	Week
Climbing Shoes	$7.00	$10.00
Climbing Helmet	$7.00	$10.00

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Frequently Asked Questions

No! All Govs Outdoors programs are designed to be accessible to people unfamiliar with the activity type. That being said, you may find you are better suited to some activities as opposed to others. We encourage you to ask as many questions as you can think of before the trip so that you can better assess your readiness to take on a new activity.

You should choose a trip based on the activities you are interested in exploring and what that activity’s challenges will be for you. All trips will have their own elements of challenge, and they may not be what you initially think of. Many backpackers find they are not deterred by the physical challenges of walking several miles, but by camping in colder weather and eating less glamorous meals than they were expecting. If you are unsure about the nature of any trip, ask Govs Outdoors Staff. We encourage you to welcome challenges, but ultimately, we want you to enjoy the adventure you choose.

It always depends. Most overnight trips will involve camping, but every now and then we will spend a night in a cabin or hotel. The best source of information is always going to be the Govs Outdoors Staff. Ask about the specific trip(s) you're interested in, and they will let you know what to expect.

Govs Outdoors trips are planned with students in mind, but anyone with a Foy membership may register. Your membership must be active the day you register, and the entire duration of the trip.

Full refunds will be granted under the following conditions:
- A trip that is cancelled by Govs Outdoors for weather, low participation, or other extenuating circumstances.
- A trip is full, has an active waitlist, and another participant is willing to take your spot.
- Cancellations 3 weeks in advance of the registration deadline.
- Family/medical/personal emergencies will be reviewed on case-by-case basis by the Govs Outdoors Coordinator and Assistant Director.
Cancellations 2 weeks in advance of a trip's registration deadline will be eligible for a 75% refund
Cancellations 1 week in advance of a trip's registration deadline will be eligible for a 50% refund.
Cancellations within a week of a trip's registration deadline will not be eligible for a refund.

We will make every reasonable effort to accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies. Do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. Food options are always discussed at Pre-Trip Meetings. If you have a food allergy, you must let us know so we can take preventive measures.

It always depends. Almost all trips will have access to facilities at some point, but not constantly. A climbing site may have restrooms at the trailhead, but not in the climbing area. A backcountry trip may stop at a hotel during travel, but will have no facilities on-trail. However, even on backcountry trips, we prioritize sanitation, and when necessary we will teach participants how to use the backcountry bathroom.

Please do not wait for the Pre-Trip Meeting to begin preparing for your trip. The best people to contact are Govs Outdoors Staff. They have usually done the trip before, and can give you detailed information about how it went, what you’ll need, where people had trouble, etc. Our adventures are accessible to beginners, so the best preparation is mental. Depending on the trip, you may encounter new sources of discomfort, and being open to new challenges is part of the process.

All specialized equipment is provided. To us, this means gear that the average person cannot be expected to provide (i.e. climbing harness, backpacking packs, trekking poles). You will be responsible for personal items, such as clothing and toiletries, but not including specialized clothing such as a rain jacket. You will be expected to provide a bag to pack these items in, unless it is something like a backpacking trip.