Trips and Workshops
Trips are designed for DePaul University students, who are given first priority during registration. A limited number of spaces are open to faculty and staff for most trips (contact
John Washo for more details). To register for a trip, sign up at the front desk of The Ray or online. If you sign up online you will still have to turn in the
trip emergency information form,
statement of intent form, and the
trip release form before the deadline. You can drop them off at the front desk or fax them to (773) 325-7812
Rock Climbing Fridays
The Outdoor Adventure Program, in conjunction with the Lincoln Park Athletic Club, will be hosting DePaul Rock Climbing Sessions on Fridays throughout the school year. Climbing shoes will be provided.
| Date/Time: |
Session offered every January 13 - March 2, 2012; April 13 - May 18, 2012; 2 pm - 4 pm |
| Location: |
The location will vary between the Lake View Athletic Club (3212 N. Broadway) and the Lincoln Park Athletic Club (1002 W. Diversey) depending on the weather. All winter sessions are at Lake View Athletic Club.
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| Cost: |
Cost for "non-certified" climbers is $15. The second time you attend, you will have the opportunity to be certified. Once you pass the test, you are certified and the cost is $5.
|
| Registration Deadline: |
Due by Wednesday each week.
|
| Max Participants: |
Up to eight non-certified max; Up to 15 certified max. Total capacity on the wall cannot exceed 15 climbers. Open to students, faculty, and staff. |
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Geocaching In The City
On this three-hour trip you’ll learn how to use a GPS
and get familiar with the culture of Geocaching. We’ll explore Chicago while becoming acquainted with the terminology and rules
of the game. GPS units will be provided for use, no experience
necessary. Bring snacks and water, good shoes for walking, and
weather-appropriate clothing.
| Date/Time: |
Thursday, May 10 - 5 pm-8 pm |
| Location: |
Lincoln Park |
| Cost: |
FREE |
| Registration Deadline: |
Monday, May 7 |
| Max Participants: |
10 (Open to Students, Faculty, and Staff) |
|
|
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Day Trip
Take the South Shore Metra line to the dunes for a day of hiking and exploring. Weather permitting, we may have time for beach lounging or a swim. With miles of trails we’ll have plenty to do all day. Available to all experience levels. Dress for the weather and bring a lunch and a water bottle.
| Date/Time: |
Saturday, May 12 (trip begins at The Ray at 7:45 am and ends at 5 pm) |
| Location: |
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore |
| Cost: |
Free (***participants are responsible for the cost of the "El" ($2.50 each way) and Metra ($7.25 each way) |
| Registration Deadline: |
Wednesday, May 9 (extended)
|
| Max Participants: |
10 (Open to Students, Faculty, and Staff |
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Chicago River Leisure Paddle
Join Outdoor Adventures on a leisurely stretch of the Chicago River. Along this section, it is common to see turtles, ducks, herons and even some beaver and muskrat. It's a surprisingly natural area for being right in the city, and a really relaxing trip.
| Date/Time: |
Friday, May 18
|
| Location: |
Participants must meet at 3400 N. Rockwell on their own (this is reachable by car, taxi, or by public transportation). A group will meet at The Ray at 2:30 pm to take public transportation to the site (this will include a ¾ mile walk to the launch site.)
|
| Cost: |
$18 |
| Registration Deadline: |
Tuesday, May 15
|
| Max Participants: |
25 (open to students - wait list available for faculty/staff if space is available at the deadline)
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Memorial Day Skyscraper River Paddle
This trip starts in a natural section of river, but quickly becomes an urban tour, passing through stretches where we may encounter barges, past the modern architecture residential areas of River North, through downtown's "skyscraper canyon", and ending in Chinatown. Participants must have some prior paddling experience.
| Date/Time: |
Monday, May 28
|
| Location: |
Participants must meet at 3400 North Rockwell on their own (this is reachable by car, taxi, or by public transportation). A group will meet at The Ray at 2:15 pm to take public transportation to the site (this will include an approximately ¾ mile walk to the launch site). |
| Cost: |
$35 |
| Registration Deadline: |
Tuesday, May 22
|
| Max Participants: |
15 (open to students - wait list available for faculty/staff if space is available at the deadline)
|
|
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Geocaching "Break from Finals" Adventure
On this three-hour trip you’ll learn how to use a GPS and get familiar with the culture of Geocaching. We’ll explore Chicago while becoming acquainted with the terminology and rules of the game. GPS units will be provided for use, no experience necessary. Bring snacks and water, good shoes for walking, and weather-appropriate clothing.
| Date/Time: |
Wednesday, June 6, 5 - 8 pm |
| Location: |
TBD |
| Cost: |
FREE |
| Registration Deadline: |
Monday, June 4 |
| Max Participants: |
10 (Open to Students, Faculty, and Staff) |
|
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Past Trips and Workshops
Spring Break - Moab, Utah Volunteer Vacation
Participants spent a full week camping along the Colorado River while volunteering to restore a 2-mile trail (with an 1100 ft change in elevation) that led into a beautiful canyon stream.
Turkey Run State Park - Hiking, Camping
Are you an experienced camper/hiker or a beginner looking to learn basic
camping skills? Join Outdoor Adventures to central Indiana for a trip
to Turkey Run State Park, a beautiful park full of geologic wonders.
Spring Break - Ozarks Volunteer Vacation
Participants spent a full week camping along the shores of the Buffalo National River while volunteering to aid in the construction of the River Trail.
Shawnee National Forest - Hiking, Climbing, Camping
Located near Carbondale, Illinois, Giant City State Park (in the Shawnee National Forest) is a hidden treasure of Illinois. Join us for a weekend of climbing, hiking and camping. We will set up camp at Giant City on Friday, May 13, and have a day of climbing (with instructors) and hiking on Saturday, May 14. Sunday we will finish exploring the park before returning to Chicago.
Devils Head Ski/Snowboard Trip
This trip allowed participants the chance to enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding at one of the best resorts in the Midwest - Devils Head Resort in Merrimac, Wisconsin.
Starved Rock State Park Day Hike
Participants left daily city life behind to enjoy hiking and exploring nature in a beautiful state park.
Mammoth Caves National Park Hiking and Caving Expedition
On this six-day spring break trip, participants camped, hiked the parks 70 miles of trails, and explored various caves.
Skyscraper River Paddle
This trip starts in a natural section of river, but quickly becomes an urban tour, passing through stretches where we may encounter barges, past the modern architecture residential areas of River North, through downtown's "skyscraper canyon", and ending in Chinatown.
Rock Climbing with LPAC
The Outdoor Adventure Program, in conjunction with the Lincoln Park Athletic Club, will be hosting DePaul Rock Climbing Sessions on Fridays throughout the school year. Climbing shoes will be provided.
Kankakee River Paddle and Crane Viewing
In the fall, the Sandhill Cranes of the upper Midwest fly south, stopping over a single preserve in northwest Indiana for a month of socializing and courtship. Outdoor Adventures took a trip to Indiana to paddle a stretch of the Kankakee River to witness the yearly migration.
Biking 101 - Biking in the City and Group Ride
Biking 101 was an introductory "crash course" on biking in the city. Attendees participated in an interactive crash course with an education specialist from the Active Transportation Alliance. They learned helpful safety and maintenance tips to help them with their bike’s basic upkeep.
Maquoketa Cave State Park Trip (Hiking, Camping, Caving, Canoeing)
Maquoketa Cave State Park is located near Maquoketa, Iowa (a four-hour drive from Chicago). On this trip, Outdoor Adventures explored the park and its various caves and canoed a section of the Maquoketa River.