About OAP Trips
The Outdoor Adventure Program, part of the Campus Recreation Center, seeks to offers a variety of outdoor trips for the university community. Our trips are designed for beginners who may have never hiked, camped, or paddled before. We seek to offer trips to meet every person's skill level in order to challenge each person to grow through the experience but also to have fun and develop relationships along the way. Below is more information about trip policies and procedures. For more information about a specific trips we are offering this semester, click the trip name on the
Trip Calendar. For an overview of all the different types of trips we offer, go to our
Trip Information page.
Trip Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need Previous Experience?
For most trips, no previous experience is required. We design trips with beginners in mind, and love to introduce people to new experiences. Some trips do require some previous experience, such as the Grand Canyon Spring Break trip. To find out if the trip you are interested in requires previous experience, review the handout for that specific trip by clicking the trip name on the Trip Calendar page. You can also contact the Outdoor Program Coordinator with any questions or concerns.
What Does the Trip Cost Include?
- Transportation: typically 12-passanger van
- Meals: for all overnight trips, excluding meals on the road
- Instruction and Leadership: our trained staff will teach you the skills you need to know to be successful!
- Equipment: From head lamps and sleeping bags to climbing shoes, you are covered. *Skis on downhill skiing trips are not included in trip cost
- Accommodations: campsite, entrance, and permit fees
How Physically Demanding are the Trips?
Each trip has a physical exertion rating ranging from low, moderate, and high. In general, if you are an active person in good physical health, you should expect to do fine. Physical exertion ratings are outlined on trip handouts; however, please contact us if you have questions or concerns regarding your ability to participate.
What are Pre-Trip Meetings?
All overnight trips and some day trips have a mandatory Pre-Trip meeting. This meeting includes a review of trip policies, itinerary, and packing list; a discussion of meal plan; and equipment issue. Attendance at this meeting is required. If you are unable to attend the meeting due to a conflict, it is VERY important that you contact us. If we are not informed of an anticipated absence from the meeting, it could result in being dropped from the trip without a refund.
Registration Information
You can register by clicking the "register now" link on the trip calendar or visiting the welcome desk at the campus recreation center. Trips can fill up fast, but if the trip you want to participate in is full, be sure to get on the waiting list in case a spot opens up.
Eligibility
Current students, faculty, and staff members of UMass Lowell are eligible to participate in OAP trips and events. Students who are under 18 years of age must have forms signed by their parent/legal guardian before being eligible to participate in a trip. If you are unsure of your eligibility please contact us.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
Trip fees generally cover the following expenses: transportation, campsite fees, instruction, entrance fees, trip equipment, and some meals on overnight trips. Cancellations must be made 14 days prior to trip departure
Guest Policy
The OAP program follows the same guest policy as the Campus Recreation Center; each Student/Faculty/Staff member is allowed 1 non-university guest per trip.
Waitlist Policy
When a participant signs up on the wait list for a trip, they are indicating interest in participation in this trip. If a spot opens up on the trip, the first person on the waiting list will be contacted by the Outdoor Program Coordinator. They will have 2 days to complete their registration for the trip. If they are no longer available to participate or do not complete their registration in 2 days, the spot will be opened up to the next person on the waiting list.