Additional Links:
Expeditions
Promote greater understanding and appreciation of self, others & the
natural world.
Experiential Education
Your expeditions will be structured to require the group to take initiative, make decisions, and be accountable for the results. After presenting the necessary skills, our Instructors step back and allow the group to take ownership over their trip and learn from natural consequences, mistakes, and successes. The group must rely on one another; forcing leaders to emerge, individuals to collaborate, and participants to gain a greater understanding of themselves and others. Our Instructors are not guides, but fellow students who are passionate about sharing their experience, and trained to teach essential technical skills, ensure physical and emotional safety, and facilitate the learning process.
Activity Level
There is no previous experience required to participate in our programs, however, wilderness travel is physically demanding by nature. Each trip is different depending on the fitness level of the participants and the unpredictable weather conditions. The group helps plan their route at the pre-trip meeting, taking into account the individual fitness levels of all participants. Typically, kayaking trips paddle 4-5 hours per day and backpacking trips cover about 10 miles per day with packs weighing 30-45 lbs. Day hiking trips cover 5-7 miles and rock climbing trips allow the most flexibility in terms of exertion level (everyone selects the level of difficulty and number of climbs they complete). Trips are designated E - EASY, M - MODERATE, or S - STRENUOUS dependinog on activity level and potential for challenging weather conditions.
Pre-trip Meetings
There is a mandatory pre-trip meeting the week of each trip. At the pre-trip meeting, we plan our route, pack our food, prepare our gear for the trip and decide our departure and return times. All food, transportation and equipment are included; participants just provide their personal clothing. Pre-trip meetings for day trips last about one hour and overnight trip meetins last about an hour and a half.
Registering for a Trip
To register, go to the Campus Recreation Office located in 101 Student Recreation Center. The fee includes transportation, food, and equipment. You can pay with cash or your One Card. To check for available spaces call 843-7529. If you have additional questions, contact David Yeargan, dyeargan@email.unc.edu.
Trips & Expeditions
| Date | Type | Location | Description | Fee* | Level | Pre-trip Meeting |
| 5/25-5/27 | Backpacking | North Harper Creek Gorge | Countless waterfalls and massive, old-growth Yellow Poplar and Eastern Hemlock surround you as you descend into Harper Creek Gorge. Escape from the pressure of everyday life and let this trip recharge and rejuvenate your spirit. No experience necessary; your instructors will teach you backcountry hiking and camping skills and then let your group create their own weekend wilderness adventure! | $105 | M | 5/23 @ 7p |
| 6/2 | Flat water kayaking | Haw River | The boulder strewn rapids of the lower Haw River beckon. This trip will explore the picturesque lower reaches of the Haw River where it cascades into Jordan Lake. Your group will explore the many islands and channels of this area and lunch on the rocks as you relax to the sounds of the river. | $40 | E | 5/30 @ 7p |
*The fee includes transportation, food and equipment.
Interested in working at the Outdoor Education Center? Click here for 2012 Staff Training information.
