North Country Trips

North Country Trips

The Outdoor Program offers optional outdoor recreation trips to incoming students. A range of trips are planned, to meet all levels of experience and interest. Review the descriptions and select three choices best suited to your skill level and interests. There are a limited number of spaces available; spaces will be filled on a first-returned, first-served basis. We will do our best to place you in your first choice. Please call the student activities office if you have any questions: 315-229-5757.

Dates
All Trips: Friday, August 22–Monday, August 25 (participants arrive on campus Thursday, August 21, time of arrival wil be sent to you once approved). Students who are participating in the pre-trips will move their items directly into their rooms on Thursday.
Important: If you participate in a fall collegiate sport, there will be conflicts between practice and North Country trips; therefore, you will most likely not be able to participate in any of these trips. Please check with your coach before submitting an application.

Trip Leaders
Upperclass students apply to work as trip leaders through the Outdoor Program. Each has demonstrated experience and skill in the specific type of activity for which he or she has been selected as a leader, and at least one of the leaders for each trip has participated in the Outdoor Program’s semester-long Outdoor Leadership Course. We attempt to staff trips in a positive, complementary, and gender-balanced way to provide the best possible orientation experience for new students.

Backpacking
Novice: Light to moderate terrain, sleeping in tents, light pack weights. Lower mileage. This trip is good for people with little or no experience with overnight camping. Cost for this trip is $250. (Limited to six participants with two leaders.)

Intermediate: More challenging terrain, occasional steep grades, higher mileage and heavier packs. This trip is best for people who have camped several times before and are used to carrying 40-55 lb. packs. Cost for this trip is $250. (Limited to six participants with two leaders.)

Experienced: Frequent elevation change, steep grades, high mileage, heavy packs. Choose this trip if you are looking for a physical challenge! Cost for this trip is $250. (Limited to six participants with two leaders.)

Canoe Trips
Novice: Lakes and flatwater, sleeping in tent, no portages. This trip is good for people with little or no experience with overnight camping and canoeing. Cost for this trip is $250. (Limited to six participants with two leaders.)

Intermediate: Moving water, possible small rapids with a few portages. This trip is good for people who have camped several times before and who have basic paddling skills. Cost for this trip is $250. (Limited to six participants with two leaders.)

Experienced: Longer distances, strenuous paddling, several portages. Cost for this trip is $250. (Limited to six participants with two leaders.)

Special Trips
Whitewater River Rafting (Minimal hiking/camping experience required): The first day will be split between an easy Adirondack day hike and swimming in nearby lakes. The next two days are filled with exciting raft trips down the Ottawa River with the folks from OWL Rafting. Showers, beds and meals are all provided at a rustic lodge. Students will need valid passports to enter Canada and return to the U.S. Cost for this trip is $490. (Limited to 30 participants with four leaders.)

Kayak Touring in the Thousand Islands, St. Lawrence River (Intermediate – Advanced): This trip will explore the scenic and historic region of the Thousand Islands by paddlepower. We will pack food and gear inside the kayaks to accommodate our three-day tour, camping at shoreline sites and spending the days exploring coves and open water. Plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxation. Cost for this trip is $250. (Limited to six participants with two leaders.)

Rock Climbing in the Adirondacks: This trip is designed for beginner or inexperienced rock climbers. We will be base-camp for three days, and crag on nearby Adirondack cliffs. Participants can expect to learn how to use basic climbing equipment, tie essential knots, and belay another climber. Cost for this trip is $250. (Limited to six participants with two leaders.)

Trip Equipment List
These are the articles that you must bring in order to participate. The SLU Outdoor Program will not be able to provide gear and equipment.

Clothing/Equipment Needed for All Trips
• rain gear (jacket and pants)
• swimsuit (recommended)
• one pair synthetic long pants (not jeans)
• hat—wool or fleece cap type
• one wool sweater/fleece jacket
• brimmed hat (sun and rain)
• synthetic long underwear (top and bottom)
• 2-3 pairs wool socks
• 1-2 synthetic/cotton t-shirts
• 1-2 pairs Polypro liner socks
• one synthetic/cotton long sleeve
• insect repellent
• one pair nylon shorts
• one quart-size water bottle
• sleeping bag (20-degree rating)
• sunblock
• sneakers
• sleeping pad
Please try to eliminate or minimize cotton fibers in clothing. Cotton holds moisture and can contribute to hypothermia. Choose synthetics, like fleece wool.

Additional Items Needed for Specific Trips

Backpacking/Canoeing
• backpack (4000-6000 cubic inch)
• flashlight/headlamp
• large stuff sack (for food protection)
• hiking boots (broken in!)
• mess kit (bowl, cup, utensils)

Rafting
• day pack / duffle bag
• towel
• water shoes/sandals for raft
• eye-glass retainer (croakies)


Please pack as lightly as possible.

Application (PDF)