Outdoor Adventures Trips

You can register through the OA Resource Center located on the lower level of the Foster Recreation Center during operational hours OR you can register via our online portal. For more information about our Adventure Programs Trips, you can reach Outdoor Adventures by calling 417-836-5904.

Group of OA participants on a hike Group of OA participants kayaking OA float trip 

Types of Trips

Day Trips - Join us for the day, we typically have an early morning departure and an evening return. OA provides transportation for the day, any technical equipment (kayaks, paddles, climbing equipment, etc.) and trip guides that plan each outing. You provide your own food and clothing for the day. Activities include; kayaking, hiking, caving, and rock climbing.

Overnight Trips - If one day isn’t enough, join us for the weekend on one of our 2-3 day adventures. OA provides all food cooked in the backcountry, transportation, trip guides, camping equipment, cooking and eating equipment, and any technical equipment needed. You just need your clothing that is appropriate for the time of year. Activities include; Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Camping, And Backpacking.

Break Trips - These trips aren’t for the faint of heart, these are our longest and often, most strenuous trips. Spanning from 5-9 days long and traveling all across the country. OA provides all food cooked in the backcountry, transportation, trip guides, cooking and eating equipment, and any technical equipment needed. You just need your clothing that is appropriate for the time of year. Activities include; Backpacking, Camping, Canoeing, and Rock Climbing. Locations include; Utah National Parks, the Santa Fe River in Northern Florida, South Dakota’s National Parks, The Adirondacks of upstate New York. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can go on Outdoor Adventures trips? With the exception of a few trips, all Outdoor Adventures trips are open to university students, faculty, and staff. You do not need to be a member of the Foster Recreation Center to attend our trips.

What kinds of skill levels are necessary to go on trips? All trips are open to all skill levels unless otherwise noted on the trip description.

What is included in the registration fee? Typically, the registration fee covers the costs of transportation to and from campus, necessary equipment, any food that is offered, trip guides, and any other costs associated with the specific trip.

Can I bring my own equipment? Outdoor Adventures allows personal equipment on its trips. However, the equipment must be inspected by your trip guides prior to leaving, and there is no pro-rated fee for a trip if you bring your own equipment (with exception of the Ski Trip).

How do I get a refund for a trip? Payment for the trip is due at the time of registration. After this time, there are absolutely NO refunds unless:

  • The trip is canceled due to low participation or weather

  • The trip is full and has a waiting list, and there is another person on the waiting list who is willing to take your spot.

  • Family/Medical/Academic issues that will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Assistant Director for Recreational Sports and the Graduate Assistant for Outdoor Adventures.

What if I am put on the waiting list? Payment is not mandatory if the trip is filled to capacity. If a spot opens up on the trip participants on the waiting list will be selected by the order in which they registered for an opportunity to go on the trip.

More Information

The best way to get more information about our trips is to come be the OA Office located on the Lower Level of the Foster Recreation Center. Check out the Trip List below! Still not convinced? See photos from our past Adventures.