Outdoor Adventure Program
OAP Trips, Activities, and Clinics
Summer 2022
All trips are led by certified trip leaders and are offered at student friendly prices. Weekend trips from day to one or two nights at locations within a few hours drive. Trips are open to VCU students and Rec Sports members.
Click the titles below to view full descriptions, trip costs, and to register. Registration closes the day of the trip.
Please review our Trip Policies and Procedures, and review our Covid-19 Guidelines at the bottom of this page.
OAP Iceland Trekking Summer 2022
July 18 - 24
Has the Richmond summer heat got you down? Come cool off in Iceland. The OAP is heading to the land of fire and ice for our annual summer trip. Our trip starts in the stunning city of Reykjavík where we all have some time to take in some local culture. From there we will travel to central Iceland to begin the backpacking leg of our trip. We will be trekking along some of the world's most epic and beautiful trails with views of volcanic mountains, massive glaciers, and cascading waterfalls. Our evenings will be spent in camp eating delicious meals and possibly sitting in one of the several hot springs.
Passport required, so make sure yours is up to date. Airfare is not included.
Curious? Attend an info session at the VCU Outing Rental Center on May 3 at 6 pm.
Learn more and register by June 27 here!
Bicycle Maintenance Series Clinics
Clinics will return in Fall 2022. All clinics are held at the Outing Rental Center. Registration closes at the time the clinic begins.
Custom Trips at Rice Rivers Center
RecWell's Outdoor Adventure Program is partnering with the VCU Rice Rivers Center to offer custom group trips at the 500-acre facility along the lower James. With direct access to the James River, a boat launch for canoes to access the tidal creek, and the recent opening of the Inger Rice Lodge that can sleep up to 22 people, the Rice Rivers Center is a perfect location. Contact outdoors@vcu.edu for more information.
In This Section
Women's Backpacking Weekend
Trip Dates: 5/28 - 5/30
Registration closes 5/23
This backpacking weekend is intended for people who identify as femme, transgender, or a woman. Enjoy the long weekend in a supportive and fun setting while hiking and camping in a beautiful place with new found friends. Your trip leaders will teach you everything you need to know to set out into the mountains with just a pack on your back. No experience required! Price includes food, camping, equipment and guides.
Paddle and Paint Canoe Trip
Trip Date: 6/18
Registration closes 6/13
The tranquility of the James River is best experienced from the seat of a canoe. Paddling will be blended with freetime for water colors and sketching. Join us for a day of water, relaxation, art, and tranquility. All are welcome to join. Bring lunch and water, we'll eat along the water. Basic art supplies, transportation, guides, and river equipment are provided.
Weekend Sea Kayaking
Trip Dates: 6/25 - 6/26
Registration closes 6/20
Learn the basics of sea kayaking and then put your new skills into practice right away on an overnight trip! We will check out beaches, paddle through wetlands, and hopefully see some amazing wildlife as we make our way down the islands off the coast! We'll pitch our tents and camp under the stars, and then paddle back the next day. Price includes food, camping, transportation, equipment and guides.
POC Day Hike
Trip Date: 7/9/2022
Registration closes 7/4
This day hike is intended for people who identify as a person of color. Join other POC to get out of the city and into the Blue Ridge Mountains for a day of hiking. No experience required. Guide and transportation is included. Be sure to pack a lunch, as food is not included.
Caving
Trip Dates: 6/11 and 7/23
Registration closes 6/6 and 7/18
When the summer heat spikes, caves remain a constant 55 degrees Fahrenheit. We will be traveling to western Virginia to explore the vast caverns beneath us and learn about cave formations first-hand from our experienced leaders. Gear, transportation, and guides are provided. Be sure to pack a lunch, as food is not included.
Backpacking Weekend
Trip Dates : 8/6 - 8/7
Registration closes 8/1
Get out to explore the beautiful ridges and valleys of Western Virginia. Enjoy a weekend of scenic views and new found friends! This is a great trip for first-time backpackers or seasoned adventurers looking to pick up some new skills. Price includes food, camping, equipment, transportation, and guides.
The nature of many OAP trips inherently incorporate Covid-19 health and safety best practices. Activities such as kayaking, biking, and hiking all allow for social distancing and the use of outdoor space without changing the nature of the activity.
All program gear is thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and rested between use. After you sign up for an OAP trip you should anticipate receiving a phone call and an email from our staff. This is our way of touching base, making sure our health and safety concerns are clear, and answering any questions you may have.
In addition to the steps our program staff is taking we ask that you follow these guidelines:
The One VCU: Responsible Together website provides a list of what is expected of VCU students when it comes to COVID-19. In addition, page 9 of the Rec Sports reopening member guide, contains the OAP’s specific policies and guidelines.
All VCU students and OAP participants are expected to self-screen for the following symptoms in addition to filling out VCU’s daily health survey at dailyhealth.vcu.edu/.
If you present any of the following symptoms prior to attending a trip, stay home and follow VCU’s protocols for Student COVID-19 reporting. You will be given a full refund or credit on your account.
Fever or 100 degrees or greater, or feeling of a fever
-
Cough
-
Shortness of breath
-
Loss of taste or smell
-
Chills
-
Sore
-
Muscle aches