Group of students outdoors, holding a banner for Outdoor Pursuits

Outdoor Pursuits offers a variety of trips each semester to match any level of experience. Trips range from short day trips to extended week-long expeditions. Trips are open on a first-come, first-served basis and are usually limited to a certain number of participants. The minimum number will vary depending upon the nature and location of the trip.  

Trips & Workshops

Come explore the underwater world and experience the magic of scuba diving in the pool to see if you would like to take the full course. You will be under the close supervision of certified and insured scuba instructors from Scuba Educators International. Participants will spend a short time in the classroom gaining insight into the safety and enjoyment of scuba diving as well as requirements for the full certification course and then enjoy an underwater tour of the pool. 

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Gain a lifetime skill and get access to a whole new underwater world! Take a course to become a certified Open Water SCUBA Diver. Instructors work with students to gain the necessary knowledge to make you competent and responsible divers, and share their love of the underwater environment with you. Additional fees include purchase of mask, fins, and snorkel (provided for you the first 4 sessions) and outdoor checkout dive equipment fee.

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Throughout the semester, Outdoor Pursuits is offering free outdoor skill workshops. These workshops will cover a variety of outdoor survival skills, with the hope that you will have a general understanding of how to have fun and function safely on your outdoor adventures. You do not need to bring anything, but it may be helpful to bring a notebook with a writing utensil or a laptop/tablet. We will provide the rest!

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Explore and ride the local 2018 Rails to Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame inductee, Cardinal Greenways. Participants will bike on the Cardinal Greenway starting at Ball State University Outdoor Pursuits Rental Center. Participants will utilize the bike lanes that connect the campus to Minnetrista and eventually the Cardinal Greenway trailhead at McCulloch Park Riverview. The bike ride will be approximately 11. 2 miles to the Red-Tail Nature Preserve. There will be time to explore the Red-Tail Nature preserve for approximately one hour.  The bike ride will resume and make a stop by Trailside Golf to play a few holes of foot golf and then return to the Outdoor Pursuit Rental Center. Lunch to be provided.

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Outdoor Pursuits will be taking adventurous students hiking through beautiful Turkey Run State Park. During this scenic one-day hike students will be able to explore the wonders of Turkey Run on an easy 5-mile adventure. The OP group will be waking up early, driving to the site, hiking all day and then driving back in the afternoon. This experience will give students the opportunity to see some of Indiana’s best hiking trails while exploring the splendor of their own backyard.

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Outdoor Pursuits will be taking adventurous students hiking through the unique Mounds State Park. During this one-day hike, students will be able to explore and witness the history that is Mounds State Park. The OP group will be waking up early, driving to the site, hiking part of the day and then driving back in the afternoon. This experience will give students the opportunity to see the unique earthworks of the Adena-Hopewell People. Construction of the Mounds, in particular, the Great Mound, is believed to have been completed around 160 B.C. This fun adventure is a must do for local outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

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It's time to hit the Appalachian Trail again! We're going to hike 35 miles in Maryland in just 3 days, with beautiful views and great fall colors. This trip is perfect for anyone looking to take the next steps after a beginning level trip. Price includes transportation, camping gear, lodging, dinners on the trail, and trip leadership. Participants must be able to hike at least 10 miles per day while wearing a 30-pound backpack.

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Outdoor Pursuits will be taking adventurous students hiking through the unique Mounds State Park. During this one-day hike, students will be able to explore and witness the history that is Mounds State Park. The OP group will be waking up early, driving to the site, hiking part of the day and then driving back in the afternoon. This experience will give students the opportunity to see the unique earthworks of the Adena-Hopewell People. Construction of the Mounds, in particular, the Great Mound, is believed to have been completed around 160 B.C. This fun adventure is a must do for local outdoor adventure enthusiasts.

Sign Up Today!

Throughout the semester, Outdoor Pursuits is offering free outdoor skill workshops. These workshops will cover a variety of outdoor survival skills, with the hope that you will have a general understanding of how to have fun and function safely on your outdoor adventures. You do not need to bring anything, but it may be helpful to bring a notebook with a writing utensil or a laptop/tablet. We will provide the rest!

Sign Up Today!

Take a break from the grind and enjoy a weekend trip to Brown County! Soak up the beautiful scenery on the trails, camp out with friends, and let Outdoor Pursuits handle the rest. Registration fee includes transportation, camping equipment, dinner at camp, and trip leadership.

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Throughout the semester, Outdoor Pursuits is offering free outdoor skill workshops. These workshops will cover a variety of outdoor survival skills, with the hope that you will have a general understanding of how to have fun and function safely on your outdoor adventures. You do not need to bring anything, but it may be helpful to bring a notebook with a writing utensil or a laptop/tablet. We will provide the rest!

Sign Up Today!

All participants are required to have an OP Health Questionnaire on file. The waiver has to be completed within your member profile at https://recreation.bsu.edu. See steps below.

OP HEALTH QUESTIONNAIRE

EXPLORE CURRENT OFFERINGS AND REGISTER

 

Steps to Sign up for Trips

  1. Visit https://recreation.bsu.edu/ to log into your new Recreation Services Membership Portal.
  2. Sign into your account using your BSU information by selecting "Sign in with BSU Username and Password".
  3. Once logged in, select “Memberships and Waivers” from the options below.  Select “OP Health Questionnaire” from a list of options.
  4. Follow the steps to complete the waiver. This waiver will stay on file for one year. 
  5. Complete the waiver by selecting "Add to Cart" then "Checkout".
  6. Once the waiver has been completed, return to the home page select “Programs and Registrations” from the options below.  Select “Trips and Clinics” from a list of options.
  7. Complete the payment process with credit card.

For those who do not have a BSU log-in, register for your guest profile by selecting “Sign Up” 
located in the top right corner. Follow the steps to create a profile and verify your account.

Refunds

  • Ninety percent of payment is refundable if the participant withdraws at least 10 business days prior to the trip or clinic date. Less than 10 business days results in no refund.
  • Further restrictions may be placed on longer, more costly trips (such as Spring Break trips).
  • All trips and clinics that have a non-refundable deposit element will be identified as such.
  • All trip fees are fully refundable if Outdoor Pursuits cancels the trip or clinic for any reason.
  • All trip refund requests must go through the Coordinator of Outdoor Pursuits.

Find Your Challenge

Each trip on the registration page has been labeled with intensity and experience levels to better help you identify which Outdoor Pursuits experience is right for you! Please carefully read the trip description and do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions.

Easy

This trip is designed for fun and relaxation. If you’re able to make your way across campus without any problem, you’re ready for these trips. Most single-day trips fit into this category.

Moderate

This trip will require a moderate amount of walking, paddling, biking, active participation, etc. Plan to spend the majority of the day up and moving.

Strenuous

This trip will require a significant amount of hiking, paddling, biking, climbing, active participation, etc. Plan to spend more time moving than you’re used to.

Very Strenuous

These trips will test you physically. Long days, long mileage, and challenging terrain are par for the course. Regular physical activity and conditioning are a must to be prepared for this experience. Previous experience in the activity may be recommended.

Beginner

A perfect trip for a first-timer. You will have an opportunity to get some basic experience with us, and learn about the activity in a beginner-friendly environment.

Intermediate

Beginners are welcome, but we recommend some previous experience to get the most out of the trip.

Advanced

We strongly recommend previous experience. You should be comfortable with applicable skill set for the trip.

Expert

Demonstrated skill is required. We may require applicable certifications to participate in the trip. The technical nature of the trip makes it impossible for beginners to safely participate.

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