ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ

Seeking Adventure?

Sunrise Hike

Sunday, April 14: 4:30 am – 9:30 AMÌý

Kick off the week by hiking into Sky Meadow State Park in the dark. We will arrive at a beautiful mountain top view just as the sun is starting to rise. SOAR will provide a light breakfast as we celebrate the new day.

Invasive Species

Tuesday, April 16, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Join a local Virginia Naturalist to learn about invasive species and its impact on the environment. Following a brief introduction to this topic we will venture out into the borderlands of the campus to pull invasive species so that native plants can take root.

Write your Legislator

Wednesday, April 17, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Wednesday, April 17, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Take action by writing to your local congressman to encourage them to pass legislation that would stop box stores from selling invasive plants. We will have all you need to take action including templates for your letters!

No sign-up, just show up!

Creek Clean Up

 

Join Dr. Degrassi and environmental students to help clean up the creek on main campus.

 

For additional information contact: adegrass@su.edu

Environmental Walk and BBQ

Thursday, April 18, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Join local caretaker, Gene Lewis as he takes us on an environmental walk at Cool Spring. He will share his knowledge and show how he is transforming Cool Spring back into a natural environment. Following our walk we will have a BBQ at the Pavilion. Transportation and dinner will be provided.

Creek Clean Up

Friday, April 19, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Help clean up trash from the creek area next to Buzzins. Help us get started on this wonderful restoration project by wading into the water (waders and gloves provided) and picking out trash.Ìý

Hammocks on the Quad

Monday, April 22, 11:30 am – 4:30 pm

After a week of activities to celebrate Earth Week, take a few minutes and join us by relaxing in hammocks. Hammocks will be set up on the quad.

No sign-up, just show up!

SOAR offers everything from Indoor Climbing, Hiking, Whitewater Rafting, Indoor Skydiving,Ìý Paddling, Caving, delicious S’mores nights, and everything in between.Ìý We’ll teach you the skills you need to go on all of the explorations and make sure you have the equipment you need to explore the best of the Shenandoah Valley.

 

Our Mission:

The SOAR program aims to introduce the campus community to a wide range of outdoor activities for all skill levels that promote self-awareness and self-esteem, cultivate personal growth, develop interpersonal and outdoor leadership skills and strengthen the SU community.ÌýÌýParticipants develop basic skills for safe and environmentally responsible exploration of natural resources in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. SOAR educates and inspires individuals to be responsible stewards of the natural world while engaging in adventure recreation and sustainability initiatives.

Follow us on Facebook, and tag your outdoor adventures on Instagram with @shenandoahoutdoors.

See a trip you like? Sign up on the links below!

Instructions for how to sign up for a trip are located below.Ìý Get more information by emailing suoutdoors@su.edu.

Snow Tubing

Saturday, January 27 | 2-6:30 p.m.

Prepare for 1 hour and 30 minutes of speed and laughter while sliding down 800-foot tubing lanes. Bryce offers three snow tubing lanes packed with adrenaline and excitement!

Indoor Rock Climbing

Saturday, February 10 | 11:45 a.m.-5 p.m.

Climb to new heights while indoor rock climbing! Beginner and experienced climbers welcome. Beginners will take a short class to learn the basics. Sign up to join SOAR rock climbing at the Vertical Rock climbing gym on Saturday, February 10. Transportation will be provided. The van will leave the BSC parking lot at 11:45 a.m. and will plan on returning back to campus by 5:00 p.m.Ìý

Founders’ Day Hike

Sunday, February 11 | 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Celebrate Founders’ Day by visiting the Shenandoah River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield. We will meet at the BSC parking lots at 10:00 a.m. and then head out Cool Spring. Once there we will walk the paved trails followed up by some warm cozy light lunch at the clubhouse.

Ice Skating

Saturday, February 17 | 2-7 p.m.

Come show off your skills on the ice with SOAR. Join us ice skating at the Reston Town Center Ice Rink on Saturday, February 17. The van will leave the B.S.C. parking lot at 2:00 p.m. and will plan on returning back to campus by 7:00 p.m. Bring extra money for shopping & food.

Massanutten Indoor Water Park

Saturday, February 24 | 10:30 am – 6 p.m

Come beat the mid-winter blues at Waterpark. Every day is 84°F at Massanutten! Rain or shine, the weather is perfect year-round in our indoor water park, home to our water fortress, inflatable adventures, body slides, pools and more!” The trip is on February 24th and we will be leaving the BSC parking lot at 10:30 am and expected to return no later than 6pm! Cost is $15 and transportation is provided

Winter Cabin Stay

Saturday & Sunday, March 2 & 3

Travel back in time as we hike in to and stay in a rustic cabin located in Shenandoah National Park. We will be staying in a small 3 bedroom cabin with a sleeping loft. Cost is $15 which includes meals, transportation and the use of sleeping gear. There are numerous hikes surrounding the cabin to explore.

High Ropes

Saturday, March 23 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Come Zip! On Saturday, March 23 SOAR is going zip-lining at Harper’s Ferry Adventure Center in Harper’s Ferry, W.V. Transportation is provided. The van will leave the BSC parking lot at 10 a.m. and plan to return back to campus by 5 p.m. The cost of this trip is $10!

Bluebell Hike

Saturday, March 30 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Come walk along the Shenandoah River as we seek out Virginia Bluebells! SOAR will be taking participants to Shenandoah River State Park. This hike is approximately a 2.8 miles. Transportation is provided. We will leave the BSC parking lot at 11 a.m. and will plan on returning back to campus around 5 p.m. Please sign-up for the hike by Monday, March 25. The cost of this trip is $10!

White Water Rafting

Saturday April 6 | 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

On Saturday, April 6 SOAR is going white water rafting with River & Trail Outfitters! Transportation is provided. The van will leave the BSC parking lot at 11:30 a.m. and plan to return back to campus around 4:00 p.m. The cost of this trip is $10!

Backpacking Trip

Saturday & Sunday April 6-7Ìý

Escape to the rugged beauty of Seneca Rocks with a thrilling 2-day backpacking adventure on April 6 & 7! Immerse yourself in the heart of West Virginia’s stunning wilderness as you tackle challenging trails, soak in awe-inspiring vistas, and camp beneath a blanket of stars. Day one you will ascend rocky paths, forage through lush forests, and arrive at the base of the iconic Seneca Rocks. Set up camp, cook over a campfire, and share stories under the clear night sky. On day two, rise with the sun to conquer the Seneca Rocks Summit, where panoramic views await as your reward. This unforgettable journey offers a perfect blend of outdoor exploration and natural wonder.

Fishing Trip

Friday-Saturday April 12-13Ìý

Learn the basics of fishing on Wednesday evening and then join us on Saturday as we fish while canoeing down the Shenandoah River. You will also have the option of camping at the River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield on Friday night. Meals & Transportation included for Friday evening & Saturday morning.

Pedal Boat on the Tidal Basin

Saturday April 20 | 9:30 a.m.- 6:30 p.m.Ìý

Pedal Boat around the tidal basin in Washington, DC (hopefully we can view some of the famous cherry blossoms) and then have free time to explore some of the monuments & museums in the downtown area.

Hike and Wildlife Center

Saturday April 27 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

We will start our morning out by visiting the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center where we will learn and see some of the native species of the area. Then we will head over to Buzzard Hill where you will see a local waterfall. Snacks will be provided.

Camping Trip

Friday-Sunday, May 3-5

Escape the Apple Blossom chaos and join us as we explore the Southwest corner of Virginia. We will camp for two nights, hike to Devil’s Bathtub and have the opportunity to learn about hear some authentic bluegrass music! Meals will be provided.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Saturday, May 11 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of Stand-Up Paddleboarding and a BBQ with SOAR at the River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield on May 11! Transportation is provided. The van will leave the BSC parking lot at 11 a.m. and plan to return back to campus around 5 p.m. The cost of this trip is $10!

 

 

SOAR Medical Form

Please check back regularly for future trips.Ìý If you are a faculty or staff interested in attending a specific trip please email us at suoutdoors@su.edu to check and see if space is available.Ìý No prior skills are needed unless otherwise noted, all trips are designed with beginner-level participants in mind.

How To Register:

• Click on the Sign-Up link for the trip you wish to attend
• You will receive an email with your trip attendance status: Confirmed Trip Member or Waitlist
• The SOAR trip leaders will contact you via email for trip-specific details
• If you are on the waitlist the SOAR Leaders will contact you if a spot opens up
• If you wish to cancel your reservation or waitlist status please contact us at suoutdoors@su.edu
  • If cancellation occurs within 72 hours of the trip, no refund will be issued.Ìý If a cancellation is requested more than 72 hours prior to a trip, the refund will be issued through Hornet Central.Ìý If a cancellation is requested and nothing is done within 2-weeks, please contact Hornet Central, hornetcentral@su.edu.

Registration Policies:

• Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Trips that require payments are not reserved until payment has been made at the SOAR Rental Center, located in Vaden Community Commons (formerly SCC), next to Buzzins’.
• No refunds will be issued within 48 hours of a trip.Ìý Please see the cancellation policy above
• No showing for a trip without communication in which you are a confirmed trip member is immediate grounds for removal of all other SOAR reservations
• No showing with communication twice in a semester is immediate grounds for removal of all other SOAR reservations
• Return times are estimates. Due to the nature of outdoor activities, the trip may return earlier or later than the listed times

ALL SOAR Trips require SOAR Trip Members to complete a Medical Form.Ìý For returning SOAR Regulars, new Medical Information forms are required each year.Ìý This is your ticket into the van. Please download the medical form below and bring it with you.Ìý Printed forms are available at the SOAR Rental Center.Ìý In case you forget, your SOAR trip leaders will have extras available on the day of the trip, just make sure to have your insurance information handy!

SOAR Medical Information Form

Questions?

Contact us at

suoutdoors@su.edu

SOAR is pleased to be able to offer students, faculty, staff, and alumni the opportunity to rent outdoor equipment for their adventures.

The Shenandoah Outdoor and Adventure Recreation (SOAR) Rental Center is located in Vaden Campus Commons, next door to Buzzins’.Ìý It is available to help outfit you on your next adventure.Ìý We have a great selection of gear including sleeping bags, ground pads, backpacks, stoves, fire pits, stand-up paddle boards, and more!Ìý For rental equipment, reservations are available 30 days in advance and are recommended for busy weekends. For longer reservation timeframes, please contact SOAR management at suoutdoors@su.edu for arrangements. Reservations are not required; however, equipment is rented on a first-come, first-served basis.Ìý All rental fees are required at the time of the reservation.

To make a SOAR Rental Center Equipment Reservation use the following links:

SOAR Rental Center Hours(when classes are in session)

Mondays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PMÌý

Tuesdays – Fridays: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Closed Saturdays & Sundays

When classes are not in session the SOAR Rental Center will take reservations by emailing suoutdoors@su.edu.

On dates when ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ is closed the SOAR Rental Center will also be closed.

We will have limited hours over the Summer and Winter Breaks.Ìý Please email suoutdoors@su.edu to make reservations during this time.

SOAR Rental Center Catalogue

Equipment	Ìý	Rental Cost
Camping Gear	Quantity in Stock	Daily (24 hr)	Weekend (Thurs/Fri-Mon)	Weekly (4-7 days)	Replacement Cost
Eno Hammocks (includes straps)*	16	$0/set*	$5/set	$10/set	$100
Gibbon Slacklines	2	$5 each	$10 each	$15 each	$90
Crazy Creek Camp Chair	16	$2 each	$3 each	$5 each	$50
Osprey Internal Frame Pack with Cover	2S/3M/4L	$5 each	$8 each	$12 each	$300
Lanterns	4	$2 each	$3 each	$5 each	$40
Headlamps	16	$2 each	$3 each	$5 each	$40
Fire Pit **	4	$20 each	Ìý$40 each	$60 each	$250
MSR Pocket Rocket***	2	$3 each	$6 each	$9 each	$60
MSR Windpro II Stove***	2	$4 each	$7 each	$10 each	$120
MSR Whisperlite***	2	$4 each	$7 each	$10 each	$150
Coleman 2-Burner Stove***	2	$6 each	$12 each	$16 each	$200
MSR 6-Liter Dromedary Bag	8	$2 each	$3 each	$5 each	$40
Mess Kit (Cup, Bowl, Plate, Fork, Knife, Spoon)	16	$1 each	$2 each	$4 each	$30
MSR Small Pot Set	3	$2 each	$3 each	$5 each	$60
MSR Large Pot Set	1	$3 each	$6 each	$9 each	$90
Kitchen UtensilÌý Kit	3	$2 each	$3 each	$5 each	$60
2 Person Kitchen Kit (stove, small pot set, kitchen utensils, and 2 mess kits)	2	$8/set	$15/set	$20/set	$200
4 Person Kitchen Kit (stove, large pot set, kitchen utensils, and 4 mess kits)	2	$12/set	$20/set	$25/set	$300
Rubbermaid Cooler	3	$2 each	$3 each	$5 each	$50
Bear Vault/Bin	4	$2 each	$3 each	$5 each	$80
2-Person Backpacking Tent	4	$8 each	$15 each	$20 each	$300
Ìý3-Person Backpacking Tent	3	$10 each	$18 each	$23 each	$330
4-Person Camping Tent	3	$12 each	$20 each	$25 each	$500
Inflatable Sleeping Pad (Thermarest)	14	$3 each	$6 each	$9 each	$80
Sleeping Bag (includes liner)	14	$4 each	$7 each	$10 each	$35
Climbing /Caving Gear	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Misty Mountain Bouldering Pads	2	$5 each	$10 each	$15 each	$220
Black Diamond Climbing Helmets	8 s/m 8 m/l	$3 each	$6 each	$9 each	$80
Water Equipment	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
River Tubes (includes PFD)	10	$5 each	$10 each	$15 each	$50

* Same-day hammock rentals are at no cost to ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ’s students, faculty, and staff. All hammock rentals will require a signed rental agreement form.Ìý Hammocks returned the next day will be charged the $5 overnight fee.

**Fire pit use is limited to ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ’s Winchester Campus.Ìý Firewood and fire starters are NOT included.Ìý Marshmallow Skewers are available upon request.Ìý The renter must have two full buckets of water on hand for emergency use from the time the fire is lit until it is out, buckets are provided.Ìý Ashes must be disposed of by placing them in a bag and throwing it into a trash can. ÌýWAIT UNTIL THE ASHES HAVE COOLED!Ìý Renter is subject to Physical Plant cleaning fines if ashes are disposed of improperly

***Fuel is not provided for backpacking stoves.Ìý The SOAR Rental Center staff will gladly show you where you can purchase fuel and what kind you will need.

SOAR Gear Rental Policy

Reserving Equipment

Equipment rental is available to ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ students, faculty, and staff. To rent equipment, you must be at least 18 years old and present appropriate forms of identification. Our equipment is rented on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made up to 30 days in advance of use. Contact us at suoutdoors@su.edu to reserve your equipment now.

Reservation Cancellation

We do not refund rental fees due to unexpected weather, non-use, or changes in the renter’s usage plans.Ìý Refunds will be given for reservations up to 48 hours in advance of the agreed-upon pick-up time for all general-use equipment.ÌýÌý

Please contact the Rental Shop to cancel a reservation.

• More than 48 hours = Full Refund
• Less than 48 hours = customer forfeits all rental fees,Ìýno refund or store credit.

Holiday Closures

Holiday rentals will need to be reserved in advance.Ìý For extended weekends in which ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ is closed on the Monday following the weekend, weekend rates will apply.Ìý For reservations over the Thanksgiving Break and Holiday Break, weekly rates will apply. If the University is closed due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, rentals will be due upon the first day the University is reopened, and no extra fees will apply.

Check Out and Pick up Procedures

The renter is responsible for inspecting all equipment carefully and bringing any missing or damaged equipment to a SOAR Rental Center staff member’s attention before 5:00 PM on the date that the item was rented. Make sure any discrepancies are noted on the rental agreement. Failure to note any discrepancies may result in a fee for damaged or missing equipment. If needed, please ask a SOAR staff member for assistance with inspection and/or instruction on how to properly set up the equipment.

Fire Pit: Firepit use is limited to ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ’s Winchester Campus.Ìý Firewood and fire starters are NOT included. Marshmallow Skewers are available upon request.Ìý The renter must have 2 full buckets of water and a fire extinguisher on hand for emergency use from the time the fire is lit until it is out, buckets are provided.Ìý Ashes must be disposed of by placing them in a bag and throwing it into a trash can. ÌýWAIT UNTIL ASHES HAVE COOLED! The renter is subject to cleaning fines if the fire pit is not cleaned and ashes are not disposed of properly.

Hammocks: Same-day hammock rentals are at no cost to ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ students, faculty, and staff. All hammock rentals will require a signed rental agreement form.Ìý Hammocks returned the next business day will be charged the $5 overnight fee.

Check-In Procedures

Equipment must be returned to the SOAR Rental Center, located at Vaden Campus Commons (VCC) adjacent to Buzzins’.Ìý Renters will be responsible for up to the total retail cost of replacing such equipment that is returned dirty, damaged, or missing.Ìý Ìý

Fire Pit: Must be returned during SOAR Rental Center open hours, or contact SOAR to schedule an alternate time.ÌýÌý

Equipment Inspection:

All equipment goes through a thorough inspection at the beginning of each semester by the SOAR Rental Center staff.Ìý After each use, each piece of equipment is then inspected for damage upon its return to the Rental Center after use. Renters are required to inspect each piece of equipment before use and report damages to the SOAR Rental Center.

Late Fees

A $1.00 per item, per day late fee is charged in addition to the daily rental fee. Late days accrue only on days when the SOAR Rental Center is in operation and equipment is not returned. Equipment that is kept by a renter for more than 14 days after the due date, without the prior agreement of the Director for Campus Recreation & Wellness will be assumed to be lost or stolen. The item(s) full replacement cost will be required from the renter who borrowed it.Ìý Any renter with an outstanding balance due will have their records flagged until payment is made.

Cleaning Charges

Cleaning fees will be assessed if you return equipment that is deemed excessively wet or dirty by the rental attendants. Tents, packs, sleeping bags, etc. should be wiped clean and dry, but never laundered.Ìý Stoves should be free from all food and food traces; and pots, pans, and utensils should be scrubbed clean. Fire Pits must be cleaned and free from excess burned material. You have the option to clean the equipment before returning it. If the rental equipment is deemed excessively dirty there will be a $25.00 cleanup fee per item.ÌýÌý

Lost or Destroyed Replacement ChargesÌý

If any equipment is lost, destroyed, or damaged to the point it is deemed ruined by the SOAR Rental Center staff, you will be charged the full replacement value of the item.Ìý You will be charged the current retail price of that equipment.Ìý

Release of Liability Statement

Equipment Agreement

I agree that the equipment that is being checked out to me is in useable condition and I will be financially responsible for any loss or damage while it is in my possession. I understand that I have a responsibility and the opportunity to inspect the equipment for damage or missing parts at the SOAR Rental Center.Ìý I agree that if the equipment is lost or destroyed while in my possession, I will pay the full retail replacement value and not the depreciated value. I agree to pay any and all late fines for equipment not returned within the designated check-out period on my rental agreement. I agree to pay any and all cleaning charges for equipment that is deemed excessively dirty by the SOAR Rental Center staff. Ìý By signing this rental agreement, I represent I am qualified and familiar with the proper and safe use, transportation, and care of the rented equipment.

Awareness and Assumption of Risk

I am aware of the risks associated with using the equipment I am renting from ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ.Ìý I understand that using the equipment may expose me to dangers and hazards, including but not limited to: falls, fractures, concussions, dangerous weather, overexertion, overheating, severe injuries, strains, sprains, drowning, broken bones, paraplegia, hypothermia, hostile or aggressive wildlife, equipment failures, losing control or crashing boat or bike, water hazards, road/trail hazards,Ìý negligence of others and even death. I represent that I will take reasonable steps to protect myself from these risks, including by using protective equipment such as a personal floatation device or a bike helmet. I hereby freely assume the above-mentioned risks, as well as other risks not listed that are part of using this rental equipment, and any harm, injury, or loss that may occur to me or my/your property as a result of renting this equipment.

Release of LiabilityÌý

ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ shall not be liable for injuries sustained by the renter while using, transporting, or handling rented equipment. In consideration for being able to use Shenandoah Outdoor and Adventure Recreation’s Rental Center equipment, the renter assumes these risks and indemnifies and holds harmless ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ, its trustees, officers, employees, agents from any claim, damage, liability, injury, expense, or loss, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising from the use of ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ’s recreational equipment, including, without limitation, any claims that renter’s heirs may have in case of renter’s death.

ALL RENTALS WILL REQUIRE THE RENTER TO SIGN AND DATE THEIR RENTAL CONTRACT, VERIFYING THEY HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO THE ABOVE EQUIPMENT RELEASE OF LIABILITY STATEMENT.

 

Student Guide Service

Want to take your residents, club members, co-workers, or other campus groups on an outdoor trip, but don’t know where to start?

SOAR can help! We offer a free student guide service to members of the SU community.

Steps to Booking a Trip

1. To book a trip, email suoutdoors@su.edu four weeks prior to your trip. We will not accommodate any trip made last minute.
2. You will be matched with at least two student guides. If no guides are available, we will work with you to find an alternative date.
3. You will meet your SOAR Guides to determine what it is you want to do.
4. SOAR Guides will plan your trip and helpÌýyou make bookings for any services your group wants to use.
5. SOAR Guides will accompany you on the trip and help you to have the best experience possible!
6. Please be advised that groups will be responsible for all expenses associated with this service, including reservations, transportation, food, and staff wages.

SOAR Trip Staff

Looking for a way to build leadership, and marketable job skills, all while spending more time outdoors? SOAR is always looking for students to become trip leaders. All that needed is a desire to educate and a love of adventure.

Interested in becoming one of SOAR’s trip staff? Send us an email! We’re always looking for new student employees. No prior experience is needed.

 

 

Not able to fit a SOAR trip into your busy schedule? Grab a friend and go on your own time.

Welcome to ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ’s SOAR Program!

At SOAR, we strive to get students outside to experience the great outdoors. We have trips planned for every semester that are open to the student public, but just in case you miss one or can’t attend, here’s a list of things to do in preparation of your
own trip:

Step 1: Trip Planning

What would you like to do? Is it backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, or something else?
In this planning process, it is vital that you have a set plan as to what you would like to do, and how you plan on doing it. Check the toggle below for ideas.

Step 2: Organization

Trips should always be conducted in a safe manner. Organizing them beforehand can help! This step includes fulfilling all of the means necessary to ensure that your trip is safe and successful. Under construction. More to come!

Step 3: Finalization

Trips should be fun! Completing the planning process and finalizing your plans gives you the chance to look forward to your trip. This step reminds you of a few things to do before leaving for your trip.Ìý

for a list of some materials you need to go backpacking.

for a list of some materials you should have in your first aid kit.

for a list of some materials you need for a day hike.

 

The Shenandoah Valley has many opportunities for you to get outside that are all within easy driving distance of Winchester.ÌýCheck out these local outdoor adventure activities and locations!

 

Remember to plan your adventures responsibly.

The links above are for informational purposes. SOAR and ËÄ»¢Ó°ÊÓ are not responsible for non-University-sanctioned trips.