Ever wanted to watch the sunrise from the top of a mountain, explore a winter forest on skis, or beat your personal record to the top of a indoor climbing wall?
The Shenandoah Outdoor and Adventure Recreation program can help you do all that and more. SOAR offers a wide range of outdoor adventures for all different levels. We’ll teach you the skills you need to go on your own explorations, and make sure you have the equipment you need to see the best of the Shenandoah Valley during your time at Shenandoah University.
Looking for a way to build leadership, marketable job skills, and spend more time outdoors? SOAR is always looking for students to become trip leaders. All that’s needed is a desire to educate and a love of adventure.
SOAR introduces the campus community to a wide variety of outdoor activities, with offerings for all experience levels. Participants develop basic skills for safe and environmentally responsible exploration of natural resources in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. SOAR fosters a life-long appreciation for and participation in the outdoors.
I chose Shenandoah because of the region. As an avid backpacker and hiker, I loved how close campus is to Shenandoah National Park, Harpers Ferry and the Appalachian Trail. I love how SOAR gives students a way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors! Over spring break I traveled with SOAR to backpack on the North Carolina section of the AT. We had a lot of fun in Hickory, Asheville and Hot Springs as well as our backpacking experience.
—Josiah O’Sullivan | Biology, Pre-Physical Therapy, ’19
The SOAR program offers a wide range of 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 through, outdoor group adventures. We focus on exploring the natural world through outdoor activities as a way for students to engage with each other and facilitate personal growth and learning.
Committed to experiential, placed based learning, SOAR focuses on hands on learning experiences that take place in or near the Shenandoah Valley as a way of encouraging students to connect with the local landscape. 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 #SUOutdoors.
SOAR offers activities outdoor group adventures for all skill levels.
See a trip you like? Get more information or sign up by emailing suoutdoors@su.edu.
Have an idea for a trip you’d love to take or want to get your class, club or organization out on a trip? You can also email suoutdoors@su.edu. We may be able to arrange a trip for you!
Fall 2017 Outdoor Trips
| Trip | Date | Time | Difficulty | Cost |
| Paddle the Shenandoah River | Sep. 9th | 9:00 – 5:00 | All | $15 |
| Cool Springs Campus Overnight | Sep. 16-17th | Overnight | Beginner | $20 |
| Learn to Climb | Sep. 23rd | 11:30 – 6:30 | All | $15 |
| Beginning Backpacking | Sep. 30- Oct 1 | Overnight | Beginner | $20 |
| Fall Break- Niagara Falls | Oct. 6-9th | Overnight | All | $100 |
| Little Stony Man Hike | Oct. 14th | 11:00 – 6:00 | Beginner | $10 |
| Zip Lining | Oct. 21st | 11:00 – 5:00 | All | $60 |
| Sunrise Hike | Oct. 29th | 3:00 – 11:00 | Beginner | $10 |
| Learn to Climb | Nov. 4th | 11:30 – 6:30 | Beginner | $15 |
| Apple Picking | Nov. 11th | 3:00-6:00 | All | Free |
| Horseback Riding | Nov. 19th | 10:00-4:00 | Beginner | $40 |
Registration policies:
- Registration is on first come, first served basis.
- Trips that require payments are not reserved until payment has been made to Hornet Central
- No refunds will be issued for any reason, unless the trip is cancelled.
- Pre-trip meetings are required. You should not sign up unless you can also make the meeting. Pre-trip meetings and dates will be noted on trips that require them.
- Return times are estimates. Due to the nature of outdoor activities, trip may return earlier or later than the listed times.
- Faculty, staff, and alumni are welcome to take any spots that are left open in the three days prior to the trip’s departure.
How to Register
- Go to IMLeagues.com and create an account
- Remember to select Shenandoah University as your school/university
- Once you have registered go to the fitness classes tab
- You will see a list of trips and dates you can register for
- Click on the trip you are interested in and follow the steps to register
- Once you have registered for the trip will receive an email with payment information
- If your trip is full, contact us at the email below to be put on the waitlist. Feel free to look around and see if there are any other trips that suit your needs.
Trip Classification System
All
These trips are outings where the goal is for participants to enjoy being outside. Everyone is welcome and no prior skills are needed.
Beginner
These trips are designed for beginners to start acquiring skills and for more advanced participants to practice and hone their skills.
Intermediate
Participants with some prior experience in the activity will feel most comfortable on these trips. Beginners are welcome, but the trip may be challenging for them.
Advanced
This trip is for participants who have definite prior experience in the activity. They must have been on a minimum of three SOAR trips in the area of the activity, or be able to demonstrate their competence.
Outdoor Events
Monday, Aug. 28th / How to Register for a Trip on IMLeagues
Trying to sign up for outdoor adventure trips on IMLeagues? Come to the Brandt Student Center to learn how on Monday, August 28 from 10:00-2:00. The first 20 people to sign up for a trip on IMLeagues will receive a flashlight. Every SOAR trip member will receive a SOAR sticker at the completion of their trip. Ask about our SOAR regular programs where you can get a T-shirt and nalgene water bottle. For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Monday, September 11th / How to Register for a Trip on IMLeagues
Trying to sign up for outdoor adventure trips on IMLeagues? Come to the Brandt Student Center to learn how on Monday, August 28 from 10:00-2:00. The first 20 people to sign up for a trip on IMLeagues will receive a flashlight. Every SOAR trip member will receive a SOAR sticker at the completion of their trip. Ask about our SOAR regular programs where you can get a T-shirt and nalgene water bottle. For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Thursday September 14th / Hammock Day
Kick back and relax in a hammock in between classes. We will be set up in the quad from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Thursday, September 14th. Stop by and hang out with us. For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Thursday, September 21st / Learn to Slackline
Learn the basics of slacklining with our SOAR staff on Thursday, September 21st, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We will be set up in the quad next to the SU letters. All skill levels welcome. The Slacklines will be set up low to the ground for those who are learning. For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Monday, September 25 / Homemade Bug Spray
Bugs bugging you? Come learn how to make homemade bug spray. We will be in the Brandt Student Center from 10:00-2:00. For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Thursday October 5th / Hammock Day
Kick back and relax in a hammock in between classes. We will be set up in the quad from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Thursday, October 5th. Stop by and hang out with us. For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Monday, October 16 / Wildflower Facts and Identification
How amazing are the flowers?! Do you know what kind they are? Come to the Brandt Student Center to learn how to identify them from 10:00-2:00. For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Thursday, October 19th / S’more S’mores
We will be roasting s’mores on Thursday, October 19th, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the lawn between Cooley and Racey Halls. Let make some more s’mores together. For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Monday, Oct. 30th / Everyday Survival Items
What will you do if you’re stranded or bunkered down? Learn how to use everyday items to survive! Come to the Brandt Student Center from 10:00-2:00. For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Thursday, November 9th / S’more S’mores
We will be roasting s’mores on Thursday, November 9th, from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM on the lawn between Cooley and Racey Halls. Let make some more s’mores together. For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Monday, Nov. 13th/ Outdoor Cooking to Keep Warm
Do you like delicious food? Do you like fire? Come and enjoy some tasty campfire treats in front of BSC from 10:00-2:00. For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Monday, Nov. 27th /Stuff you can make from P-Cord
Do you want to look cool wearing a paracord bracelet? Do you really? Come to the Brandt Student Center to make your own from 10:00-2:00. Hurry before supplies run out! For more information contact SOAR Coordinator Katie Hecker 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.
When you have read over the gear rental policies, you can make a request for equipment and set up a appointment to pick up your gear at suoutdoors@su.edu. All equipment requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance of your scheduled pick up time.
| Equipment | Rental Fee | Replacement Fee |
| 2 Person Tent | $5 | $300 |
| 4 Person Megamid (Tent) | $5 | $350 |
| 6 Person Tent | $5 | $500 |
| 8 Person Tent | $3 | $200 |
| Internal Frame Pack with Cover | $3 | $300 |
| *Sleeping Bag Stuff Sack | $3 | $170 |
| Sleeping Pad (foam) | $2 | $25 |
| **Stove (MSR Windpro II) | $3 | $100 |
| **Coleman Stove (2 burner) | $4 | $120 |
| Cook Kit with Cup, Bowl, and Spoon | $2 | $95 |
| Lantern | $1 | $30 |
| Cooler | $3 | $30 |
| Bear Vault | $3 | $70 |
| Water Tube with Life Vest | $2 | $25 |
| Hammock (Eno Single Nest) | $3 | $70 |
| ***Firepit | $3 | $75 |
*Includes sleeping bag and liner
**Fuel for stoves is not provided, but staff will provide you with information on where you can purchase it yourself.
***Use is limited to SU property.
A late fee of $1 per item per day will be charged for each day the equipment is not returned.
A cleaning fee of $10 will be charged for wet or improperly cleaned gear.
SOAR Gear Rental Policy
SOAR owns equipment and gear that is available for the use and benefit of the Shenandoah community. In consideration for the benefits received, the renter(s) assumes all risk for any damages or injuries that may be sustained to either person or property while using SOAR’s equipment. SOAR equipment may be used solely in accordance with the following conditions:
- SOAR equipment is for personal use by Shenandoah community members, and is rented on a first come first served basis.
- SOAR equipment is issued “as is,” and any renter may reject or refuse to use SOAR equipment.
- Each person who borrows and uses SOAR equipment is assumed to have the knowledge and training to use the equipment in a safe manner.
- While SOAR will strive keep equipment in usable condition, each renter who borrows SOAR’s equipment assumes the risks of using equipment that may have been used repeatedly and extensively by other renters. Each renter is expected to familiarize themselves with the specific equipment being borrowed and to check the equipment before use.
- Renters are expected to report promptly to the SOAR Coordinator or Gear Manager, any problems relating to the condition or usability of SOAR equipment.
- Renters should set up an appointment to check out gear by emailing suoutdoors@su.edu, at which point they will also set up an appointment to return gear.
- Renters will be assessed a fine for lost or damaged equipment at the current retail price of that equipment. Equipment that is kept by a renter for more than 14 days after the due date, without the prior agreement of the SOAR Coordinator will be assumed to be lost or stolen. Its full replacement cost will be required from the renter who borrowed it.
- Renters are expected to return all equipment clean and in useable condition. Tents, packs, sleeping bags, etc. should be wiped clean and dry, but never laundered. Stoves should be free from all food and food traces; and pots, pans and utensils should be scrubbed clean. Clothing and sleeping bag liners must be laundered. Fire Pits must be cleaned and free from excess burned material. A cleaning fee of $10 will be charged for wet or improperly cleaned gear.
- A late fee of $1 per item per day will be charged for each day the equipment is not returned.
Student Guide Service
Want to take your residents, club members, co-workers, or other campus group 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
- To book a trip, email suoutdoors@su.edu four weeks prior your trip. We will not accommodate any trip made last minute.
- The SOAR Coordinator will match you with two student guides. If no guides are available, we will work with you to find an alternative date.
- You will meet your SOAR Guides to determine what it is you want to do.
- SOAR Guides will plan your trip and help you make bookings for any services your group wants to use.
- SOAR Guides will accompany you on the trip and help you to have the best experience possible!
SOAR Trip Staff
Katie Spain
SOAR Student Director
Junior
Grace Wines
Junior
Courtney Bridges
Senior
Joe O’Sullivan
Sophomore
Brenna Alewynse
Freshman
Kira Adams
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 or with members of SU’s Outdoor Adventure Club.
Welcome to Shenandoah University’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 before hand 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. Under construction. More to come!
Click here for a list of some materials you need to go backpacking.
Click here for a list of some materials you should have in your first aid kit.
Click here 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. Check out these local outdoor adventure activities and locations!
Need new boots, a water bottle, or a backpack? Check out Mountain Trails here is Winchester.
Indoor Climbing:
Outdoor Climbing:
Remember to plan your adventures responsibly.
The links above are for informational purposes. SOAR and Shenandoah University is not responsible for non-University sanctioned trips.
Questions?
Katie Hecker
Outdoor Leadership & Education Instructor | Shenandoah Outdoor Adventure & Recreation Coordinator