Seeking Adventure?
SOAR offers everything from Indoor Climbing, Hiking, Whitewater Rafting, Skiing, Indoor Skydiving, Paddling, Mountain Biking, Caving, and everything in between. 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. Participants 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 #SUOutdoors.
See a trip you like? Sign up on IMLeagues.com.
Instructions for how to sign up for a trip are located below. Get more information by emailing suoutdoors@su.edu.
Everyone is welcome on our SOAR trips and no prior skills are needed. All trips are designed with beginner levels in mind.
Fall 2019 Trips
Trip sign-ups will open on August 12th, 2019 on IMLeagues.com
| Trip | Date | Time | Cost |
| SOAR Staff Training | Aug. 30th – Sept 2nd | All Day | |
| Spirit Unleashed | Sep. 6th – Sep. 7th | Friday pm – Saturday pm | $15 |
| River Tubing | Sun. Sep 8th | 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm | $15 |
| Bear’s Den Sunset Hike | Sat. Sep 14th | 4:00pm – 10:00pm | $15 |
| Shenandoah River Paddling | Sat. Sep 21st | 10:00am – 5:00pm | $20 |
| Overall Run Falls Hike (SNP) | Sat. Sep. 28th | 10:00am – 5:00pm | $15 |
| Fall Break Trip (more information below) | Oct. 12th – Oct. 15th | All Day | $200 |
| Apple Picking | Thurs. Oct. 17th | 3:00pm – 6:00pm | Free Shuttle |
| Festival of the Leaves, Shenandoah Valley | Sat. Oct. 9th | 3:00pm – 9:00pm | $15 |
| Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze | Fri. Oct. 25th | 4:00pm – 9:00pm | Free Shuttle |
| Learn to Climb | Sat. Oct. 27th | 11:00am -6:00pm | $15 |
| Haunted Hike/House | Fri. Nov. 1st | 5:00pm – 10:00pm | $15 |
| Sky Zone Trampoline Park | Sat. Nov. 2nd | 5:00pm – 10:00pm | $15 |
| Learn to Climb | Sat. Mov. 9th | 11:00am -6:00pm | $15 |
| Hawks Bill Hike (SNP) | Sat. Nov. 16th | 10:00am – 5:00pm | $15 |
| Winter Wonderland Christmas Lights | Thurs. Dec. 5th | 6:00pm – 9:00pm | Free |
For trip specific details go to IMLeagues.com and sign in or create a account with your @su.edu email.
Fall Break Trip to the Nantahala Outdoor Center
- Check out their website for more information: https://noc.com/
- We depart on Saturday morning and return on Tuesday mid day
- We will be hiking, rafting, and ziplining
- Everything is included in the cost of the trip except road meals and dinner
- For dinner you will have the option of eating at the local NOC restaurants or cooking a meal in the provided kitchen
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 and pay
- 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.
Registration policies:
- Registration is on first come, first served basis.
- Trips that require payments are not reserved until payment has been made through the IMLeagues webpage
- 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
Fall 2019 Outdoor Events Coming Soon
SOAR will be participating in the AORE 2019 Campus Challenge.
Pre-Registration opens Tuesday, September 3rd, 2019 and the event runs September 16th to October, 13th.
Spring 2019 Events
Hammocks & Slacklines on the Quad
Once the good weather hits we will be on the quad with hammocks and slacklines. We will be set up on the Quad every Thursday from 11am-4pm. Weather permitting of course. Come on out and hang with us. Contact SOAR at suoutdoors@su.edu for more information.
Tuesday Jan. 22nd – Friday Jan. 25th / Free Trips Give-a-way
Trying to sign up for outdoor adventure trips on IMLeagues? Come to the Brandt Student Center to learn how. Drop your name in the jar for your chance to win a free trip. We will be giving away two Spring 2019 trips to 2 lucky Shenandoah University students. You will get one entry for liking our Facebook page and one entry for following our Instagram. Free trip give-a-way guidelines: must be a current Shenandoah student for entry, trips cannot be an overnight trip, and if a “Free Shuttle” trip is chose we will cover your activity cost. For more information contact SOAR at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Monday Jan. 28th – Friday Feb 1st. / Free Trips Give-a-way
Trying to sign up for outdoor adventure trips on IMLeagues? Come to the Brandt Student Center to learn how. Drop your name in the jar for your chance to win a free trip. We will be giving away two Spring 2019 trips to 2 lucky Shenandoah University students. You will get one entry for liking our Facebook page and one entry for following our Instagram. Free trip give-a-way guidelines: must be a current Shenandoah student for entry, trips cannot be an overnight trip, and if a “Free Shuttle” trip is chose we will cover your activity cost. For more information contact SOAR at suoutdoors@su.edu.
Free Trips Give-a-way drawing will be held at 2pm on Friday Friday February 1st, 2019!
For the rest of our Spring 2019 events follow us on Facebook or Instagram!
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 Rental Center is here to help outfit you on your next adventure. We have a great selection of gear including sleeping bags, ground pads, backpacks, stoves, fire pits, and more! Kayaks, canoes, and mountain bikes coming soon! For rental equipment, reservations are available 30 days in advance and are recommended for busy weekends. For longer reservation timeframes, please contact SOAR management for arrangements. Reservations are not required; however, equipment is rented on a first-come, first-served basis. All rental fees are required at the time of the reservation.
SOAR Rental Center Hours
Monday-Friday 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM when classes are in session.
When classes are not in session the SOAR Rental Center will take reservations at the suoutdoors@su.edu email.
On dates when Shenandoah University is closed the SOAR Rental Center will also be closed.
We will have limited hours over the Summer and Winter Breaks. Please email suoutdoors@su.edu to make reservations during this time.
| Equipment | 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 Slack Lines | 2 | $5 each | $10 each | $15 each | $90 |
| Crazy Creek Camp Chair | 20 | $2 each | $3 each | $5 each | $50 |
| Osprey Internal Frame Pack with Cover | 2S/3M/4L | $5 each | $8 each | $12 each | $300 |
| Black Diamond Lanterns | 4 | $2 each | $3 each | $5 each | $40 |
| Black Diamond Headlamps | 5 | $2 each | $3 each | $5 each | $40 |
| Fire Pit ** | 2 | $20 each | $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 |
| Colemand 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 | 2 | $3 each | $6 each | $9 each | $90 |
| Kitchen Utensil Kit | 4 | $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 |
| 3 Person Backpacking Tent | 3 | $10 each | $18 each | $23 each | $330 |
| 4/6 Person Camping Tent | 2 | $12 each | $20 each | $25 each | $500 |
| Sleeping Pad (includes liner) | 14 | $1 each | $2 each | $4 each | $150 |
| Sleeping Bag | 10 | $4 each | $7 each | $10 each | $35 |
| Climbing /Caving Gear | |||||
| 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 |
| Black Diamond Headlamps | 5 | $2 each | $3 each | $5 each | $40 |
*Same day hammock rentals are no cost to Shenandoah Universities student, faculty, and staff. All hammock rentals will require a signed rental agreement form. Hammocks returned the next day will be charge the $5 overnight fee.
**Fire pit use is limited to Shenandoah Universities Winchester Campus. Firewood and fire starters are NOT included. Marshmallow Skewers available upon request. Renter must have 2 full buckets of water on hand for emergency use from the time the fire is lit until it us out, buckets are provided. Ashes must be disposed of by placing in a bag and throwing into trash can. WAIT UNTIL ASHES HAVE COOLED! Renter is subject to Physical Plant cleaning fines if ashes are disposed of improperly
***Fuel is not provided for backpacking stoves. The SOAR Rental Center staff will gladly show you where you can purchase fuel and what kind you will need.
| Coming Soon |
|||
| Equipment | Rental Cost | ||
| Paddling Gear | Daily (24 hr) | Weekend (Thurs/Fri-Mon) | Weekly (4-7 days) |
| Kayak (includes PFD and Paddle) | $15 each | $30 each | $45 each |
| Canoe (includes PFD and Paddle) | $20 each | $40 each | $60 each |
| Car Top or NRS Straps | $2 each | $3 each | $5 each |
| Biking Gear | |||
| Trek Mountain Bike (includes Helmet) | $15 each | $30 each | $45 each |
| Roadside Kit (multi tool, hand pump, patch kit) | $2 each | $3 each | $5 each |
| Trunk Mount Bike Rack | $5 each | $8 each | $12 each |
SOAR Gear Rental Policy
Reserving Equipment
Equipment rental is available to Shenandoah University 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. Reservations must be made in person and full payment is required at that time. Reservations cannot be made over the phone.
Reservation Cancellation
We do not refund rental fees due to unexpected weather, non-use, or changes in the renter’s usage plans. Refunds will be given for reservations up to 48 hours in advance of agreed upon pick up time for all general use equipment.
Please contact the Rental Shop to cancel a reservation.
- More than 48 hours = Full Refund
- Less than 48 hours = customer forfeits all rental fees, no refund or store credit.
**Boat and Bike reservations will require a one week notice for full refund, less than 7 days will result in the customer forfeiting all rental fees.
Holiday Closures
Holiday rentals will need to be reserved in advance with the SOAR Coordinator. For extended weekends in which Shenandoah University is closed on the Monday following the weekend, weekend rates will apply. 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, no extra fees will apply.
Check Out and Pickup Procedures
You are responsible for inspecting all equipment carefully and to bring 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.
Boats and Bikes: (coming soon) It generally takes 30-45 minutes to check out mountain bikes, canoes, and kayaks. Please consider this as you make your reservation. Deviation from this time may result in delays as equipment may not yet be prepared. Please call the rental center to arrange a pick-up/drop-off time. No more than 2 persons per canoe, one per kayak, and one per bike. By checking out a boat, you are representing you, and any other person(s) who will be using the boat, have the ability to swim.
Bikes: Helmets are included in the rental price. All renters must take a SOAR helmet or present their personal helmet in person at the time of rental (NO EXCEPTIONS)! Renter should know and follow the Local, State, and Federal Helmet Law for their intended use destination.
Boats: Included in the boat rental price is the PFD (life jacket) and paddle. Our boats are made for unclassed flat water and are not be used in any whitewater or classed section of river.
Fire Pit: Fire pit use is limited to Shenandoah Universities Winchester Campus. Firewood and fire starters are NOT included. Marshmallow Skewers available upon request. Renter must have 2 full buckets of water on hand for emergency use from the time the fire is lit until it us out, buckets are provided. Ashes must be disposed of by placing in a bag and throwing into trash can. WAIT UNTIL ASHES HAVE COOLED! Renter is subject to Physical Plant cleaning fines if ashes are disposed of improperly
Hammocks: Same day hammock rentals are no cost to Shenandoah Universities student, faculty, and staff. All hammock rentals will require a signed rental agreement form. Hammocks returned the next day will be charge the $5 overnight fee.
Check-In Procedures
Most equipment may be returned to the Brandt Student Center Information Desk any time the Brandt Student Center is open. Canoes, Kayaks, and bikes are required to be returned when the SOAR Rental Center is open. You will be charged up to the full retail cost of replacing such equipment that is returned dirty, damaged, or missing.
Boats and Bikes: (Coming Soon) Must be returned during SOAR Rental Center open hours, or contact the SOAR management to schedule an alternate time.
Fire Pit: Must be retuned during SOAR Rental Center open hours, or contact the SOAR management to schedule an alternate time.
Equipment Inspection:
All equipment goes through a thorough inspection at the beginning of each semester by the SOAR Rental Center staff and the SOAR Coordinator and Outdoor Leadership Instructor. After each use, each piece of equipment is then inspected for damaged 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 Brandt Student 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 SOAR Coordinator will be assumed to be lost or stolen. Its full replacement cost will be required from the renter who borrowed it. 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. 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 $10.00 cleanup fee per item.
Lost or Destroyed Replacement Charges
If equipment is lost, destroyed, or damaged to the point it is deemed ruined by the SOAR Rental Renter staff, you will be charged the full replacement value of the item. You will be charged at at the current retail price of that equipment.
Release of Liability Statement
Equipment Agreement
I agree that the equipment 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. I agree that if the equipment is lost or destroyed while in my possession, I will pay the full retail replacement value and not 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. 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 Shenandoah University. 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 of or crashing boat or bike, water hazards, road/trail hazards, 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 Liability
Shenandoah University shall not be liable for injuries sustained to 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 Shenandoah University, its trustees, officers, employees, agents from any claim, damage, liability, injury, expense, or loss, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising from use of Shenandoah University’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 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
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.
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.
SOAR staff photo
Not able to fit a SOAR trip into your busy schedule? Grab a friend and go on your own time.
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