Outdoor Adventures-Engage in Experiential Education
Fall 2024 Outdoor Experience schedule is below: Scroll on!
Fall 2024 Outdoor Experience schedule is below: Scroll on!
91茄子 Outdoor Adventures encourages and offers out of class experiential education which ultimately contributes to student experiences and development during their educational journey at the institution. These combined with academic experiences makes students’ holistic education complete! Outdoor Adventures is a leadership development program within the department of Campus Recreation directed by a full-time professional administrator and ran by student employees.
You can register at the Outdoor Adventure office located at the bottom of the Dedman Recreation Center past the fitness area or at the Climbing Center during regular operating hours.
Accepted forms of payment: Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, or Discover Card only).
You can conveniently register online through the online member portal with your 91茄子 credentials. All trips are linked to the portal.
The Outdoor Adventures office can accept payments with a credit card over the phone. For your protection, only specific Outdoor Adventures personnel may process credit card payments over the phone.
If the individual you reach on the phone is not allowed to take your credit card information, please be patient or use the online registration method via member online portal. remember you can download the 91茄子 Campus Recreation app for access to trip registration.
For any questions please contact the Outdoor Adventures Office at 214-768-9918 or email outdooradventures@smu.edu or Dr. Albert Mitugo at 214 768 4822,
Outdoor Adventure Activities involve inherent risks. The risks vary depending upon the activity, environment, terrain, time of year, etc. Some risks are manageable while others are not. Dates and locations are subject to change. Get informed by attending the designated pre-trip meeting and discussing with your trip supervisors or Outdoor Adventures staff about potential hazards and conditions expected.
OA Trip/Workshop participants must be 91茄子 students, faculty, staff, alumni or sponsored guests. Unless noted in the individual trip/workshop description, an 91茄子 participant may sponsor 1 guest.
91茄子 Faculty and staff are not required to be a member of the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports.
Non-91茄子 guests will be allowed to participate only with sponsorship by an 91茄子 community member accompanying the trip/workshop.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older unless specifically stated in the trip/workshop description.
Unless specified in the trip/workshop description, Payment is expected at time of registration and may be in the form of cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover.
If deposits are permitted, specific cancellation and payment policies will be stated in the trip/workshop description.
Static Norms (applies to all 91茄子 OA sponsored activities/events):
Violation of the above Static Norms may result in but is not limited to:
No pets.
Participants are expected to have personal medical insurance. 91茄子 OA will not be responsible for the costs of medical treatment or emergency response.
91茄子 OA is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged personal devices or items.
If 91茄子 OA provides transportation, personal vehicles or travel will not be allowed or highly discouraged.
All participants must complete related administrative paperwork prior to participation including but not limited to an 91茄子 OA Release of Liability and Consent for Medical Treatment Form etc.
Personal equipment should be approved by OA Trip Staff prior to departure.
Unless otherwise stated in the individual trip description, individuals may cancel up to 1 day after the trips designated pre-trip meeting with a 50% refund.
Participants have up to 4 days prior to departure day to cancel with no penalty. After 4 days, the above cancellation policy will be applicable.
If 91茄子 OA cancels the trip, a full refund will be issued to all registered participants.
All 91茄子 Outdoor Adventures programs are rated for Degree of Difficulty (DD) and Physical Ability (PA). DD is based on the level of skills necessary to participate in the activity, and PA is a rating of physical demands necessary to accomplish the activity. Of course, this is subjective to the individual and is rated on a continuum based on college-aged, adult capabilities. Ratings take into account terrain, altitude, pack weight, weather, etc.
The ratings are as follows:
Degree of Difficulty (DD)
Beginner - No or little skill necessary; environmental/geographical conditions are very manageable.
Intermediate - previous experience recommended; some environmental/geographical conditions are manageable but with a degree of challenge.
Advanced - proficient in skills and self rescue techniques; increase in risks; environmental conditions are manageable but changing due to terrain, weather, altitude, water levels, etc.
Physical Activity (PA)
Easy-some physical activity required; average physical conditioning.
Moderate-requires above average physical conditioning; lift loads of 30+ pounds up/down terrain.
Strenuous-requires good physical conditioning; lift loads of 50+ lbs for varied length of time and distance; steep ascents/descents; ability to perform under physical/mental challenge.
For any questions please contact the Outdoor Adventures Office at 214-768-9918 or email outdooradventures@smu.edu.
Come visit us in person or Request gear through a reservation: Call 214-768-4822 or email outdooradventures@smu.edu or
: Will depend on gear availability. As an individual, you can only reserve gear that serves up to four people.
FALL 2024 HOURS
Open: 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm: Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri
CLOSED: All major Hoildays, Sept 6 (Home Football Game).
*Hours subject to change
RENTAL PROCEDURES & EQUIPMENT CARE
Quantity Restriction: Due to continued problems with late, damaged and missing equipment from group rentals, an individual renter is no longer able to rent for large groups or multiple parties. One individual renter will only be allowed to rent camping equipment for up to 4 people. (Ex: 2 two-person tents; 4 sleeping bags; 1 four-person tent, 4 sleeping bags, etc.)
Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa or Discover Only), cash or checks accepted and an 8.25% tax applies.
Daily | Retail Replacement | |
---|---|---|
Sleeping Bags | $4 | $160 |
Sleeping Pads-Closed Cell Foam | $1 | $40 |
Sleeping Pad-Air Mattress | $2 | $90 |
4-Person Tent | $6 | $350 |
3-Person Tent | $5 | $320 |
2-Person Tent | $4 | $260 |
1 Person Tent | $3 | $180 |
16' Outfitter Tarp | $4 | $90 |
Mega Mid/Buga Mid Shelter (4-person) | $4 | $180 |
Headlamp | $2 | $30 |
Rechargeable LED Lantern | $4 | $60 |
Backpack (4200+ cu in): Internal Frame | $6 | $350 |
Day Pack (3000 cu in) | $3 | $100 |
Boot Gaiters | $2 | $40 |
GPS Unit (Garmin Etrex) | $2 | $100 |
Men & Women's Rain Gear (Jacket or Pants) | $2 | $60 |
Sleeping bag liner | $ 2 | $20 |
1 Person Hammock | $3 | $60 |
2 Person Hammock | $4 | $80 |
Hiking Pole set | $2 | $80 |
Hourly | Daily | Retail Replacement | |
---|---|---|---|
Mountain Bikes (includes helmet and lock) | $3 | $15 | $700 |
2 Bike Trunk Carrier | $3 | $8 | $100 |
Daily | Retail Replacement | |
---|---|---|
Backpack Stoves (Includes 1 bottle of fuel) | $4 | $100 |
2-Burner Camp Stove (Includes 1 bottle of fuel) | $5 | $120 |
Cook set 3-4 people | $3 | $90 |
Cook Set 2 People | $2 | $70 |
Cook Utensils (Grater, Spatula, Spoon, Colander, Scraper) | $1 | $11 |
Dutch Oven Large | $6 | $60 |
Dutch Oven Medium | $4 | $50 |
Water Filter | $2 | $80 |
Daily | Retail Replacement | |
---|---|---|
Outdoor Climbing Harness | $2 | $35 |
Chalk Bag | $1 | $15 |
Outdoor Climbing Helmet | $2 | $75 |
Outdoor Climbing Shoe | $3 | $80 |
Bouldering Crash pad | $5 | $120-350 |
Hourly | Daily | Retail Replacement | |
---|---|---|---|
Stand Up (SUP) Board ( Includes Paddle and PFD) * Vehicle type dependent | $2 | $15 | $749 |
Canoe (Includes 2 PFDs & 2 Canoe Paddles) *Vehicle type dependent | $4 | $20 | $770 |
Kayak (Includes 1 PFD, 1 Kayak Paddle, 1 Spray Skirt) *Vehicle type dependent | $2 | $15 | $700-$1400 |
Tandem Kayak (Includes 2 PFD, 2 Kayak Paddles) *Vehicle type dependent | $8 | $25 | $875 |
Extra Paddle (Canoe or Kayak) | $2 | $25 | |
Extra PFD or Life Jacket (XS, S, M, L, XL) Limited Inventory of Child and Junior Sizes -Child (30-50 lbs) / Junior (50-90 lbs) |
$2 | $65 | |
Dry Bag S, M, & L | $2 | $55 | |
Dry Pack (Large dry bags with shoulder straps) | $3 | $90 | |
Dry Dock | $5 | $189 | |
Fly Rod, reel, forceps/scissors and empty fly box | $10 | $198-350 |
*The OA Rental Shop reserves the right to deny boat rentals based on type of vehicle used for transporting.
Vehicle Guidelines
Due to the increase in potential vehicle damage, equipment damage and complications in securing boats to vehicle, a limit of 2 boats per vehicle (based on type/size of boats and vehicle type) will be strictly enforced.
The OA Rental Shop will not provide a trailer for boat rentals.
The following guidelines are used by the Rental Shop to determine vehicle appropriateness for transporting rental boats:
The following vehicle characteristics are NOT recommended for boat transport:
Daily | Retail Replacement | |
---|---|---|
Disk Golf Target Set (1 target/4 disks) | $5 | $150 |
Disk Golf Target (qty 3+) | $10 | $110 |
Tug-of-War Rope | $0 | $75 |
Outdoor Volleyball | $5 | $200 |
Cooler | $2 | $60-$400 |
Cornhole Sets (2 boards/8 bags) | $5 | $125 |
Giant Connect Four | $5 | $150 |
Hourly | Daily | Retail Replacement | |
---|---|---|---|
Map/Book/Video | $1 | Varies |
For any questions please contact the Outdoor Adventures Office at 214-768-9918 or email outdooradventures@smu.edu.
Equipment must be picked-up at the OA Rental Shop during staffed operational hours.
Late Fee |
Items are considered late if not returned to OA Rental Shop by closing on due date. Daily rental rate/day/item up to 7 days. After 7 days, see Damaged/Lost |
Damaged/Lost | Equal to repair or retail replacement plus shipping. |
Dirty/Cleaning Fee | $10/item if deemed beyond "normal." |
For any questions please contact the Outdoor Adventures Office at 214-768-9918 or email outdooradventures@smu.edu.
Who can use the 91茄子 Outdoor Adventures Rental?
Rental equipment is available to 91茄子 students, faculty, staff, alumni, and active Dedman Center members with a valid 91茄子 or Dedman Center ID number. 91茄子 faculty or staff do not have to be a member of the Dedman Center for Lifetime Sports!
Can I reserve equipment?
Rental equipment is available through the Outdoor Adventures (OA) Rental Shop located in Dedman Recreation Center. You can stop by or call at 214-768-9918 or use the online reservation form. Rental Equipment can be reserved up to 2 weeks in advance. Otherwise, it is a first come, first serve basis based on availability. Payment is expected at time of pick-up. See Rental Rules for more information.
Rental fees can be paid in the form of cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. See below for more details or go to the Rental Rules tab.
Can I rent equipment for others?
Rentals are only available to those who meet the criteria above. Renters should be aware that the individual on the reservation and/or rental agreement will be held responsible and accountable for the rental equipment and any additional fees that may be charged.
Individuals with a reservation will be required to notify the OA Rental Shop if someone other than the person listed is picking up the rental. In addition, OA Rental Staff will not charge rental fees at time of pick up to the credit card deposit on file. Fees will be the responsibility of the person picking up the rental.
Individuals may rent enough equipment for a party of 4.
Where and when do I pick up my rentals?
Rental Shop operational hours are located here. Rentals must be picked up at the OA Rental Shop during the posted hours of operation. Rentals may be dropped off at the OA Rental Shop during operational hours or outside the posted hours by contacting a Dedman Facility Manager at the main desk. However, the rental will not be considered returned until the beginning of the next business days' operational hours.
The person picking up the equipment will be held responsible for payment and the return of equipment in a clean and non-damaged condition. No refunds or pro-rated rental for early drop off. Rentals fees are based on a daily (24 hour) rental rate with a limited inventory of equipment available by the hour.
What happens if I cancel?
Individuals can cancel reservations up to the day prior to pick-up. No-shows on the day of pick-up will be charged 1-day rental on the credit card deposit for each item.
What happens if I return the equipment late or damaged?
Renters returning damaged, dirty, or late equipment will be charged a fee (see Rental Rules) to the credit card deposit. The Rental Shop staff will attempt to contact the renter notifying of additional charges and allow an alternative payment if desired.
- The Damage Fee equals the cost associated with repair to include shipping, labor, repair, and replacement parts. If the equipment is beyond repair or repairs cost more than replacement value, the renter will be charged for RETAIL replacement.
- A Cleaning Fee will be charged if the equipment is returned dirty or wet beyond "normal." We expect our equipment to get dirty and damp but if cleaning requires excessive amount of time and energy to prepare for the next rental, the fee will apply.
- Late Fees will incur if equipment is not returned by the contracted date on the rental agreement. The renter will be notified of impending late fees. Late Fees for each item per day will be charged to the credit card deposit for up to 1 week. At that point, the credit card deposit will be charged the retail replacement cost (see above).
Must I set up my tent when it is returned?
Not usually but sometimes it will be requested especially with any indications that the condition of the return may warrant immediate inspection (disorganized, soaking wet, dirty, etc.). As with all items, the tent will be inspected thoroughly for missing parts and any damage. By checking the condition, organizing and air-drying before returning, you can eliminate unnecessary time and energy.
What about stove fuel?
The Rental Shop will provide fuel with stove rentals. The amount of fuel provided will equal roughly one cannister of propane fuel or 11 oz of white gas fuel for each stove. The renter can purchase additional fuel from the Rental Shop. Be careful purchasing or providing your own fuel. Using the wrong type of fuel or canister can result in damage to the equipment and a potentially dangerous situation. Be sure to inquire at the time of rental.
What about batteries?
We do not supply batteries!
For any questions please contact the Outdoor Adventures Office at 214-768-9918 or email outdooradventures@smu.edu.
What kind of equipment is available to rent?
Generally speaking, all traditional outdoor, adventure recreation equipment and limited "picnic" items are available. For safety purposes, we do not rent equipment requiring a high level "competency" or skill such as white water kayaks, rock climbing hardware or ropes, rescue equipment, etc.
Canoes, Stand up paddle (SUP) boards and recreational kayaks are available but rentals will be subject to the following criteria:
*91茄子, Campus Recreation Department, and 91茄子 Outdoor Adventures (Rental Shop) are not responsible for transporting or providing transportation for boats, bikes, etc.
* 91茄子, Campus Recreation Department, and 91茄子 Outdoor Adventures (Rental Shop) are not responsible for damage to vehicles as a result of loading, unloading or transporting boats, bikes, etc.
*91茄子 Outdoor Adventures (Rental Shop) will provide necessary items to secure rented equipment to vehicles but will not be responsible for loading and securing. Assistance may be available with appropriate coverage of the Rental Shop.
*Items for securing rentals to vehicles are considered additional rental equipment. Reasonable items will be provided at no charge but subject to rental equipment policies.
Hi! I’m Alex Parachini, a sophomore studying Finance and French. I’ve always loved spending time in nature – a passion that working with 91茄子 Outdoor Adventures continues to ignite while on campus. Being a part of the program during my freshman year was one of my most impactful experiences: I immediately found an amazing community of friends with a similar devotion to the outdoors and a desire to share it with other 91茄子 students.
Hello! My name is Levi May. I am a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering. I joined the OA in 2021 my freshman year because of my lifelong love of the outdoors. I enjoy Rock Climbing, Kayaking, and Backpacking the most but love anytime I get to spend outside. Look forward to meeting everyone at the wall or on a trip!
Hello! My name is Eddie Perez and I am a freshman from Memphis, TN, studying real estate. I have loved the outdoors since I was 10, but more specifically the art of white water paddling. Whether it be in a canoe or a kayak, the rapids hold a deep place in my heart. I am excited to lead trips and help out at the climbing wall!
“Hi! My Name is Dan Morgan, and I’m a freshman from Pompano Beach, Florida, studying Film, Business Analytics, and Chinese. Growing up on the water, I’ve always loved kayaking, paddle boarding, and anything on the beach, but I also love just spending time outside! I’m super excited to be a part of OA, and I look forward to meeting y’all, whether it’s out on a trip or at the climbing wall!”
Hi! My name is Preston Pierce. I'm a sophomore from Barrington, IL studying Finance and sports management. I love spending time outdoors with some of my favorite hobbies being skiing, fishing, and hiking. I am very excited to work for Outdoors Adventures and I look forward to the new experience I will have working here!
Hello, I am Amith. I am an MSBA graduate student at the Cox School of Business, passionate about outdoor activities and I love trekking. I enjoy audiobooks and vlogs, constantly seeking to learn new skills, which led me to join the 91茄子 climbing wall to master the art of wall climbing. My aim is to stay happy, content, and continuously grow.
Howdy! I’m Eduardo Perez, but you can call me Eddy or Ed. I’m a true Texan who loves exploring the world by camping outdoors and living out of my backpack. You can often find me in the woods with my dogs, sharing ice cream with them, or at school focused on academics
Hi, I’m Logan Sanford, a freshman studying Computer Science and Data Science, from San Diego, California. I’ve always enjoyed spending time outdoors both as an Eagle Scout and in general. Even though I haven’t been here long, I’m happy to say that I’ve been able to share this passion and forge new connections with other students here at 91茄子.
Hello, I'm Ryan. I'm an MSBA graduate student at the Cox School of Business with a passion for outdoor adventures, especially golf and camping. Originally from Ghana, Africa, I love exploring the outdoors and am always eager to learn new skills, which recently led me to take up wall climbing at 91茄子. My goal is to stay happy, grow continuously, and enjoy every adventure that comes my way.
My name is Rahim and I come a long way from Algiers, the capital of Algeria. I am a junior studying Computer Science and Data Science. Algiers is a city that has beautiful beaches and mountains as well, so I grew up with a passion for swimming and hiking and did that a lot! I am very excited to be part of the Outdoor Adventures team and look forward to adding something valuable to this wonderful team.
Consisting of the TAOS Tower and HUECO Bouldering Wall, the 91茄子 Climbing Wall provides over 2600 square feet of climbing and is the place for those wanting to get into climbing or for established climbers at 91茄子. The Center provides supervision, instruction, and indoor climbing equipment rental. The Climbing Wall welcomes all climbing levels with routes designed for different skills and experiences (from beginner to advanced). Look for special climbing events, competitions, and classes.
The indoor climbing walls were constructed by EntrePrise USA, Inc, a leading builder of artificial climbing walls in the US, and are composed of their patented Free Form® material to provide the look and feel of real rock.
Open 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Mon, Tues, Thurs and Friday.
Open 2 - 6 pm Saturday & Sunday
Closed: Wednesday
Tower closed during all major Holidays.
CLOSED: Friday, Sept 28 (Home Football Game), Oct 5-8 (Fall Break), Nov 28- Dec 1 (Thanksgiving Holiday).
*Hours subject to change
For any questions please contact the Climbing Wall at 214-768-9917 or Dr. Albert Mitugo at 214 768 4822.
Dedman Members (91茄子 student, faculty, staff and community) includes harness: Free
91茄子 Faculty and staff Dedman Members' immediate minor family members (during family hours): Free
Guest with valid belay or lead skills verification: Free
Guest Climbing Fee includes harness (in addition to $10 gym entry fee): $5 day/person
Minor Climbing Packages: 5 visits for $20 minor, 10 visits for $40 minor
Minor Climbing Fee includes harness: $5 day/person
Minor Fee (Parent w/ valid Belay or Lead Skills Check): $2 day/person
Top Rope Belay Skills Check: $5 person/test
Lead Climbing Skills Check (Pre-requisites required): $5 person/test
Skills Check Replacement Card: $2 + tax per occurrence
Climbing Shoes: Free Daily rentals
Chalk bag + Chalk: Free
Basics Class: $10/person
Movement Class: $10/person
Intro to Lead (Pre-requisites required): $10/person
Basic Rappelling: $10/person
91茄子 group Rental: Contact special events
For any questions please contact the Climbing Wall at 214-768-9917.
The following Climbing Wall guidelines must be followed for safety:
Follow posted rules and regulations.
Climbing Wall Staff must be present during roped climbing on the Taos Tower. Bouldering on the Hueco Bouldering Wall is at your own risk and available outside Climbing Wall operational hours.
Parents of children under the age of 16 using the Climbing Wall must stay in the immediate area.
Only appropriate climbing footwear is allowed. NO Sandals. NO Bare feet. NO Boots.
Personal hardware, belay devices or ropes may NOT be used at the Climbing Wall. Personal harnesses must be approved by climbing wall staff.
Roped climbers will be required to sign a release of liability form (lasts one year) and must check in at the Climbing Wall desk.
If you need helmets for roped climbing, they are available for check-out with ID.
To belay, climbers must obtain an 91茄子 Climbing Wall belay approval card. Belayers must display their approval card on their harness.
To lead climb, climbers must have a valid 91茄子 Climbing Wall top-rope belay approval, demonstrate a climbing ability > 5.8 rating, and pass a Lead Climbing skills test.
Climbing Wall equipment may not be removed from the Climbing Wall area.
Only Climbing Wall staff may remove or place handholds and quickdraws.
No private or independent instruction unless approved by 91茄子 Outdoor Adventures.
Report any accidents/injuries or equipment/wall damage.
Climbing Wall, its staff, 91茄子 Outdoor Adventures program or Department of Recreational Sports will not be responsible for personal items left in the area.
Individuals exhibiting inappropriate or unsafe behaviors or fail to comply with the rules/regulations and Climbing Wall policies or directives of Climbing Wall staff may have their access to the Climbing Wall and Dedman Center suspended or revoked.
For any questions please contact the Climbing Wall at 214-768-9917 or email