ORC Spring 2007 Adventure Trips
Experience the great outdoors with our well-trained wilderness leaders. Adventure trips are an incredible way to get away for the weekend. Whether you need relaxation or excitement, the ORC has a trip for you. We provide top-notch gear so you do not have to go out and buy a lot of things. All of our trips are "Challenge by Choice" so there is always a friendly atmosphere free of pressure. No experience is required for most trips; we always have a trip to match your skill level. Anyone 18 years of age and eligible to purchase a CRS membership may sign up to participate. Tell a friend to signup; a great way to meet new people!

TO REGISTER
Registration for all trips begins on the first day of classes for the semester. Bring proper ID, cash, credit, or check to the ORC during the normal business hours at least 24 hours before the pre-trip meeting. Trip sizes vary and most trips fill quickly, so sign up FAST. Trip fees include transportation, trip leaders, and all necessary equipment. Cancellations may be made only if done 2 business days before the pre-trip meeting. Refunds are subject to a $10 processing fee. You MUST have your valid ORC transaction receipt. If the trip is cancelled by the ORC, your fee will be refunded in full.

This following is a list of Adventure Trips offered during the Spring 2007 semester:

Caving and Cocoa

NEW! Women in the Woods

Snowboarding at Whitetail Resort I

NEW! Day Hike in Asia

Tubing Tuesday I

Sea Kayaking at the Smithsonian Environ...

Snowboarding at Whitetail Resort II

NEW! Pennsylvania Multi-Sport
Tubing Tuesday II Skateboarding / Local Skatepark Tour
Caving and Cocoa Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking
Adventure Service Spring Break! Backpacking at Dolly Sods Wilderness Area
NEW! Sea Kayaking to Blackwater Wildlife...  


Caving and Cocoa ($30)
Saturday, February 3
Registration ends Wednesday, January 31. No pre-trip meeting!

This is our oldest trip - and for good reason! Explore a wonderful cave just two hours away. Caving is an incredible way to see the world like you have never seen it before. It is also an incredible way to crawl around in the dark and get really, really, ridiculously muddy. After our underground adventure, we will relax for a bit at the Lost Dog Cafe in Shepardstown, WV. Although this trip is designed for first-time cavers, some crawling will be required. Cost of hot cocoa, world-famous chai tea, or quadruple espressos not included..


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Snowboarding at Whitetail Resort I ($25)
Sunday, February 11
Mandatory pre-trip meeting is Wednesday, February 7th at 8pm

This trip is designed for people who have never been on a snowboard. But we should warn you: once you get a few turns in, you will be obsessed with snowboarding. The ORC trip leaders will custom fit you with a board and boot combination and give you a half-day lesson on the hill. The rest of the day you will be free to explore on your own. Trip price includes snowboard and boot rental, transportation, 1/2 day lesson, outerwear, and gloves. It does not include a lift ticket.


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Tubing Tuesday I ($25)
Tuesday, February 13
Registration ends Monday, February

Trade in your dining hall tray for some serious sledding fun. Adventure Tubing is one of Whitetail Resort's main attractions. No experience necessary-just the desire to enjoy a thrilling ride down their tubing runs. Transportation and 2-hour tubing ticket is included in price. This trip really does mean adventure for everyone. Trip will depart at 5pm and return approximately at 11pm.

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Snowboarding at Whitetail Resort II ($25)
Sunday, February 18
Mandatory pre-trip meeting is Tuesday

Join the ORC for our second snowboarding trip to our local slopes. Trip price includes snowboard and boot rental, transportation, outerwear, and gloves. It does not include a lift ticket. If you sign-up for both trips, you will receive additional skill instruction during the second trip.

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Tubing Tuesday II ($25)
Tuesday, February 27
Registration ends Monday, February 26. No pre-trip meeting!

Yeah, you know you love sledding. We can't get enough of it here at the ORC, so join us for Adventure TubingÐone of Whitetail Resort's main attractions. No experience necessary-just the desire to enjoy a thrilling ride down their tubing runs. Transportation, and 2-hour tubing ticket is included in price. This trip really does mean adventure for everyone. Trip will depart at 5pm and return


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Caving and Cocoa ($30)
Sunday, March 4
Registration ends Wednesday, February 28. No pre-trip meeting!

This is our longest-running trip - and for good reason! Explore a wonderful cave just two hours away. Caving is an incredible way to see the world like you have never seen it before. It is also an incredible way to crawl around in the dark and get really, really, ridiculously muddy. After our underground adventure, we will relax for a bit at the Lost Dog Cafe in Shepardstown, WV. Although this trip is designed for first-time cavers, some crawling will be required. Cost
.

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Adventure Service Spring Break!
Cumberland Island National Seashore ($300)
Saturday, March 17 - Saturday, March 24
Mandatory pre-trip meetings on Wednesday, March 7 AND March 14 at 8pm

This trip combines two of our favorite activities: camping on the beach and outdoor stewardship. The ORC has teamed with the National Park Service to offer this amazing and rewarding week on Cumberland Island National Seashore. Join the ORC for our first-ever adventure service spring break trip to this amazing barrier island off the shore of Georgia. Cumberland Island has over 50 miles of hiking trails, over 300 species of birds, endless beaches, and alligators. Yes, alligators. We'll take the ferry to the island, camp for the week, cook great meals, and volunteer with the park rangers on projects for a few days. Have a wonderful, warm spring break while helping to restore our natural resources. Trip price includes transportation, trip leaders, equipment, all fees, and food while on the island.

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NEW! Sea Kayaking to Blackwater Wildlife Refuge ($30)
Saturday, April 7
Mandatory pre-trip meeting is Tuesday, April 3 at 8pm which will include a session
in the pool.

Maryland's own Blackwater Refuge's paddling trails have been selected as "Recommended Water Trails for 2006" by the American Canoe Association. What does this mean to you? Just that we have to go and paddle them. This all-abilities trip will venture to the swampy waterways of the refuge, where we will hopefully see lots of eagles and ospreys. Bring your swimsuit and a towel to the pre-trip.


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NEW! Women in the Woods ($50)
Saturday, April 14 to Sunday, April 15
Mandatory pre-trip meeting is Tuesday, April 10 at 8pm

This just for women trip is going to be wonderful (and the first one of its kind)! Spend the weekend exploring a variety of outdoor activities. Saturday the group will backpack a short distance up to a cliff-side campsite where you'll receive instruction on fire building, map and compass, backcountry cooking, and rock climbing. Saturday evening and Sunday morning the group will take part in stretching routines that both relax and invigorate. Sunday, you'll climb some of the tallest cliffs in Maryland before

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NEW! Day Hike in Asia ($15)
Sunday, April 15
Registration ends Wednesday, April 11. No pre-trip meeting!

Ok, so you won't actually be going anywhere in Asia. On this DC Adventure, we'll Metro to the National Zoo where we'll explore the brand-new Asian Trail exhibit complete with Giant Pandas, Asian Otters, and our favorite here in the ORC-Sloth Bears. After our Zoo stroll, we'll complete the day with a hike in Rock Creek Park and return via Metro. Price includes trip leaders and Metro pass.

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Sea Kayaking at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center ($30)
Saturday, April 21
Mandatory pre-trip meeting is Tuesday, April 17 at 8pm which will include a session
in the pool.

There is simply no better way to see wildlife than while paddling a kayak. Just like all of our trips, this sea kayaking adventure is designed for complete beginners and enthusiasts alike. You'll learn fundamentals at the pre-trip meeting, receive on-water instruction, and paddle through the beautiful preserve filled with ospreys, mute swans, and giant carp. To round out the experience, the group will enjoy a short hike on an educational interpretive trail. Bring your swimsuit and towel to the pre-trip.


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NEW! Pennsylvania Multi-Sport ($50)
Saturday, April 21 - Sunday, April 22
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: Wednesday, April 18 at 8pm

This is one adventure-filled weekend! Join us as we head up to Michaux State Forest in PA where we will mountain bike on their incredible trails. That night we will relax around the campfire and get ready for our day of rock climbing the next day. Price includes all camping equipment, bike rental, trip leaders, and transportation.


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Skateboarding-Tour the Local Skateparks ($20)
Sunday, April 22
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: Wednesday

What? Skateboarding? Adventure is for everyone and the DC region is a skater's paradise. Whether you are a seasoned skater, or just wanting to learn how to cruise around campus on a board, this trip is for you. We'll visit the brand new concrete parks the City of Greenbelt, and the City of Bowie have built, and the famous Green Skate Laboratory in DC. Skateboard instruction, skateboard, helmet, and knees pads included in price. If you are a complete beginner, then please contact Jon McLaren at jmclaren@umd.edu for information on how to prepare for the trip.


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Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking ($40)
Sunday, April 29
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: Tuesday, April 24 at 8pm which will include a session
in the pool.

Although whitewater kayaking is truly for the adventurous at heart, this trip is designed for first-time paddlers. Join the ORC for a day of basic kayak instruction and skill development. After instruction, the group will get to test their skills in some moving water and small rapids. The ORC's trip leaders will be joined by one of the finest ACA-certified kayak guides in the region. Bring your swimsuit and towel to the pre-trip.

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Backpacking at Dolly Sods Wilderness Area ($70)
Friday, May 4 - Sunday, May 6
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: Tuesday, May 1 at 8pm

Dolly Sods Wilderness area, in West Virginia's Monongahela National Forest, is the crown jewel of East Coast wilderness areas. We are aware that this trip costs a big chunk of change, but we are only allowed to bring 10-person groups here (which increases the cost). Whether you are an experienced backpacker or complete beginner, backpacking in Dolly Sods is truly unforgettable. The trip will cover 15 rugged miles over the 3 days.


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