OP Trips
To register, stop by the OP office on the 1st floor of the Wellbeing Center or register online at deaconrec.wfu.edu.
Whether you’re looking for a casual day hike, time to relax while stand-up paddleboarding, or an exciting evening of rock climbing OP has a trip for you. All our trips are designed for participants of any ability level – they’re beginner friendly yet still offer fun opportunities for experts. And every trip is led by our trained staff of trip leaders who will be there to help you every step of the trail!
We are here to offer participants with quality backcountry experiences that provide fun, educational, and immersive experiences into the wild spaces that surround our campus. So, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a true beginner, join us for what is sure to be a semester of great adventures like:
- Day Hikes
- Backpacking
- Caving
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain Biking
- River Canoeing
- Rock Climbing
- Stand-up Paddleboarding
- Whitewater Kayaking
If you are a club, department, or professor seeking the opportunity to engage your group in adventure, experiential education, or team building, please visit our Custom Programs page.
OP Trip Policies
- In order to participate in an OP trip, you must have completed a liability waiver as well as a medical questionnaire.
- In order to participate in an OP trip, you must be able to present verification of personal health insurance coverage.
- Payment of the trip cost must be made in full prior to the scheduled departure for the trip.
- NO illicit drugs or drug paraphernalia are allowed on OP trips. Breaching this rule will result in immediate expulsion from the trip and could result in University judicial consequences.
- If the trip is taking place in a location that required airfare, the participant could be made to depart the trip and fly home early. This expense will be paid for by the participant.
- NO Alcohol is allowed to be consumed during “activity” portions of the trip.
- Any underage consumption could result in university judicial consequences.
- All students participating in OP programs are expected to follow the university student code of conduct. Should violations of said code occur, participants risk expulsion from the trip and may be barred from participation in future OP programs.
- OP does not condone hate speech, bullying, emotional or physical abuse, or racism on any of our trips. Using such language or actions could result in expulsion from the program. We pride ourselves in creating an inclusive community space where meaningful dialogues and personal growth can take place.
OP Trip Philosophy
- We want OP trips to be safe, fun and memorable!
- Due to weather and other safety concerns, trip destinations are subject to change.
- We work hard so that you can have fun, so please come with a happy, cooperative attitude.
- OP practices strong Leave No Trace ethics. (LNT.org) Pack it in, pack it out!
- We are open to ideas/suggestions for new OP trips. After all, they are for students!
- We are very open to feedback! Let us know how we can serve you better. Be sure to complete the trip satisfaction survey you will receive via email after the trip.
Our goal is to make trips as affordable as possible. We plan trips on a zero-based budget system and further subsidize trip costs wherever we can. The price of each trip includes transportation, trip leaders, equipment, food, and lodging.
YOUR TRIP PRICE INCLUDES:
- Your trip price pays for transportation, trained trip leaders, all necessary equipment, food, and lodging.
- We will adjust all trip menu plans according to dietary restrictions.
- Occasionally, groups will eat out while traveling. These meals are generally not included in the trip cost, but your trip leaders will inform you of any meals not included in the trip price.
- If trips have additional costs associated with them, participants will be informed ahead of time.
Trip Registration & Cancellation Policies
- We have two ways to register:
- Online
- Use our online portal for trip registration. Just click the trips you want, complete the waiver, and pay in full!
- OP Rental and Resource Center:
- Come to the OP rental center in-person (located on the 1st floor of the Sutton Center) and check in with one of our staff members. Note that all of our trips are first come, first serve.
- Online
- NOTE: You are not registered for a trip until you have come to the OP office and paid for your spot. All trips must be paid in full at the time of registration unless otherwise noted.
Cancellation and Refund Policy: OP does not provide refunds for trips unless we cancel the trip for some reason. Refunds will NOT be given for location changes as all trip locations are subject to change due to weather and safety concerns.
- In order to secure your spot on a given trip, you must pay for the full cost of the trip in person unless otherwise noted.
- For some of our extended trips, there will be payment plans/deadlines established to make the trip expenses more manageable.
- We accept credit and debit cards, check or Deacon Dollars. Checks should be made out to WFU Outdoor Pursuits, with the trip name and date in the memo line. Note: if you select Deacon Dollars, you are giving us permission to charge the amount of the deposit to your account.
- REQUIRED FORMS: OP Medical Form & OP Liability Form
- Note: Med Forms are a 1-time form. Please bring your health insurance card to the OP office, or simply scan and email it to your trip leader.
- A new Liability Form must be completed for each trip you attend.
Wait-List Policy: If a trip is full, go ahead and sign-up for the waitlist. We will let you know if a spot opens up for you!
Cancellation and Refund Policy: OP does not provide refunds for trips unless we cancel the trip for some reason. Refunds will NOT be given for location changes as all trip locations are subject to change due to weather and safety concerns.
No Show Policy & Fee: If you fail to show up for the trip, you will be fined a $10 no-show fee. You will not be able to participate in OP or Campus Rec events until it is paid. If you let us know 72 hours before the trip that you will not be attending, you will not be fined.