Freshmen Outdoor Experience

Registration Information:

Registration: To register, use the link below or visit the UTC Outdoors Center in the Aquatic and Recreation Center.

Cancellation Info: Once payment for trips are received, partial refunds may be given if participant cancels by the registration deadline, typically 21 days before the trip. Refunds consist of 50% of the trip cost for cancellations. Cancellations made after the registration deadline will not be considered for a refund. To apply for a refund, the participant will need to complete the 'Customer Refund Request' form. UTC Outdoors reserve the right to cancel a program due to inclement weather, natural disasters, lack of participation, or extenuating circumstances. In the event we must cancel a program, a full trip refund will be provided automatically.

Note: These are high adventure activities so please be aware that there are risks involved. UTC Outdoors strives to minimize these risks, but not all elements of risk can be eliminated. To prevent any problems, follow all instructions given by the trip leaders; follow all safety guidelines and regulations. Upon registration, we will send your more information and paperwork. Please read, fill out, sign and date the trip health form and hold harmless agreement. Your information will remain private.

 Register Now!

Freshmen Outdoor Adventure Options:

Freshmen Outdoor Experience # 1 - Backpacking in the Smokies!

Date:  Saturday, August 3rd - Wednesday, August 7th, 2024

Price:  $300.00

Registration Deadline:  Monday, July 22nd, 2024

Description:  Spend 5 days and 4 nights with us in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Our student trip leaders will introduce you to life as a college student at UTC, teach you everything you need to know about backpacking, and visit a few amazing viewpoints and then spend the last few hours of the trip rafting down the Nantahala River, located just outside of the park. Cost includes transportation, food, equipment, instruction and your guided rafting trip.

Freshmen Outdoor Experience # 2 - Basecamp Chattanooga!

Date:  Thursday, August 8th - Monday, August 12th, 2024

Price:  $300.00

Registration Deadline:  Thursday, July 25th 

Description:  Spend 5 days and 4 nights before your freshman year with us exploring Chattanooga’s local outdoor scene! Our student trip leaders will introduce you to life as a college student at UTC. We will enjoy car camping at its finest and go climbing, kayaking, caving, mountain biking AND whitewater rafting all within 1 hour of campus. Gear is provided. 

FAQs for Students and Parents:

Do I need to have prior experience to attend?

No, both the backpacking and basecamp session are designed to be completely beginner friendly.

What if I already have outdoor experience?

That’s great! If you are an experienced outdoors person, we would still love to have you on a trip. You are guaranteed to have a great time expanding on your skills and meeting new people!

What if the weather is bad?

Our staff are trained to make the best decisions for the group and to be able to adapt to many tough situations out in the field. We have alternate bad weather plans for each day of the sessions as well.

What equipment will I need?

Upon registration, we will send out a packing list of everything you will need for the trip. All activity equipment needed is included in the price. Just bring yourself and proper clothing/shoes/toiletries and we will issue the rest on the first day of the session.

Will I have cell service?

In most cases, no. You will have little to no cell service on both the backpacking and basecamp sessions due to the remoteness of each location.

Will I be able to call and check in with my student?

No. Once we reach our destination for the week, parents will not be able to reach their students. In the event of an emergency, parents should contact Lisa Hancock at 423-425-5671 and she will be able to get a message to the group in the field.

Can medication be taken on the trip?

Yes. Please indicate all medications and health concerns on the health form. UTC Outdoors staff should be aware of all medications on the trip.

Does the menu accommodate people with special dietary needs?

Yes. Please indicate all special dietary needs/restrictions on the health form. We will plan the weekly menu around all needs of the group.

Whom should my parents/family/loved ones contact with questions?

All questions should be directed to Lisa Hancock at [email protected] or by calling 423-425-5671.

What if there is a family emergency during the week and I need to get in touch with my student?

In the event of an emergency, parents should contact Lisa Hancock at 423-425-5671 and she will be able to get a message to the group in the field.

Does UTC provide a place to stay the night before and after the trip?

No. UTC does not provide housing the nights before/after the trip. We may be able to point you in the right direction of local accommodations if needed.

Can I move into my residence hall if I participate?

No. Operation Move In will begin Wednesday, August 16th, 2023. Those participating in these sessions will not be able to move in early.

Where will I be sleeping?

You will be sleeping in a tent in a sleeping bag. If you are backpacking, you may be sharing a tent with 1-2 other people. This will help save weight/space in your backpack. If you choose the basecamp option, you will be sleeping in a tent at Raccoon Mountain Campground. You may share a tent with 1-2 other people.

Are there bathrooms?

For the backpacking session, you will be practicing LNT when it comes to human waste. There are campgrounds along the AT that may have a pit toilet but for the most part, you will be using the restroom in the woods. We will go over tips for this at the beginning of the trip to help you feel more comfortable. For the basecamp session, we will be staying at a campground with bathrooms but while we are out during the day, you will be using the restroom in the woods.

Should my parents/family/loved ones come to the first day?

Parents are welcome to help you in with your equipment when you arrive, but once we begin our introductions for the trip, we kindly ask that parents/family/loved ones leave.

If you have any questions about our outdoor adventures,

please contact the Coordinator of Outdoors:

Lisa Hancock

Phone:  (423) 425-5671

Email:  [email protected]