Outdoor Adventure

Take a gentle hike at Eagle Rock Reservation to a striking view of Manhattan.  A thoughtful way to observe and remember September 11, 2001. The trip departs from the Student Recreation Center.

How do I Sign-up?

• Please register on Fusion, in the Student Rec Center main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10

Where and When?

• Saturday, August 30, 2025
• 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Begins Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, Lunch, Boots or Sneakers, and Sunscreen.

 Potential Hazards: unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, injury by running including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Enjoy a relaxing day paddling down the Delaware River and learn some basic kayaking skills. Kayaks depart from Frenchtown, NJ, this full-day trip will provide you with a chance to enjoy the warm, clear waters of the longest undammed river east of the Mississippi. We provide the boats, life jackets and paddles, but be prepared to get wet.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10

Where and when?

• Saturday, September 6, 2025
• 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, bathing suit, towel, sunblock and a change of clothes.

Potential Hazards: under/above water obstructions, rapidly moving water, poisonous plants/allergies, insect bites, unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration.

Join Outdoor Adventure for this relatively short but steep hike up to High Point Monument, at 1,803 feet above sea level. You will be rewarded with a spectacular panorama of farmlands, forests, hills and valleys of three states.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10

Where and when?

• Sunday, September 14, 2025
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots or sneakers, and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies; insect bites; unpredictable weather changes; sunburn/heat exhaustion; dehydration; steep, rocky and/or slippery terrain; rolling or falling rocks; snakes and large animals; and injuries including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

Get ready for some outdoor adventuring in some beautiful fall foliage by the Delaware Water Gap! This advanced hike takes adventurers up Mount Tammany with beautiful views of the full surrounding area, particularly enchanting with the trees in their fall colors.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10

Where and when?

• Saturday, September 20, 2025
• 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, hiking boots or sneakers and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies; insect bites; unpredictable weather changes; sunburn/heat exhaustion; dehydration; steep, rocky and/or slippery terrain; rolling or falling rocks; snakes and large animals; and injuries including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

Get ready for a gorgeous day of frolicking through fields of flowers as we take you to Holland Ridge Farms, famous for their seasonal flower picking fields. As the HRF fall flower festival gets started, join us for a day of fun including petting zoo areas with farm animals, photo taking attractions, food trucks, and a complimentary shuttle around the farm. Flower picking costs $1 for each flower picked!

How do I sign-up?

• Registration Opens on Fusion on September 22, 2025.
• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students – $10

Where and when?

• Saturday, October 4, 2025
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Cream Ridge, NJ – Begins and ends at Student Recreation Center

What to bring:

• Money for spending, lunch, water, comfortable shoes, sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies, insect bites, unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, and injuries, including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

A strenuous 2.9 mile hike up Wawayanda Mountain, be prepared for a rocky and steep hike with scenic views of the surrounding area. This is a great trail for advanced hikers who want to see a beautiful view from the top of a mountain. 

How do I sign-up?

• Registration Opens on Fusion on September 22, 2025.
• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10

Where and when?

• Sunday, October 5, 2025
• 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots or sneakers? and sunscreen.

Explore Stony Hill Farm, a fully operational, working farm:

• 10-acre Corn Maze!
• Hayrides
• Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin
• Farmer’s Market

How do I sign-up?

• Registration Opens on Fusion on September 22, 2025.
• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10

Where and when?

• Sunday, October 12, 2025
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Chester, NJ – Begins and ends at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: 

• Money for spending
• Comfortable shoes for walking

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies, insect bites, unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, and injuries, including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

Join us on a walk through an abandoned Jungle Habitat that was owned by the Warner Bros. located in West Milford, NJ. This habitat opened in the summer of 1972 and closed in the fall of 1976. During the time this place was open there was a drive through safari where it was typical animals would go on top of cars. There were also times where animals would escape their enclosure or cause injury. Walk around areas that have old enclosures for animals and see what is left of the habitat!

How do I sign-up?

• Registration Opens on Fusion on September 22, 2025.
• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10

Where and when?

• Saturday, October 18, 2025
• 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots or sneakers, and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies; insect bites; unpredictable weather changes; sunburn/heat exhaustion; dehydration; steep, rocky and/or slippery terrain; rolling or falling rocks; snakes and large animals; and injuries including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

Join us at Wightman Farms for a day at the orchard in the beautiful fall weather. There is a farm market which has salads, sandwiches, prepared foods, fresh produce, farm baked goods, cider, and ice cream. Bring money if you plan to buy apples that you picked.

How do I Sign-up?

• Registration Opens on Fusion on September 22, 2025.
• Please register through Fusion the Student Rec Center main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10

Where and When?

• Saturday, October 25, 2025
• 10:00a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Begins Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, Lunch, Sneakers, and Sunblock.

Potential Hazards: unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, injury by running including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Come join us on a bike through Paulinskill rail trail  that is flat and an easy trail for anyone. This trail used to be a railroad and was made into a bike path. While biking you will be in the nice fall weather and enjoying the outdoors. (Biking experience required)

 

How do I Sign-up?

• Please register in the Student Rec Center main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students  $10

Where and When?

• Saturday, November 1, 2025
• 10a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Begins Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, Lunch, Long Pants, Sneakers, and Sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites, injury by running including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

We will enjoy a ½ mile nature walk in Columbia, NJ to a preserve, where we will be invited into an observation area surrounded by 4 packs of wolves! We will also get the opportunity to observe Lakota’s foxes, bobcats, and lynx!

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Registration opens October 20th
• Cost for Students $10

Where and when?

• Sunday, November 2, 2025
• 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, long pants, sneakers, and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

Get ready to frolic amongst the fairies as we go through the South Mountain preserve fairy trail, decorated with woodland creature houses along our beautiful walk through nature. As you join us on this magical hike, make sure to wear comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes and bring a water bottle!

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Registration opens October 20th
• Cost for Students $10

Where and when?

• Sunday, November 9, 2025
• 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots or sneakers, and sunscreen.

Potential Hazards: Poisonous plants/allergies; insect bites; unpredictable weather changes; sunburn/heat exhaustion; dehydration; steep, rocky and/or slippery terrain; rolling or falling rocks; snakes and large animals; and injuries including sprains/strains, abrasions, lacerations and fractures.

A perfect trip for all levels of climber — novice to expert! A pressure-free, safe indoor rock climbing experience at the New Jersey Rock Gym in Fairfield, NJ. Dress to Move! Rental shoes are included in the price.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Registration opens October 20th
• Cost for Students $10

Where and when?

• Sunday, November 16, 2025
• 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, long pants, sneakers.

Potential Hazards: Injuries caused by a fall from a height including abrasions, strains/sprains, and fractures.

Join your friends for a day at the Zoo! See animals from all over the world as you enjoy lunch at your choice of cafes around the park. Bring cash for lunch, a water bottle to stay hydrated, and comfortable walking shoes.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Registration opens October 20th
• Cost for Students $10

Where and when?

• Saturday, November 22, 2025
• 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, long pants, sneakers, and sunscreen. Participants MUST wear sneakers in order to go on the zipline and obstacle course.

Note: Tree Top Adventures restricts obstacle course and zipline participants to a strict weight limit of 250 lbs. Students may opt to participate in only the Zoo portion of the trip should they like.

Potential Hazards: Unpredictable weather changes, sunburn/heat exhaustion, dehydration, allergic reactions/poisonous plants, insect bites and injury by running, including sprains, lacerations, abrasions and fractures.

How do I sign-up?

• Register online through Fusion, in the Student Recreation Center’s main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Registration opens Friday, November 14th, 2025 at 10am
• Cost for Students $175
  • Cost Covers:
    • Activities (lift tickets, rentals, snowshoe hiking, ice skating)
    • Meals
    • Transportation
    • Housing

All participants must attend 1 of the following pre-trip Meetings:

• Wed. 11/19 – 2:30pm to 3:30pm
• Mon. 11/24 – 2:30pm to 3:30pm
• Wed  12/3-  1:30pm to 2:30pm

Where and when?

• Monday, January 5th, 2026 to Friday, January 9th, 2026
• Lake Placid, NY

Bagg-O/Cornhole

Croquet

Frisbee

Football

KanJam

Knock Hockey

Ladder Golf

Paddle Ball

Soccer (with pop-up nets)

Washers game

Small grill

Chimney charcoal starter

Grilling utensils (brush, spatula, tongs, fork)

Rolling cooler

Choose two games

Four beach chairs

Beach table & carrier

Beach umbrella

Rolling cooler

Choose two games

Camp stove and propane

Electric LED lantern

Headlamp

First Aid kit

Rain ponchos (one per person)

Sleeping bags (one per person)

Ground covers (one per person)

Tents (one for every two people)

Portable stove and fuel bottle

Solo cooks set

Microfilter

Headlamp

First Aid kit

Solo tent

One sleeping bag

One mattress pad

One rain poncho

Cathole trowel

One large backpack

Two-person picnic bag

Large blanket

Choose two games

Everyone who participates in Outdoor Adventure trips through the Student Recreation Center or engages in outdoor activities on their own should always practice bear safety when out enjoying the wilderness. A few things to be aware of:

Never feed or approach a bear!

Remain calm if you encounter a bear.

Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands or making other noises.

Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead slowly back away.

Black bears attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back.

You can find more safety tips for bear encounters at the National Park Service’s Staying Safe Around Bears.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus. Please exercise caution when going outdoors in the coming months. You can get further information and safety recommendations from the CDC website.

What we know

No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus disease (Zika).

Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites (see below).

Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime.

Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.

Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms or not having sex.

Steps to prevent mosquito bites

When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes, take the following steps:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.

Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellents. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Always follow the product label instructions.

Reapply insect repellent as directed.

Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.

If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.

You’ll be a happier camper if you know how to pack your sack strategically for both comfort and convenience. Your heaviest items should be placed on top of your sleeping bag and close to your spine. Usually these items will be your food stash, water supply, cooking kit and stove.

Share the weight of large communal items (e.g. tent) with others in your group. You carry the main body, for example, and your friend can carry the poles and rainfly.

Compression straps: tighten all compression straps to limit load-shifting.

Read the REI article about “10 Essentials.”

Know where to expect ticks.

Ticks live in moist and humid environments, particularly in or near wooded or grassy areas. You may come into contact with ticks when walking through leaf litter or near shrubs. Always walk in the center of trails in order to avoid contact with ticks.

Use a repellent with DEET on skin.

Repellents containing 20% or more DEET can protect up to several hours.

What to do if you find an attached tick.

Blisters are caused by friction and amplified by moist environments. Wear wool socks which wick moisture.

Should You Pop?

To pop or not to pop is the big and hotly debated question. Even the experts disagree about when to drain a blister. If you do end up popping the blister make sure it is as sterile as possible in order to prevent infection.

Comply with all local laws and regulations. Many municipalities have laws governing burnings including time of day, time of year and what substance can be burned.

Check the weather. It is never a good idea to engage in any type of burning if there are high winds. Wind can act as both an accelerant and can spread the fire.

Only use easily controlled locations for burning. Make sure all campfires occur in fully surrounded fire pits and limit the size of all fires. No matter how something is being burned, it is important to do it in a controlled area.

Reduce Trash. Be thoughtful about food portions when cooking. Good meal planning helps reduce trash, pack weight and dependence upon campfires.

Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Don’t bring soil, plants of any kind (other than dead vegetables) or firewood(this can be purchased nearby). Clean and inspect clothing, gear and containers for weeds and other “hitchhikers” before you leave.

Stay on the trail and avoid unplanned shoot-off trails. Try to keep impact to flora minimal by staying on the trail. Avoid venturing off into areas where damage is just beginning, such as impromptu trails created by other hikers stepping off trail.