Outdoor Adventure

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 in the Student Recreation Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340)
• Cost for Students  $10 / Faculty/Staff  $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, February 18th
• 11a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

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

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

Come spend the day on a trip through New York City! This trip includes an ice skating rental in Bryant Park, followed by a group walk through Central Park. Along the way, we will tour Grand Central Station, the Explorer’s Club, and the Belvedere Castle!

How do I Sign-up?

• Please register in the Student Recreation Center main office.
• Cost for Students – $10 | Faculty/Staff/Guest – $30

Where and When?

• Saturday, February 25th
• 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Begins and ends at the Student Recreation Center.

Join Campus Recreation for a day of paintball outside! Ammo, masks and markers are included. Takes place rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Takes place in Whippany, NJ

What to Bring: water, lunch, layered clothing (depending on weather), good shoes (NOT flip-flops).

Rain or shine event.

How do I Sign-up?

• Please register in the Student Rec Center main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• $10-Student;  $30-Faculty/Staff/Community Guest 

Where and When?

• Saturday, March 25th 
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Whippany, NJ (Begins and ends at Student Recreation Center)

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

Join us for a gorgeous hike on the Columbia Trail along the Raritan River. The breathtaking easy hike spans about 3.6 miles of everything from beautiful hemlock, waterfalls, cascading boulders, and a get away from the hustle bustle of campus. 

How do I sign-up?

• Register in the Student Recreation Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10 | Faculty/Staff/Community $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, April 15th
• 9 a.m. – 2 p.m
• Bus leaves from Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, sneakers (boots are recommended), lunch, and a sense of adventure!

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.

Join us for a relaxing get away from homework as we partner up with Campus Recreations Group X instructors to offer a yoga class with a view like no other. We will be hiking from campus to the Mills Reservation and starting class at the top with the view!

How do I sign-up?

• Register in the Student Recreation Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10 | Faculty/Staff/Community $20

Where and when?

• Tuesday, April 18th
• 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
• Hike leaves from Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, sneakers, and a sense of adventure!

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.

Join Outdoor Adventure for one of the most strenuous but spectacular hikes of the New Jersey and New York area. As we hike the Bearfort Mountain ridge past the Greenwood Lake, rhododendron tunnel, surprise lake, and west pond. Sure to be a breath taking view the whole way up to the summit of the mountain.

How do I sign-up?

• Register in the Student Recreation Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students $10 | Faculty/Staff/Community $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, April 29th
• 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Hike leaves from Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, weather appropriate clothing, boots (sneakers not acceptable), lunch, snacks, 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.

Monday, January 2 – Friday, January 6, 2023

Trip Cost:

• $175 per student (includes activities, meals and transportation)
• $350 for guests

Registration by Lottery:

Due to the overwhelming demand for this trip, we are using the lottery system to distribute tickets. Each entry will be good for two spots in the program.

Enter the Lottery Now.

• Thursday, November 17 – Lottery closes
•  Trip participants are selected and announced
• Wednesday, November 30 – Full balance due

Pre-trip Meeting: Wednesday, November 30 at 3 p.m.

Itinerary:
Your participation in all the activities below is optional, but they are included in the price.

Monday, January 2:

• Arrive at the Student Recreation Center by 9 a.m.
  • Drop off belongings, leave cars parked in CarPac Diem
• Depart Student Recreation Center at 10 a.m.
  • Lunch will be provided for the bus trip
• Arrive at Lake Placid by 4 p.m.

Tuesday, January 3:

• Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain

Wednesday, January 4:

• Trip to Adirondack Wildlife Preserve
• Night Skating

Thursday, January 5:

• Snowshoe hike up one of the High Peaks

Friday, January 6:

• Depart Lake Placid at 8:30 a.m.
• Arrive at the Student Recreation Center by 4 p.m.

Please Note: You are free to participate in any side activities at your own discretion and expense. We will try to provide transportation, but not at the expense of the program itinerary.

Meals:
All meals are included as we will bring along groceries and supplies to prepare our meals in the full kitchen. Please inform us of any specific foods that you would prefer. If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to include them on the included Medical Form. We will also eat some of our meals out. You must bring your own money if you want to eat out.

Lodging:
Lodging will be provided at Tmax-n-Topo’s Hostel, and is included in the cost of registration. Rooms are bunk-style with 4, 6, or 8 people per room. There is a full-kitchen, dining room and living room on-site, as well as cable TV, free Wi-Fi and board games. Rooms are gender-blind, and chosen at the trip meeting.

Group Expectations:
All members of the group are expected to help with daily activities, including cooking/cleaning. We have the entire facility, but we will still maintain the quiet hours of 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Pack-List:
A pack list will be provided at the pre-trip meeting.

Accommodations:
The hostel provides all cookware and utensils necessary for food preparation, as well as bed linens and bath towels. No daily laundry service; be prepared to use the same sheets and towels. There will be 3 individual bathrooms for the use of all of us.

COVID-19 Precautions:
According to the University’s Policy on Travel During the Pandemic*, only fully vaccinated individuals are eligible to attend. In addition, due to shared living/eating spaces, all participants and staff will be required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of leaving for the trip. Any participants showing symptoms will be removed from the trip with a full refund.

https://www.montclair.edu/redhawk-restart/university-related-travel/

Take a look at all the fun we had last year!

Check out more pictures from the 2018 Winter Variety Trip!

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 in the Student Recreation Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340)
• Cost for Students  $10 / Faculty/Staff  $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, November 5th
• 11a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Begins at Student Recreation Center

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

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

$10 Student; $20 Faculty/Staff/Community Guest

Enjoy this waterfront 5 mile hike with views of Lake Sterling, New York; and explore historic aspects of mining activity of the 1700s.

How do I sign-up?

• Register in the Student Recreation Center main office or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• Cost for Students  $10 / Faculty/Staff/Community/Guest $20

Where and when?

• Saturday, November 12
• 10a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Begins Student Recreation Center

What to bring: Water, lunch, bug spray, sunscreen, layered clothing (depending on weather) and good shoes (sneakers OK; NOT flip-flops)

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 Campus Recreation for a day of paintball outside! Ammo, masks and markers are included. Takes place rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Takes place in Whippany, NJ

What to Bring: water, lunch, layered clothing (depending on weather), good shoes (NOT flip-flops).

Rain or shine event.

How do I Sign-up?

• Please register in the Student Rec Center main office, or over the phone (973-655-3340).
• $10-Student;  $30-Faculty/Staff/Community Guest

Where and When?

• Saturday, November 19th
• 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Whippany, NJ (Begins and ends at Student Recreation Center)

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

• 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.