Davidson Outdoors Trips and Trainings
During the academic year, current students can find sign-up information for trips on WildCatSync in the Davidson Outdoors Portal.
Summer 2023 Trips & Paperwork
Participants: Please complete a medical history form 2 weeks before your trip. If you have questions about disclosing medical information with Davidson Outdoors please reach out to Katie Mathieson (kamathieson@davidson.edu) or 704-894-2173.
Outdoor Odyssey Participant Paperwork
Fall 2023 Trips
Fall 2023 Trips and Trainings will be announced the first full week of classes.
Climbing
Backpacking
Backpacking Waiver
Day Hike [$10, $5 deposit]
Day Hike Waiver
Paddling
Whitewater Waiver
Car Camping [$20, $10 deposit]
Mountain Biking
Mountain Bike Waiver
Affinity
(Signups held closer to the trip. All affinity trips are free to participants.)
FAQ
How do sign-ups work?
Sign-ups happen at the beginning of the semester at the Union. Each table in Union is organized based on trip types. Find the table with the trip you would like to sign up for and hop in line! If you missed the sign-up event you can find available spots on Wildcat Sync or stop by the Davidson Outdoors office (basement of Union).
Can I sign-up for a friend?
Yes! To sign up for a friend, sign up for yourself and then get back in line to sign up for another person. You can only sign up for one person at a time. You will need your friend’s 800#.
How do I pay for my trip?
Trip prices and deposits are shown both on the online trip calendar and at each table. We accept cash at each table or declining balance on CatCard in the Davidson Outdoors office (basement of Union).Deposits must be paid 24 hours after registering for a trip or you will lose your spot.
Financial aid?
Financial aid is available for all students who receive aid to attend Davidson. Indicate that you would like to receive aid when you sign up for your trip and a DO staff member will reach out via email with your adjusted cost based on the percentage of aid you receive to attend Davidson. You still need to pay your trip deposit if you request financial aid, but feel free to reach out with questions or concerns.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes! Each trip has a waitlist. We will notify students as spots open up.
What is an affinity trip?
Affinity trips are led by and open to students who identify as members of these communities. This semester we are offering camping, backpacking, and paddling trips for LGBTQ+ and POC students. All affinity trips are free. Affinity trip signups will happen closer to the trip date.
What happens after I sign up?
Your trip leaders will reach out to you a few weeks before your trip. Get excited!
Trainings
Trip Leader Training (known as TLT) $50 ($25 deposit)
This is an 10 week course with 3 weekend trips to prepare students to be trips leaders for Davidson Outdoors. We offer TLT in the fall and spring semesters. For more information about TLT reach out to Caitlin Reilly (careilly@davidson.edu)
Top Rope Rock Climbing Instructor Skills Training $75 ($25 deposit)
This is an intensive 10 week course spread out over a full semester to prepare Assistant Davidson Outdoors Rock Climbing Trip Leaders. After completing the course and practicing for at least a semester students can have the opportunity to test for the Professional Climbing Instructor's Association Top Rope Instructor Certification. No previous climbing experience is needed to enroll. For more information about climbing training reach out to Katie Mathieson (kamathieson@davidson.edu)
Whitewater Leader Skills Training $75 ($25 deposit)
This training is a great introduction to leading paddling where you learn to teach basic maneuvers and principles at the lake campus, then test your new skills on some North Carolina whitewater. This training is available to students who have already completed Trip Leader Training and Wilderness First Aid. The training is typically fall semester and involved 10 classes and 3 trips. For more information about paddling training reach out to Katie Mathieson (kamathieson@davidson.edu)
Intro to Bike Packing $20 ($10 deposit)
Learn the basic skills of bike packing and then journey to New River Trail State Park in VA for a weekend of riding and camping. This training is available to students who have already completed Trip Leader Training and Wilderness First Aid. We’ll plan trip prep and an intro skills session based on TL availability. No previous bike packing experience necessary. Reach out to Caitlin Reilly (careilly@davidson.edu) if interested.