Outdoor Recreation

The Outdoor Recreation program offers a variety of exciting opportunities to experience the great outdoors. From weekend biking, caving or climbing trips, to skiing the beautiful slopes in Copper Mountain, Colorado, we have something for just about everyone. Our primary goal is to provide opportunities for individuals to gain a greater appreciation, awareness, and understanding of our natural environment. Participants visit some of the most beautiful places in the United States, learn more about themselves and others, and make lasting friendships. Our week-long trips have a mandatory planning meeting that lasts approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. All participants are required to attend meetings in their entirety. The meeting time and date for each trip is noted on the trip registration form. Please make note of the meeting schedule when registering for trips. In addition, all trip participants are required to have health insurance. You may register for all trips by completing the General Trip Application form or by visiting the front desk of the Student Fitness Center. If you have questions about the trips we offer, please contact the Student Fitness Center front desk at (618) 650-2348. For a list of Outdoor Equipment for Rental, click here.

Climbing 201: Intermediate Climbing

Date: Friday, February 17 & Saturday, February 18
Time: FRI 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM, SAT 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Rockwall & Upper Limits
Registration: February 3 - February 17 at SFC Front Desk
Fee: $15

Learn advanced equipment, techniques, and lead climbing skills. Then take this information with a day trip to Upper Limits. (Must have completed a Belay Class).

Bald Eagle Watching & Hike

Date: Sunday, February 26
Time: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: Pere Marquette State Park
Registration: February 6 - February 25 at SFC Front Desk
Fee: $5

Interpretive talk with a Ranger and ½ mile hike viewing Eagle nests. This is a rare location where Eagles nest for the winter. Come learn more about Eagles and see them in their natural habitat.

Bicycle Repair Class with The Cyclery

Date: Sunday, February 26
Time: 4:00 PM
Location: Group Exercise Room
Registration: February 1 - February 26 at SFC Front Desk
Fee: FREE

This class will be taught by bicycle technicians that are also fellow cyclists! Enjoy learning the basic brake and shifting adjustments, plus the most efficient way to change a tube and tire. All you need to bring is your bike… The Cyclery will provide the rest!

Date: March 2nd - March 6th
Time: Leave at 4:30 PM
Location: Mammoth, Kentucky
Registration: February 2nd - February 22nd
Fee (Student): $145
Fee (Fac/Staff/Community): $196
       
Come experience wild caving in the caves of Mammoth National Park, take a canoe ride down the Green River, and ride horseback on a guided trail. All gear, transportation, and food is included. Sign up today! Informational meeting is February 24, 2012 at 6:30pm in the SFC Lobby. Contact Era Keys at erkeys@siue.edu for more information. Register at SFC front desk.

Date: Sunday, March 18
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Location: VC Indoor Pool
Registration: February 13 - March 16 at SFC Front Desk
Fee: $25

Come experience the thrills of SCUBA diving in a safe environment! This class will introduce you to the skills needed to get a certification in SCUBA diving. *This is not a certificate course.

Hike on Campus

Date: Saturday, March 24
Time: 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Location: Trails around campus, meet at the SFC
Registration: February 18 - March 23 at SFC Front Desk
Fee: FREE

Enjoy the trail opportunity in your backyard - SIUE's extensive trail system. Learn new trails and enjoy the outdoors. Great for beginners and to prepare for your next big trip.

Cougar Lake Campout (Family Friendly Event)

Date: Friday, March 30 to Saturday, March 31
Time: 5:00pm Friday to 12:00pm Saturday
Location: Marina and Pavilion
Registration: February 27 - March 26 at SFC Front Desk
Fee: $10 per family

Ever wanted to campout with your family? Never really had the chance? Come out to the Marina and canoe/kayak, build a fire, cook over a fire, and just experience the outdoors with your family for a weekend filled with fun!

S'Mores Workshop

Date: Tuesday, April 3
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Cougar Lake Pavilion
Fee: FREE

Learn how to make a s'more 15 different ways while enjoying a fire. Everyone is welcome.

Moonlight Canoe

Date: Thursday, April 5
Time: 5:30pm to 9:00pm
Location: Marina and Pavilion
Register your canoe: March 6 - April 3 at SFC Front Desk
Fee: FREE

Canoe under the full moon, roast s'mores over a fire, play lawn games (bags, horse-shoes, etc) and just come out to have a good time. Don't miss this must-come event!

BBQ at the Marina

Date: Saturday, April 14
Time: 12:00pm to 3:00pm
Location: Cougar Lake Marina and Pavilion
Fee: FREE

After getting hungry from kayaking or canoeing stop by the Cougar Lake Pavilion for a grilled lunch. The marina will be open for free to all students, guests, faculty and staff for that day.