This summer, Campus Outdoor Recreation and Education (CORE) is charting a new course for community engagement with the launch of a pilot outdoor adventure program designed specifically for faculty and staff. Blending fresh air, gentle adventure, and a dash of campfire nostalgia, the program offers a series of guided trips and activities aimed at fostering connection, wellness, and a shared appreciation for the outdoors.
The Summer 2026 pilot lineup features four unique events, ranging from relaxed lakeside evenings to full-day river excursions:
Friday, June 12 | 6:30 a.m.
Sunrise Paddleboarding
Early risers can greet the day on Lake Hartwell with a guided paddleboarding session launching from the Snow Complex.
Cost: $5 (staff), $10 (guests)
Registration Required: Maximum of 12 participants
Thursday, June 18 | 5:00 p.m.
Paddle and Pies
Participants will paddleboard or kayak from the Snow Complex to the Your Pie Dockside location, combining recreation with a well-earned treat. Cost does not include pizza.
Cost: $5 (staff), $10 (guests)
Registration Required: Maximum of 12 participants
Saturday, July 25 | 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Ducks on the Tuck
This full-day adventure takes participants to Dillsboro, North Carolina, for an inflatable kayak or raft trip along the Tuckasegee River.
Cost: $35 (staff), $50 (guests, ages 18+)
Registration Required: Maximum of 15 participants
Participation Details
CORE has designed this pilot program with accessibility in mind:
- No membership is required to participate in Summer 2026 pilot activities and trips.
- Campus Recreation memberships and day passes remain optional.
- The Snow Complex is open to all faculty and staff.
- A valid parking permit is required for access.
Guests and Children
Participants are welcome to bring guests and children under the following guidelines:
- All guests and children must be accompanied by a staff member.
- Minimum age is 7 years old, or participants must be able to properly fit in the smallest available personal flotation device (PFD).
What’s Included
Each trip is designed to be as seamless as it is enjoyable. Participants can expect:
- All necessary equipment
- Experienced trip leaders and instruction
- Transportation for off-site excursions
To Register
Visit Campus Recreation and select ‘Outdoor Pro
With its mix of relaxation and adventure, the CORE summer pilot program invites faculty and staff to step outside, try something new, and connect with colleagues in a refreshing setting. Whether gliding across calm morning waters or sharing stories by a fire pit, this initiative promises a season of memorable experiences just beyond the campus edge.