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S O A PSouthern Outdoor Adventure Program Catalog of Outdoor Activities 2015-2016
Did you know that Outside Magazine named Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of the 10 Best Outdoor Towns in the U.S.? The publication described Chattanooga as “a
very scenic, very happening, and very easy place to live, with unlimited options for climbing,
caving, biking, hiking, and paddling.”
It’s one more reason to attend Southern Adventist University, located just outside
Chattanooga on 1,300 acres of wooded hills.
If you love the outdoors or adventure activities, you will find some of the top opportunities
in the country to pursue these types of experiences. This booklet describes how we help
you get to those adventures. Each year, the Outdoor Leadership team plans a full calendar
of recreational activities available to students at little to no cost. Browse this catalog for an
idea of what you might enjoy.
Prepare for adventure!
Gordon Bietz, president
Southern Adventist University
W E L C O M E
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SOAP is an extension of the Outdoor Leadership program at
Southern Adventist University and is the campus resource for
adventure programming. SOAP provides guided backpacking,
rafting, caving, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, and
canoeing trips that range from day trips near Chattanooga
to weekend excursions around the southeast to week-long
trips across the country. Instructional clinics are offered
throughout the year for outdoor recreation enthusiasts to
learn a variety of wilderness survival skills. SOAP is a great
way to make friends, learn new skills, and have fun in a
Christian environment!
S O A P O V E R V I E W
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How do I sign up?
Come to the SOAP table at the Student
Center on Mondays from 11:45 a.m. to
1 p.m. and Wednesdays at the Wellness
Center from 5-6 p.m. You may also send
an email to [email protected], visit
southern.edu/outdoor/SOAP, or go
to the Hulsey Wellness Center front desk.
All trips can be paid for with cash, check,
major credit cards, or your student ID
(if funds are available).
Can my family and non-university friends come along?Priority goes to current Southern students,
faculty, and staff before being opened up
to your friends and family, but if there are
available spaces, guests 18 and older are
welcome to attend. Please sign up each
one individually.
What can I expect on a Sabbath SOAP event?Sabbath trips provide an opportunity to
relax and commune with God and friends
while being surrounded by His marvelous
handiwork. You may want to bring a Bible,
guitar, or story to share.
Are the trips difficult?Trips vary in intensity. To help you gauge
what trips are right for you, each one
includes a rank on the difficulty scale.
None require previous experience.
Requires a minimum level of
physical fitness or offers optional levels
based on participant’s ambitions.
Requires moderate physical
exertion.
Requires a high degree
of physical exertion.
Where is the OEC?The Outdoor Education Center (OEC)
is located on University Drive, near the
Biology Trail and left of the University
Health Center. Look for the building with
a hanging wooden canoe and 50-foot
climbing tower.
I signed up. Now what?The week of the trip, your leader will email
a list of necessary items and information
for your trip. All overnight excursions will
have a mandatory pre-trip meeting where
you will get an overview of your trip and
pick up a gear list. SOAP provides all
basic gear needed for activities. Visit
southern.edu/outdoor/rentals
for more information.
FA Q
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S E M E S T E R O V E R V I E W
2015
August9 Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting [9]
16 Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting [9]
21 Bat Vespers at Nickajack Lake [10]
26 Free Challenge Course [21]
29 Cartecay River Kayaking [12]
September4 Bat Vespers at Nickajack Lake [10]
6 Paddle Boarding on Tennessee River [10]
13 Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting [9]
18 Horseback Trail Riding [18]
20 Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting [9]
20 Free Rock Climbing and Caving [21]
25-27 Rock Climbing at Sand Rock [16]
27 Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting [9] October4 Sunbelt Triathalon [24]
9 Horseback Trail Riding [18]
16-18 Backpacking in the Southeast [16]
23-24 Island Camping [9]
30 Spiritual Retreat Campout [18]
November1 Spiritual Retreat Campout [18]
6-8 Rock Climbing at Sand Rock [16]
13 Horseback Trail Riding [18]
19 Adventure Movie and Pizza [18]
26 Free Challenge Course [24]
December4-5 Overnight Caving [15]
10 Adventure Movie and Pizza [18]
2016
January21 Adventure Movie and Pizza [18]
29 Horseback Trail Riding [18]
31 Day Caving [14]
February6 Cardboard Boat Race [25]
19 Horseback Trail Riding [18]
21 Southern 6 Trail Race [26]
26-27 Overnight Caving [15]
March17 Adventure Movie and Pizza [18]
18-19 Create Your Own Trip [21]
20 Day Caving [14]
24 Free Challenge Course Event [21]
25-26 Create Your Own Trip [21]
April1-2 Spiritual Retreat Campout [18]
7 Free Challenge Course Event [21]
9 Free Rock Climbing and Caving [21]
10 Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting [9]
15 Horseback Trail Riding [18]
15-17 Backpacking in the Southeast [16]
17 Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting [9]
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[#] = page number with additional event details
Ocoee River Whitewater RaftingAugust 9 and 16, September 13, 20, and 27, April 10 and 17 – Sunday, 10 a.m to 4 p.m.The Ocoee River is one of the most visited rivers for whitewater enthusiasts in the United States. Our
experienced raft guides will take you on an action-packed adventure through class III and IV rapids.
This is an experience you don’t want to miss!
Difficulty: (No experience necessary, but you should be a confident swimmer.)
Cost: $20
Limit: 22
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Transportation, gear
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Island CampingOctober 23-24 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sabbath 5 p.m. Get away from the stresses of college life and unwind on an island. We will be canoeing across
Harrison Bay to our weekend getaway retreat. Play in the water, take a nap in a hammock, or focus on
improving your outdoor skills. It’s up to you since we’ll be on island time!
Difficulty:
Cost $10
Limit: 10
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory pre-trip planning meeting about one week prior to event at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear
WA
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IVIT
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Paddle Boarding on the Tennessee River September 6 – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Paddle boarding has become a new favorite sport for many
Chattanoogans. It’s not surprising when you consider the opportunities
local rivers and lakes provide. Enjoy a wet day on the Chattanooga
riverfront. You won’t want to miss the beautiful views while paddling
through downtown.
Difficulty:
Cost: $30
Limit: 10
Meet at: OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
Bat Vespers at Nickajack LakeAugust 21 and September 4 – Friday, 6-11 p.m.
Looking for a unique vespers experience? Join us as we paddle across
a cove to Nickajack Cave for a rare opportunity. In addition to having
worship and fellowship on a lake, we will watch as many as 100,000
bats emerge from the cave at dusk.
Difficulty:
Cost: $5
Limit: 20
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Transportation, gear
1110
WA
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Cartecay River KayakingAugust 29 – Sabbath, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Escape from the heat while venturing into the North Georgia highlands! The Cartecay River,
tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, follows rhododendron-filled wooded
areas and charming vacation homes. The Cartecay River is a great river to learn to kayak on,
due to how the level of difficulty slightly increases the further you paddle. It begins with a mild
current and slowly builds up to Class I rapids, followed by Class II rapids. Your kayak instructor
will share tips while showing the easiest and most enjoyable path for the excursion.
Difficulty:
Cost: $30
Limit: 10
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory attendance of an open-roll session at the Hulsey pool several days before the trip
Included: Transportation, gear
1312
WA
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Caving Day TripJanuary 31 and March 20 – Sabbath, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Are you looking for a new hobby? The TAG region (Tennessee,
Alabama, Georgia) is a mecca for caving. There are thousands of
caves within an hour of Chattanooga, and some of the deepest in the
United States are found here. There’s a pit with glow worms, a cave
more than 30 miles long, and caves with creeks, salamanders, bats,
and beautiful rock formations. This trip will give you just a sample of
the many wonders to behold. If you’re left wanting more, sign up for
the horizontal and vertical caving classes offered by Southern.
Difficulty:
Cost: $8
Meet at: OEC
Included: Transportation, gear
1514
Overnight CavingDecember 4-5 and February 26-27 –Friday, 3 p.m. to Sabbath, 2 p.m.Prepare to experience what few others have dared to try – an
incomparably dark night sleeping underground. Explore tunnels
and passages while camping below the surface before emerging
the next day.
Difficulty:
Cost: $12
Limit: 10
Meet at OEC
Mandatory pre-trip planning meeting about one week prior to
event at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear
CAV
ING
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Rock Climbing at Sand RockSeptember 25-27 and November 6-8 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sunday noonSand Rock has a widespread series of boulders with numerous climbing and
bouldering options for all levels. You won’t want to miss the beautiful mountaintop
views as our staff shows you the ropes. This two-day adventure will be filled with
climbing, camping, fellowship, and fun.
Difficulty:
Cost: $25
Limit: 10
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory pre-trip planning meeting about one week prior to event at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear
Backpacking in the Southeast October 16-18 and April 15-17 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sunday, 3 p.m.With an abundance of plant and animal diversity and unique geological
features, backpacking in the southeastern United States is something you
have to experience for yourself while here at Southern. Your guide will
take care of all the logistics so you can relax and enjoy time in nature with
friends. Beginners will have an opportunity to learn new backpacking skills.
Experienced backpackers will have an opportunity to share their skills.
Difficulty:
Cost: $15
Limit: 10
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory pre-trip planning meeting about one week prior to event at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear
CA
MPIN
G
Horseback Trail RidingSeptember 18, October 9, November 13, January 29, February 19, and April 15 – Friday, 1-3 p.m. Imagine the serenity of riding a horse through beautiful open
fields and pastures and along the wooded trails of historic
Grindstone Mountain. Hidden Hills Horse and Saddle Club has
more than 500 luscious acres just five minutes from Southern’s
campus. Your horse instructor will provide you with a brief
orientation when you arrive.
Difficulty:
Cost: $25
Limit: 5
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Gear, instruction
Adventure Movie and PizzaNovember 19, December 10, January 21, and March 17 – Thursday, 6-8 p.m.Take a break from your studies and come hang out with us around
the fire for pizza, wilderness skills, adventure clips, devotions, and
good times.
Cost $4
Limit: 20
Meet at: OEC
Included: Pizza
Spiritual Retreat CampoutOctober 30-November 1 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sunday 2 p.m. April 1-2 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sabbath 5 p.m.Jesus often led disciples away from their responsibilities for
spiritual rejuvenation. In order to advance in our discipleship,
Jesus still invites His followers to retreat at times. There is an
advantage to placing physical distance between our bodies and our
responsibilities in order to re-energize our life with Christ.
This weekend’s less primitive camping trip is designated just for
this special mission.
Difficulty:
Cost: $10
Meet at OEC
Mandatory pre-trip planning meeting about one week prior to
event at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear
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HO
RSE
BA
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RID
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/ SOC
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Free Rock Climbing and Caving EventSeptember 20 and April 9 – Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southern is fortunate to have climbing and caving facilities
on campus! The Goliath Wall has climbs up to 60 feet high
that are fit for both beginners and experienced climbers,
ranging from a 5.6-5.10. Our staff will be available for
belaying, sharing pointers, and keeping you safe. The Student
Park Cave has nearly a mile of passages. You may choose to
walk or crawl in the main cave or squeeze through tight side
passages, or even get wet wading in water! Print a copy of the
map at southern.edu/outdoor to help find your way to the
smaller passages.
Difficulty:
Cost: Free
Meet at: Student Park Goliath Wall
Included: Gear
Free Challenge Course EventAugust 26, March 24, and April 7 – Thursday, 5-7 p.m.How does a thrilling, physical challenge up to 50 feet off the ground sound? And it’s free!
Southern’s challenge course has a variety of elements to conquer at varying levels of difficulty.
Sign up to ensure your spot. Walk-ins are also accepted.
Difficulty:
Cost: Free
Limit: 20
Meet at: OEC Climbing Tower
Included: Gear
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Create Your Own Trip! March 18-19 and 25-26 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sabbath 2 p.m.We will provide gear, staff, and transportation for a trip of your choosing. There is a minimum
group size of 10 participants; destination and activity will determine the cost. Make it a trip that
everyone will be talking about!
Difficulty: to
Cost: $12 minimum
Limit: 10
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory pre-trip planning meeting about one week prior to event at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear
SOC
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• BACKPACKS• HEADLAMPS• COOK SETS
• SLEEPING BAGS• VERTICAL CAVING GEAR• ROCK CLIMBING SHOES
• WETSUITS • CANOESand MORE!
Find a complete list of our rental gear by visiting southern.edu/outdoor/rentals or email [email protected].
You can charge gear to a student account using Southern ID cards.
We have the gear you need to make it happen!
PLANNING SOMETHING
EPIC?2322
32nd Annual Race October 4, 2015
Registration from 10:30-11:45 a.m.Race begins at 12:30 p.m.
Register at southerntriathlon.com
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10TH ANNUAL
CARDBOARD
BOAT RACEFEBRUARY 6, 2016 • 7:30-11:59 p.m.
ILES P.E. CENTER
1ST PLACE - $200 • 2ND PLACE - $150 • 3RD PLACE - $100
Get your team together, register, build a boat from cardboard and duct tape, and see how many laps you can complete in the pool before sinking. Prizes will be awarded for various categories.
WAYS TO REGISTER:
1. Stop by the SOAP table2. Stop by the student center info desk3. Email [email protected]
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7th Annual
6K Trail RaceSunday, February 21, 2016
$30 walk/run race fee, $20 for Southern students. Packet pick-up begins at 11 a.m. Race starts at 1 p.m. Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, Tennessee
To register, visit active.com and search “southern6”
Presented by
Wilderness First Responder ADAC-318-A WFR CRTWFR is designed to give you the medical training you need to handle critical situations in remote locations.
May 9-19
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Fall 2015 classes CANOEING – ADAC 142BASIC ROCK CLIMBING – ADAC 145 HORSEMANSHIP – ADAC 148 INTERMEDIATE HORSEMANSHIP – ADAC 248CAVING – ADAC 152BASIC KAYAKING – ADAC 155BACKPACKING – ADAC 212OUTDOOR MINISTRIES – EDOE 301ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION – EDOE 348CHALLENGE COURSE FACILITATOR – OUTL 221
Winter 2016 classesCANOEING – ADAC 142BASIC ROCK CLIMBING – ADAC 145WHITEWATER RAFT GUIDE – ADAC 146CAVING – ADAC 152SWIFTWATER RESCUE – OUTL 346AMGA SINGLE PITCH INSTRUCTOR – OUTL 348VERTICAL CAVING – OUTL 353
GET OUTSIDE THIS SCHOOL YEAR
with classes in Outdoor Leadership
Kayak Club Meets Mondays at Iles Pool 8-9:30 p.m.
Must be a Kayak Club Member
Southern Striders Meets Sundays, 9-10 a.m.
$3 dues
Lifeguard recertification for ARC lifeguardsThree-hour class, $50Card cannot be more than 30 days past expiration
November 2, March 28, April 5, and April 14 Iles Pool, 6:30-9 p.m.
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