Outdoor Adventures
Ignite your own adventure with Outdoor Adventures, crafted for Texas A&M students and the wider BCS community. Outdoor Adventures offers ample opportunities to connect with others in the great outdoors. Explore any of our three on-campus climbing facilities, rent the essential equipment for your own excursion, or refine your skills through a clinic or trip.
Venture Camp
Are you interested in jump-starting your college career at Texas A&M by sharing exciting experiences with fellow new Aggies? Venture Camps are designed with you in mind. The Outdoor Adventures Program in the Department of Rec Sports has partnered with the Extended Orientation Team in the Department of Student Activities to welcome first-year students, transfer students, and other undergraduate student populations through the Venture Camp Programs. On all our programs, participants can expect to meet other incoming students, current students, and staff, learn about the traditions and core values of Texas A&M University, hear about campus resources to help them in their transition to Texas A&M University, and challenge themselves in new ways through different activities.
Trips
Embark on an exciting journey with Outdoor Adventures, where each semester promises a carefully curated selection of trips designed to captivate both novices and seasoned adventurers alike. Our expeditions span across the picturesque landscapes of Texas and beyond, offering a diverse array of activities, from the tranquility of canoeing to the thrill of rock climbing. With options tailored to varying interests and skill levels, Outdoor Adventures ensures that there’s an exhilarating experience awaiting everyone. Join us for an exploration of the great outdoors that goes beyond the ordinary!
Day, Weekend, & Extended Trips
Coming Fall 2024
Coming Fall 2024
Clinics & Courses
Outdoor Adventures provides a range of clinics and courses designed to enhance your skills. Whether you’re looking to learn lead climbing or seeking tips for cooking on camping trips, these sessions will help prepare you for any adventure you pursue.
Lead Climbing Clinics
Take your roped climbing to a new level. Learn to lead climb and belay.
Have you been climbing for a bit and are looking to take your experience to the next level? Learn to lead climb at the Indoor Climbing Facility. This clinic will cover the basics of lead climbing: proper clipping, lead belaying, rope management, how to take a lead fall, and other general safety considerations.
In order to register for this clinic you must be able to climb a 5.9 smoothly and absent of falls on toprope, have a current toprope climbing skills check at the Indoor Climbing Facility, and be at least 16 years old.
Route Setting Workshop
Setting routes is part art, part blue collar work. Experiment setting some boulder problems and get some feedback from others in this 3 week clinic.
Explore the art of route setting in this 3 week workshop. You’ll learn a bit of the nuts and bolts in placing holds on the wall, but we’ll spend most of our time workshopping and experimenting in setting for fun and creative movement. You and other workshop attendees will get to set boulder problems and explore the forerunning, or feedback process, as you get more comfortable with this creative process.
Climbing Orientation Clinic
Get acquainted with climbing equipment, techniques, and lingo with the help of our certified climbing instructors!
Orientation classes at the Indoor Climbing Facility cover the core skills necessary to pass a skills check at the ICF. This includes harness fit and use, tying in to the climbing rope, climbing commands, auto-belay use protocols and belay fundamentals. This 2 hour class includes a ton of time to practice and comfortable with the critical skills that will keep you and other climbers climbing for years. Wether you’re brand new to climbing, transitioning from bouldering, or just a little rusty and want a refresher this class is a great way to meet other future climbers and kick off your climbing. After the clinic, you’ll get the opportunity to complete a Top Rope Skills Check at no extra cost.
Already comfortable with top rope belaying? No need to sign up for this clinic. Let the Indoor Climbing Facility staff know you’d like to take a “Top Rope Skills Check”.
Crux Connections Orientation Class
With this class, Outdoor Adventures staff will take your skills to new heights at the Indoor Climbing Facility!
Orientation classes at the Indoor Climbing Facility teach the basic safety skills necessary to pass a skills check. This includes harness wear and use, tying in, climbing commands, auto-belay use protocols and belaying safely. The class is limited in size to allow for physical distancing and will last 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Indoor Climbing
Our roped and bouldering facilities cater to both newcomers to climbing and those who have made it their preferred method of staying active while engaging with a vibrant community. Rec Members enjoy access to three climbing facilities, consisting of two bouldering walls and a roped climbing facility, totaling approximately 5500 sq ft. of climbing terrain. The setting crew introduces new routes weekly. Whether you’re looking to learn belaying, lead climbing, or make the transition to outdoor climbing, consider joining a class or clinic. Alternatively, pass your skills check, return for regular climbs, and become a member of the B/CS outdoor community.
Indoor Climbing Facility (ICF) | Student Rec Center
Bouldering Wall | Student Rec Center
Bouldering Wall | Southside Rec Center
How to Get Started
Regardless of your climbing background, getting started is simple:
- Opting for a one-time climb is great if you’re seeking a taste or exploring what the Indoor Climbing Facility (ICF) has to offer. Rec Members and Texas A&M Students can enjoy their first one-time climb for free each semester.
- For those ready to fully engage, signing up for a Belay Orientation is the next step. Our two-hour introduction provides ample practice to familiarize yourself with the equipment and knots essential for regular ICF participation. Successfully pass the skills check with staff after the class, and you’ll be ready to climb for the next six months at no additional cost.
- If you have prior climbing experience and proficiency in belaying, skills checks are accessible whenever the ICF is open. Staff will observe your equipment usage and belaying skills before initiating your six-month pass.
Reserve the Indoor Climbing Facility (ICF)
The Indoor Climbing Facility or ICF is open for reservation for private events, accommodating birthday parties, Girl and Boy Scout groups, corporate units, and student organizations. For additional details, reach out to Todd Grier, Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures, at [email protected]. Reserving the ICF is an ideal choice for groups larger than 5 people seeking to climb together without becoming registered climbers. These private group sessions typically last between 2-1/2 to 3 hours and are scheduled when the wall is closed for regular business operations.
Climbing Lessons & Youth Programs
Interested in personalized instruction with one of our instructors, we can arrange it for you! Our seasoned staff is equipped to assist you from the ground up or enhance your current climbing skill set. To initiate the process, please complete the form linked below.
PRICES
- 1 Session (1.5 hours): $18*/$22**
- 3 Sessions (1.5 hours each): $52*/$65**
*Rec member price; **non-member price by appointment only
Adaptive Climbing
COMING FALL 2024, this clinic is designed for folks looking to start climbing who may require some adaptation to the climbing setup. Rec Sports staff and or adaptive climbing enthusiasts will meet with patrons who signed up, work through various adaptive set-ups and rigging adjustments to make climbing the right challenge for you. We ask for your patience and for your voice/input. Tell us what you think will work, tell us if something we are trying isn’t working, if the climb is still too tough or the adaptation has removed the challenge. Be ready to tell us your thoughts; we’re here to get you climbing.
Fall Schedule | Clinics Only:
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- Saturday, Sept. 14: 11:00am – 1:00pm
- Friday, Sept. 27: 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Friday, Oct. 25: 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Saturday, Nov. 2: 11:00am – 1:00pm
- Friday, Nov. 15: 10:00am – 12:00pm
- Saturday, Nov. 23: 11:00am – 1:00pm
Rental Center & Bike Hub
Visit the Rental Center for all your outdoor gear needs, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience. We provide a comprehensive selection of camping gear, such as tents, sleeping bags, and cooking essentials. Additionally, our offerings extend to outdoor sports equipment and watercraft, including canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
| Rock Climbing | Rec Sports Member | Non-Rec Member | |||||
| 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | ||
| Climbing Shoes | $4.50 | $9.00 | $20.00 | $5.50 | $11.00 | $22.00 | |
| Bouldering Pad | $6.50 | $13.00 | $28.00 | $8.00 | $16.00 | $32.00 | |
| Water Sports | Rec Sports Member | Non-Rec Member | |||||
| 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | ||
| Tandem Canoe | $20.00 | $40.00 | $82.00 | $24.50 | $49.00 | $98.00 | |
| Solo Canoe | $17.00 | $34.00 | $70.00 | $20.50 | $41.00 | $82.00 | |
| Tandem Kayak-Sit On Top | $23.00 | $46.00 | $94.00 | $27.50 | $55.00 | $110.00 | |
| Solo Kayak-Sit On Top | $20.00 | $40.00 | $82.00 | $23.50 | $47.00 | $94.00 | |
| Kayak-Whitewater | $17.00 | $34.00 | $70.00 | $20.50 | $41.00 | $82.00 | |
| Surf Board 8’4″ and 9’4″ | $18.00 | $36.00 | $74.00 | $21.75 | $43.50 | $87.00 | |
| Stand Up Paddleboard | $22.00 | $44.00 | $90.00 | $26.00 | $52.00 | $104.00 | |
| Additional Paddle | $3.50 | $7.00 | $14.00 | $4.25 | $8.50 | $17.00 | |
| Additional Lifejacket | $3.50 | $7.00 | $14.00 | $4.25 | $8.50 | $17.00 | |
| Camping Gear | Rec Sports Member | Non-Rec Member | |||||
| 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | ||
| 4 Person Tent | $15.00 | $30.00 | $62.00 | $18.00 | $36.00 | $72.00 | |
| 2 Person Tent | $9.00 | $18.00 | $36.00 | $10.75 | $21.50 | $43.00 | |
| Backpack Tent | $9.00 | $18.00 | $36.00 | $10.75 | $21.50 | $43.00 | |
| Sleeping Bag | $8.00 | $16.00 | $34.00 | $9.50 | $19.00 | $38.00 | |
| Sleeping Pad – Foam | $4.00 | $8.00 | $18.00 | $4.75 | $9.50 | $19.00 | |
| Sleeping Pad – Self Inflating | $5.00 | $10.00 | $22.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | $24.00 | |
| Camp Chair | $2.50 | $5.00 | $12.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Internal Frame Backpack | $6.50 | $13.00 | $28.00 | $8.00 | $16.00 | $32.00 | |
| Camp Kitchen (2 Person) | $10.00 | $20.00 | $42.00 | $12.00 | $24.00 | $48.00 | |
| Camp Kitchen (4 Person) | $14.00 | $28.00 | $58.00 | $17.00 | $34.00 | $68.00 | |
| 1 – Burner Propane Stove (Propane not included) |
$4.50 | $9.00 | $20.00 | $5.50 | $11.00 | $22.00 | |
| 2 – Burner Propane Stove* (Propane not included) |
$7.00 | $14.00 | $30.00 | $8.50 | $17.00 | $34.00 | |
| Propane Grill (Propane not included) |
$6.00 | $12.00 | $26.00 | $7.50 | $15.00 | $30.00 | |
| Lantern (Propane* or Rechargeable Electric) (Propane not included) |
$4.50 | $9.00 | $20.00 | $5.50 | $11.00 | $22.00 | |
| Cook Set/Pot Set | $3.00 | $6.00 | $14.00 | $3.75 | $7.50 | $15.00 | |
| Water/Beverage Cooler | $6.00 | $12.00 | $24.00 | $7.25 | $14.50 | $29.00 | |
| Ice Chest | $6.00 | $12.00 | $24.00 | $7.25 | $14.50 | $29.00 | |
| Yard Games and Sports | Rec Sports Member | Non Rec Member | |||||
| 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | 1 Day | 2-3 Days | 4-7 Days | ||
| Tug O War Rope | $5.00 | $10.00 | $22.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | $24.00 | |
| Cricket Set | $4.00 | $8.00 | $18.00 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $20.00 | |
| Croquet Set | $2.00 | $4.00 | $10.00 | $2.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 | |
| Disc Golf Set | $2.50 | $5.00 | $12.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Corn Hole Set (regulation size, foldable w/ handles) | $7.00 | $14.00 | $30.00 | $8.50 | $17.00 | $34.00 | |
| Bocce Ball Set | $2.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Horseshoe Set | $2.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Washers Set | $2.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Kickball Set (1 Kickball, 4 Bases) | $2.50 | $5.00 | $10.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Volleyball Set (Net, poles, ropes, boundary, and ball) | $10.50 | $21.00 | $44.00 | $12.50 | $25.00 | $50.00 | |
| Volleyball Net | $1.00 | $2.00 | $6.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Softball Set (2 Bats, 2 Balls, 4 Bases, 5 Gloves, Catchers Mask) | $7.00 | $14.00 | $28.00 | $8.50 | $17.00 | $34.00 | |
| Flag Football Set (14 Flags, 14 Cones, 1 Football) | $7.00 | $14.00 | $28.00 | $8.50 | $17.00 | $34.00 | |
| Football Flags (set of 7) | $2.50 | $5.00 | $12.00 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $12.00 | |
| Sport Jerseys (set of 7) | $3.00 | $6.00 | $14.00 | $3.75 | $7.50 | $15.00 | |
| Cones (set of 4) | $1.00 | $2.00 | $6.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Sports Balls (Football/Kickball/Soccer Ball/Softball/Volleyball) | $1.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $1.75 | $3.50 | $7.00 | |
| Softball Glove | $1.50 | $3.00 | $6.00 | $1.75 | $3.50 | $7.00 | |
| Softball Catcher Mask | $1.00 | $2.00 | $4.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Softball Bat | $1.00 | $2.00 | $4.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Softball Bases Set | $1.00 | $2.00 | $4.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Frisbee | $1.00 | $2.00 | $4.00 | $1.25 | $2.50 | $5.00 | |
| Books and Maps | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | Free | |
| Slack Line | $5.00 | $10.00 | $22.00 | $8.00 | $16.00 | $32.00 | |
Outdoor Adventures Staff
Todd Grier
Outdoor Adventures Program Director
[email protected]
(979) 862-1999
Vacant
Climbing Program Coordinator
Jason Kurten
Associate Director – Programs
[email protected]
(979) 845-0383