Quick Description: OA and Traditions Council are teaming up to get as many students
outside as possible. We are running an all-day event that will include a day lead
by one of OA’s expert Trip Leaders as well as a FREE lunch. Our hope is to show the
students, YOU, that even in Winter Springfield has so much to offer outside. Stay
tuned to Traditions Council and OA social media with how to sign up and more details.
Date: 3/2/24
Location: Lebanon, MO
Price: $10.00
Length: 4 hours
Quick Description: Join OA as we hike the Savanna Ridge Trail at Bennett Springs State
Park! This trip will leave in the morning and return in the afternoon, offering a
scenic drive and a beautiful, beginner friendly hike. Come spend the day with us and
enjoy the spring, the fish hatchery, the views, and everything else Bennett Springs
State Park has to offer!
Date: 3/10-3/16
Location: Gatlinburg, TN
Price: $550
Length: 7 days, 6 Nights
Quick Description: It may be chilly, but Spring is right around the corner. Ever wanted
to walk through a mountain forest and emerge overlooking one of America’s most beautiful
National Park. Well, that is exactly what OA will be doing this Spring Break. We will
be spending 7 days, Sunday – Saturday, in the Smokey Mountains enjoying all that the
mountains and National Park has to offer. We are also excited to announce that on
this trip we will be white water rafting. OA has teamed up with Smokey Mountain Outdoors
to spend a few hours splashing and splashing down the Pidgin River. This trip will
be full of beautiful views, star gazing, and making new friends. We hope to see you
this Spring Break!
Date: 3/24
Location: Crane Creek, MO
Price: $25
Length: 4-6 hours
Quick Description: OA’s very own Tim has agreed to share his fishing secrets. Come
catch some local fish with OA on our all-day fishing trip! Crane Creek is a 23.2-mile
stream in southwest Missouri that is home to bluegill, channel catfish, largemouth
bass, and wild rainbow trout! This trip is beginner friendly and includes a daily
fishing license as well as all the fly's needed to have fun, so come join us! (Includes:
gear, fishing licenses, and bait)
Date: 3/29-3/31
Location: Camdenton, MO
Price: $60
Length: 3 days, 2 nights
Quick Description: Backpacking is back baby! OA will be leading its first backpacking
trip in years over the Spring Holiday. We will be putting our packs on and walking
through the secluded Piney Creek Wilderness near Cape Fair, Missouri. This three day,
two-night adventure is perfect for those who have been on an OA camping trip and want
to get deeper into nature. Even if you have not been camping this trip will be perfect,
our Trip Leaders are prepared to show you the ropes and help you enjoy this adventure.
Date: 4/6 - 4/7
Location: Pittsburg, MO
Price: $40.00
Length: 2 days, 1 night
Quick Description: Deep in the heart of the Missouri foothills lies a secret retreat
by the waters of the man-made lake of Pomme de Terre. We will spend two days and a
night out by the “Potatoe Lake” for some great Ozark memories. No experience needed
for this adventure; our leaders are ready to guide you on this exciting trip.
Date: 4/13
Location: Cassville
Price: $10.00
Length: 6 hours
Quick Description: OA is taking the short drive to Roaring River State Park for the
day! Join us as we hike around this beautiful valley, one of Missouri's most popular
parks that we just couldn't resist. Roaring River offers views of its beautiful waterways
stocked full of rainbow trout. This hike is open to any level of hiker, and will be
worth every step!
Date: 4/14
Location: Jasper, AR
Price: $30.00
Length: All Day
Quick Description: OA’s going climbing! We’re packing up a van and spending the day
down in the beautiful state of Arkansas at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. From the views
to the cool trip leaders, nothing beats an outdoor climbing trip with OA! This trip
will focus on beginner friendly routes for our friends that are new to climbing. No
matter what your skill level is going in, this trip will be a blast! This is an all-day
trip, but we promise it’s worth it! Bring your friends and join us!
Date: 4/20
Location: Nixa, MO
Price: $15.00
Length: 4 hours
Quick Description: Dogs out Saturday! OA loves days out on the water, and what better
way to enjoy Finely Creek than to break out the kayaks and swimsuits? Finley Creek
offers fantastic views of local wildlife. This trip will leave in the morning and
return in the afternoon, and is perfect for all skill levels of kayaking. Join OA
for a relaxed day in our favorite hidden gem, just a few minutes south of Springfield
located in Nixa!
Date: 4/21
Location: Sparta, MO
Price: $10.00
Length: 6 hours
Quick Description: Spring is the perfect time to go into the woods and boulder! Come
join OA as we hunt down the sickest bouldering spots at Peter’s Branch Crag. This
will be an all-day trip with bouldering only; that means no ropes! Peter’s Branch
is just a short drive from Springfield, with lots of routes for a variety of skill
levels. What better way to spend your Sunday than to come bouldering with OA?
Date: 4/27
Location: Hooten Town, MO
Price: $15.00
Length: 6 hours
Quick Description: What’s better than a lake day? A river day! Come join OA as we
spend the day on a beginner friendly 7-mile float down the James River. With jaw dropping
views and front row seats to local wildlife, how could you say no? Come spend the
day with us and get away!
Date: 4/28
Location: Jasper, AR
Price: $30.00
Length: All Day
Quick Description: How do you feel about rock jokes? We don’t mine them either. Come
join OA on another all-day climbing adventure to Arkansas! Horeshoe Canyon Ranch is
a few hours south of campus, but we promise the drive is worth it. This trip will
focus on routes with higher difficulty, perfect for advanced climbers and those looking
for a little challenge! HCR offers amazing sandstone routes and views that words can’t
describe. The jokes are bad, the climbing is priceless, what more could you ask for?
Join OA for a day full of fun!
Date: 5/4
Location: Hooten Town, MO
Price: $15
Length: All Day
Quick Description: We know you’re excited for summer lake days; good thing OA has
you covered! Come join us as we chill out in our kayaks on the James River for a day
of relaxation. The river is a short drive from Springfield and has amazing views of
local wildlife. No experience required, just bring yourself!
Types of Trips
Day Trips - Join us for the day, we typically have an early morning departure and an evening
return. OA provides transportation for the day, any technical equipment (kayaks, paddles,
climbing equipment, etc.) and trip guides that plan each outing. You provide your
own food and clothing for the day. Activities include; kayaking, hiking, caving, and
rock climbing.
Overnight Trips - If one day isn’t enough, join us for the weekend on one of our 2-3 day adventures.
OA provides all food cooked in the backcountry, transportation, trip guides, camping
equipment, cooking and eating equipment, and any technical equipment needed. You just
need your clothing that is appropriate for the time of year. Activities include; Canoeing,
Rock Climbing, Camping, And Backpacking.
Break Trips - These trips aren’t for the faint of heart, these are our longest and often, most
strenuous trips. Spanning from 5-9 days long and traveling all across the country.
OA provides all food cooked in the backcountry, transportation, trip guides, cooking
and eating equipment, and any technical equipment needed. You just need your clothing
that is appropriate for the time of year. Activities include; Backpacking, Camping,
Canoeing, and Rock Climbing. Locations include; Utah National Parks, the Santa Fe
River in Northern Florida, South Dakota’s National Parks, The Adirondacks of upstate
New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
With the exception of a few trips, all Outdoor Adventures trips are open to university
students, faculty, and staff. You do not need to be a member of the Foster Recreation
Center to attend our trips.
All trips are open to all skill levels unless otherwise noted on the trip description.
Typically, the registration fee covers the costs of transportation to and from campus,
necessary equipment, any food that is offered, trip guides, and any other costs associated
with the specific trip.
Outdoor Adventures allows personal equipment on its trips. However, the equipment
must be inspected by your trip guides prior to leaving, and there is no pro-rated
fee for a trip if you bring your own equipment (with exception of the Ski Trip).
Payment for the trip is due at the time of registration. After this time, there are
absolutely NO refunds unless:
The trip is canceled due to low participation or weather
The trip is full and has a waiting list, and there is another person on the waiting
list who is willing to take your spot.
Family/Medical/Academic issues that will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the
Assistant Director for Recreational Sports and the Graduate Assistant for Outdoor
Adventures.
Payment is not mandatory if the trip is filled to capacity. If a spot opens up on
the trip participants on the waiting list will be selected by the order in which they
registered for an opportunity to go on the trip.