In Calvin's outdoor recreation programs, it's all about re-creation. By getting out of doors, out of your context, you can start to discover truths about who you are and who God is as you explore the world he has made. Outdoor rec isn't just a way to escape—it's a powerful way to learn, and the discoveries you make you'll carry with you for the rest of your life.
Summer Hours
Summer Open Climbing Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 6-8pm; May 9 - Aug 24
(Fall hours resume August 28)
To rent summer equipment, contact:
Ryan Medema
Text: 616-970-9953
Email: rlm39@calvin.edu
Upcoming events
Important notes:
- Sign up for all trips and events at the Climbing Center desk. Trips sign ups are on a first come basis.
- All trips require a Wednesday 4-5pm Outfitting and Information session at the Outfitting Center (south bay of Track and Tennis Building).
- Calvin Outdoor Rec provides all instruction, outfitting, transportation, and food. Students are required to provide layers, personal hygiene, proper footwear, rain gear, and personal snacks.
- Students with special dietary needs or food allergies will need to coordinate with trip leaders on menu. Students may be asked to supplement costs for additional food.
Outdoor recreation schedule
Sign up and pay for all trips at the Climbing Center Desk
Fall 2022 Weekend Program Offerings
- September 10: Chicago Bike & Pizza
Activity: Biking
$20, day trip, 11 spots - September 17–18: Pine River "Paddlefest"
Activity: Canoe and kayak
$30, 1 nights; 20 spots - September 24–25: Petoskey Tunnel of Trees Century/Half-Century Ride
Activity: Road biking - 50-mile or 100-mile ride
$30, 1 night; 11 spots - September 24–25: Manistee Backpack
Activity: Backpacking
$30, 1 night; 11 spots - October 1–2: Dragon/Glacier Hills Mountain Bike
Activity: Mountain biking
$30, 1 night; 11 spots - October 7–11 (fall break): Pictured Rocks Backpacking
Activity: Backpacking
$100, 4 nights; 12 spots - October 7–11 (fall break): North Carolina Whitewater Paddling
Activity: Rafting and Kayaking
$125, 4 nights; 10 spots - October 15–16: Mansitee River Backpack
Activity: Backpacking
$30, 1 night; 10 spots - October 21–23: Red River Gorge Climbing
Activity: Climbing
$100, 2 nights; 10 spots - October 29–30: Nordhouse Wilderness Backpack
Activity: Backpack and Beach Clean-Up
$20, 1 night; 10 spots - November 5: Dragon Mountain Bike
Activity: Mountain Biking
$10, Day trip; 10 spots - November 12: 14th Annual Fall Climbing Comp
Activity: Climbing
$10, Sessions: 9–11, 11–1, 1–3; 72 spots - November 19: Planet Rock Field Trip
Activity: Climbing
$30, Day trip; 10 spots - December 2: Grand Canyon Spring Break Course App Deadline
Activity: Backpacking
$800, 9-day course; 20 spots
Opportunities for adventure
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Wilderness orientation »
- Begin your Calvin career with an extended backcountry trip to the Rockies, North Channel, Red River Gorge, or Algonquin.
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Adventure grants
- Adventure grants let you create the outdoor experience you've been dreaming about. Organize a group, plan a trip, apply for funding, and start packing.
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Wilderfest
- Don't just head home for your fall weekend—pack it with fun, fellowship, outdoor adventure, and all the skills you'll need to do it again.
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For-credit courses »
- Integrate adventure into your academic pursuits. Climbing, backpacking, road cycling, canoeing, sea kayaking, fly-fishing, downhill skiing, snowboarding—all are offered as for-credit courses.
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Indoor rock climbing »
- Instruction, programming, and open climbing in the Spoelhof Fieldhouse Complex.
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Interim courses »
- Rainforest expeditions in Costa Rica and Panama, outdoor education in the Grand Canyon, road biking in Australia—these are just some of the places we've gone in recent years. See where we're headed to this year and sign up for the adventure of a lifetime.
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Professional internships »
- Learn about for credit and professional development opportunities. We've placed students with places like National Outdoor Leadership School, Wilderness Medical Institute, Rescue 3 International, the American Mountain Guide Association, and the American Canoe Association.
