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Calvin University

Outdoor Recreation

Where the Wilderness is Your Classroom

For over 20 years, Calvin students have had epic adventures together in iconic locations including Costa Rica, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Joshua Tree National Park, Red River Gorge, and the Ontario wilderness. Calvin's Outdoor Recreation programming also explores and learns in its own backyard, enjoying abundant local mountain biking and paddling, the dunes and beach environments of Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore, and rivers and trails of the Manistee National Forest.

Starting at Calvin in the fall? Check out our Wilderness Trips to kick off orientation

Expeditions

Join us! From day trips to weekend adventures; spring break trips to winter intensives, we have options for everyone.

Community and belonging

There's nothing like the connection you form on an outdoor adventure. Whether you are brand new to adventure or looking to become a skilled wilderness leader, we have a place for you.

Safety and training

Expect clear trip expectations, route plans, and gear checks. Trips are guided by trained student leaders with risk management protocols in place.

Gear rental and bike maintenance

Check out equipment for our expeditions or your own adventures, and take advantage of bike maintenance services.

FALL WEEKEND TRIPS

DatesTripCost
September 12KE Pere Marquette Canoe$20
September 12-13Manistee River Trail Backpack$30
September 19-20SUP Paddleboard Manistee River Overnight$30
September 26-27Sleeping Bear Outdoor Ministry Weekend$25
October 2-4Au Sable Fly Fishing Weekend$40
October 3-4Chicago Cycling Weekend$30
October 10Life+Career Studies Pere Marquette Canoe$20
October 10Dragon Mountain Bike$20
October 16-20Fall Adventure Grants (contact ryan.rooks@calvin.edu to propose a trip) 
October 30Northern Michigan mountain bike$20
October 31WalloweenFREE
October 31Yankee Springs mountain bike$20
November 6-8Indiana Caving$35

*Application and Deposit Required

Weekend trip contact: Annika Fortna agf24@calvin.edu

Sign up location: Climbing Center Desk

For more information, contact Ryan Rooks at ryan.rooks@calvin.edu.

ADDITIONAL UPCOMING OUTDOOR RECREATION OFFERINGS AND COURSES (BY APPLICATION)

Costa Rica and Rainforest January ExpeditionJanuary 1-18$3500
Grand Canyon Spring Break ExpeditionMarch 5-13$1000
Banff Mountain Film FestivalApril 1$10 (student tickets)
Red River Gorge May Climbing CourseMay 9-14$300

 

OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT RENTAL AND CYCLE MAINTENANCE

Monday - Thursday 4-5pm north side of Tennis & Track Building

Our Outdoor Rental Center and Outfitting Center is open August 31-October 30. Contact Annika Fortna agf24@calvin.edu for more information. 

BIKE MAINTENANCE

Tuesdays and Wednesdays 4-5pm. Come and get mentoring with bike maintenance. Our bike shop is open September 2-October 29. Contact Berkeley Thate bgt5@calvin.edu for more information.

WEEKLY MOUNTAIN BIKING

Calvin Outdoor Recreation offers weekly mountain biking on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30pm and Fridays from 4-6pm. Meet at the Outfitting Center. Weekend trips to the Dragon and Merrell Trails TBD.

POOL KAYAKING

Mondays and Thursdays 7:30-9pm. Sign up at the Climbing Center Desk for a 4-week class. Contact Toby Boelema tkb22@calvin.edu for more information.

OUTDOOR REC MINISTRY

September 16 - December 9, Wednesdays 7:30pm. Outdoor Recreation Bible Study will meet in HC 121 (The Recreation Community Space). The semester will kick off with a community wood fire pizza night on September 9 at 6:00 pm. There will be a weekend outdoor retreat September 25-27. The semester will conclude with a Chili Cookoff on December 9 at 6:30 pm. For more information contact Declan Smith dms47@calvin.edu

 

Weekly Programs

Adventure Photos

On-Campus Recreation Opportunities

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Students on the climbing wall at Calvin University.

Climbing Center

The Calvin Climbing Center is modeled after the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, and has over 50 routes that change weekly. It is 40' tall and 90' long and includes six natural crack systems. 

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A group of students play co-ed intramural basketball in an indoor gym.

Intramurals

Intramural sports are for everybody—that means you. We offer lots of different sports at different skill levels because it reflects who we are and what we believe: that recreation ought to build you up and build up the body of believers.

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Four students on stationary bikes during a spin class.

Group fitness

Take part in a variety of fitness classes, led by students and staff, designed for you! Group Fitness at Calvin is available for all Calvin students, faculty, and staff.