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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.

Spring 2026 Outdoor Rec Trips

Sign up at the Climbing Center (most trips fill 1 week in advance)

DatesTripCost
January 1-18Costa Rica Rainforest Expedition 
January 19Caberfae Ski/Board Day$19 Lift Tickets; $29 Rentals
February 4Winter Backpack Clinic, 4-6:00 PM 
February 7-8Winter Backpack Overnight$30
February 17BANFF Mountain Film Festival$10
February 2116th Annual Top Rope Climbing Comp$15
February 28ORM Winter Retreat$20
March 7-14Joshua Tree Climbing Trip$1200*
March 7-14Grand Canyon Backpacking Trip$1200*
April 11Dragon Mountain Bike$20
April 18-19Fly Fishing Weekend$35
April 18-19Manistee River Backpack$30
May 10-15Red River Gorge Climbing Course$400*

*Application and Deposit Required

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

Sign up for trips

Planning your own spring break adventure? 

Put together a group of 5-10 Calvin students and have us help you design and execute your own trip. Adventure Grants are awarded to students planning backpacking and other related wilderness-based spring break trips. For more info contact Josh Van Berkel jwv33@calvin.edu.

Learn more about Adventure Grants

Weekly Programs

Mountain biking | Wednesdays 5-6 p.m.

Beginning after spring break.

Meet at the Outfitting Center at 4:45 p.m. Weekend trips to the Dragon and Merrill Trails TBD. Contact Jack Klop jdk57@calvin.edu for more information.

Pool Kayaking | Mondays 7:30-9 p.m.

Sign up at the Climbing Center Desk for a 4-week class. Contact Joel VanHekken jev65@calvin.edu for more information.

Outdoor Rec Bible Study | Wednesdays 7:30 p.m.

September 17 - December 10

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 10 at 6 p.m. There will be a weekend outdoor retreat October 4-5. The semester will conclude with a Chili Cookoff on December 10 at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Luke Coffel ljc25@calvin.edu

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.