RTNL Outdoor Adventures

Explore the great outdoors on a student-led Outdoor Adventure trip. Whether you are into day hiking or canoeing - or want to try rock climbing outside for the first time - we have a trip for you!

Spring 2025 adventure trips will include backpacking the Grand Canyon or climbing in Diablo Canyon over spring break, whitewater rafting the Peshtigo River, exploring the Maquoketa caves, and more! 

FAQ

What does the cost of the trip cover? 

Trip fees associated with each trip cover the cost of transportation, event/park entries, and campgrounds. The use of activity-specific equipment such as canoes, climbing ropes, tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and more is also included in this fee. The fees do not include the cost of food, hygiene items, and clothing; these items will need to be supplied by the participant. 

Who can participate in the Outdoor Adventure trips? 

Any University of Northern Iowa student can participate in these trips. If you are not a UNI student and you are 18 years or older, you are also welcome to join these adventure trips. 

How fit should I be? 

Our trips usually do not require any prior experience. However, for most trips, we require the ability to walk a minimum of 2 miles (3 kilometers) without taking a break. To participate in the activities mentioned below, there are additional activity-related requirements. 

Backpacking: We recommend that you are able to walk up and down a ten-story staircase with no breaks. Additionally, you should be able to pick up and carry an object that is a minimum of 30 pounds (15 kilograms).

Rock Climbing: You should be comfortable with heights. 

Water trips: You should be comfortable around or in water. 

What type of clothes do I need? 

During your pre-trip meeting, we will provide additional details about the necessary clothing items as they vary between trips. Typically we will recommend non-cotton clothing items and suggest the three-layer system of moisture-wicking, insulating, and protective layers. 

Sign up for a trip and learn more!

What is your refund policy? 

If you request a refund more than 30 days before your trip leaves, you will receive 50% of your payment back.

If you request a refund less than 30 days before your trip leaves, you will forfeit all of your payment.

If a trip has a down payment and you request a refund at any time, you will forfeit all of your down payment. The rest of the payment will be refunded as stated in the policies above.

What happens if a trip is canceled? 

If a trip is canceled, participants will receive a full refund for the trip within 7-10 business days following the trip's departure date. Depending on your bank, funds may take longer to appear. 

Is there a waitlist if a trip is full?

Yes, please email adventures@uni.edu, and we will contact you if anyone drops. 

If you have any additional questions, please contact adventures@uni.edu

Meet Your Outdoor Coordinators!

Annalee Bartels (she/her)

Annalee Bartels

Major: Recreation, Tourism, & Nonprofit Leadership
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Backpacking

Lee Beauchamp (they/them)

Lee Beauchamp

Major: Interactive Digital Studies
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Climbing

Katie Carney (she/her)

Katie Carney

Major: Elementary Education
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking

Jaydon Gansen (he/him)

Jaydon Gansen

Major: Recreation, Tourism, & Nonprofit Leadership MA
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Day Hiking

Carter Hanson (he/him)

Carter Hanson

Major: Psychology
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Rock Climbing

Courtney Johnson (she/her)

Courtney Johnson

Major: Community Health & Recreation MA
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Backpacking

Ella Lyons (she/her)

Ella Lyons

Major: Criminology
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Camping and climbing

Tera Thompson (she/her)

Tera Thompson

Major: Psychology
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Skydiving and hiking

Charlie Rogers (he/him)

Charlie Rogers

Major: Recreation, Tourism, & Nonprofit Leadership
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Backpacking

Caden Schinagel (he/him)

Caden Schinagel

Major: Recreation, Tourism, & Nonprofit Leadership
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Hiking

Kimberly Walljasper (she/her)

Kimberly Walljasper

Major: Mathematics Teaching
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Kayaking, Biking, and Climbing

Alaina Wilson (she/her)

Alaina Wilson

Major: Social Work with a minor in RTNL
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Swimming

Katy Roose (she/her)

Katy Roose

Major: Recreation, Tourism, & Nonprofit Leadership
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Backpacking

Leah Z Osborn

Leah Z Osborn

Major: Digital Media Leadership and Interactive Digital Studies
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Adrenaline Junkie Activities

Charli Petersen (she/her)

Major: Recreation, Tourism, & Nonprofit Leadership
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Scuba Diving

Nadia Omelchuk (she/her)

Major: MIS, Business Administration
Favorite Outdoor Activity: Scuba diving and Skydiving