ABOUT RU OUTDOORS

RU Outdoors is the adventure programming component of the Campus Recreation Program at Radford University. The mission of RU Outdoors is to provide outdoor adventures, promote healthy self-discovery, and unlock student leadership potential. We offer hiking, backpacking, paddling, caving, mountain biking, and climbing adventures for the Radford University community. All trips, unless otherwise noted, are designed to meet the needs of beginner level participants. For a low fee we provide instruction, technical equipment, and transportation to the activity site. Our student trip leaders undergo extensive training and development prior to leading trips for the program.

Program Philosophy
RU Outdoors is dedicated to providing challenging outdoor activities to the Radford University community in the safest manner possible. Through the use of a "Full Value Contract", we place an emphasis on fulfilling the personal goals of the participants and creating an emotionally safe environment in which participants feel free to express themselves by establishing expectations for the group as a whole. Participants are encouraged to challenge themselves to a level that they feel comfortable with: this is meant to encourage personal growth while providing emotional support through "Challenge By Choice".

Outdoor Rental Office
Plan your own adventure and rent the necessary gear from our extensive list of outdoor rental items. Located in the Bonnie Hurlburt Center, the rental office can assist you in making plans, acquiring maps, and renting the necessary gear for many types of outdoor adventures. It is suggested that you reserve equipment several days prior to your trip to ensure availability. To learn more about the fees for gear rental, please head over to the Rental Office page.

A special thanks to the following dedicated student volunteers who give their time, energy, and passion to make RU Outdoors a success: Brittany Arnold, Charlie Biesecker, Eva Graves, Bryan Henschen, Maggie Kirby, Leigh Knudsen, Joanna Lilley, Grant Machamer, Sarah Murray, Susanne Pickett, Chris Pund, Jessica Rhea, Charlie Starr, Owen Tracy, and Ali Zick.