myCSUSM
Outdoor Adventures
About Outdoor Adventures
Since 2008, Outdoor Adventures has been connecting CSUSM Cougars to the outdoors through unforgettable experiences that build community, encourage exploration, and promote personal growth. We believe the outdoors should be accessible to everyone. That’s why all of our trips are heavily subsidized for CSUSM students, making it easier than ever to get outside, try something new, and enjoy the beauty of nature without the high cost!
Whether you're brand new to outdoor recreation or a seasoned adventurer, our trips are designed for all experience levels. From local day hikes to weekend camping trips and extended wilderness excursions, every adventure is an opportunity to step outside your comfort zone, form lasting friendships, and experience something meaningful.
All trips are led by trained CSUSM student guides who are passionate about the outdoors and dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and memorable experiences. Our goal is for students to walk away from each adventure feeling more connected to their peers, to themselves, and to the natural world.
Ready to unplug, explore, and connect? Join Outdoor Adventures and make the outdoors yours.
You can also sign up to receive the Outdoor Adventure Newsletter for updates, trip reminders, job/volunteer opportunities, opportunity drawings, workshops, and more.
Please note the following:
- All participants are required to have health insurance in order to participate in OA or Campus Recreation activities. If a participant does NOT have health insurance, the Student Health Care Service provides basic medical care; students can check out their options with Covered California. Additional health insurance info can be found at: SHCS information on health insurance for students.
- Due to the unpredictable nature of outdoor recreation, all locations, activities,
and schedules are subject to change. While we have a deep appreciation for Mother
Nature, planning around her can sometimes be challenging.
Factors such as:- weather conditions
- water levels
- trail conditions
- road closures
- fires
can alter any trip with little or no prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the patience, understanding, and flexibility of all individuals involved in our outings. In the event that changes need to be made, we will promptly update our information and notify registered participants as soon as possible.
- It is important to mention that CSUSM Outdoor Adventures, including its employees and volunteers, cannot be held liable for any damages incurred during the outings. All participants will be required to sign a waiver and release form. Additionally, please be aware that our trips strictly adhere to a policy of no alcohol, smoking, tobacco, or illegal substances.
- CSUSM Outdoor Adventures does not assume responsibility for any lost, damaged, or stolen equipment.
- It is the participant's responsibility to show up at the designated locations at the specified time. Failure to be on time may result in the group leaving without you and being ineligible for a refund.
All University programs require student participants to follow standards of the CSUSM Student Code of Conduct in order to ensure a safe, respectful learning environment.
As the Policy states:
“The University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy living and learning environment for students, faculty, and staff. Each member of the campus community should choose behaviors that contribute toward this end. Students are expected to be good citizens and to engage in responsible behaviors that reflect well upon their university, to be civil to one another and to others in the campus community, and contribute positively to student and university life.”
Failure to abide by these standards could result in becoming ineligible to participate in Outdoor Adventure programs indefinitely.
Outdoor Adventures + 8 Dimensions of Wellness
The eight dimensions of wellness are a holistic model for health and well-being that includes emotional, intellectual, physical, social, spiritual, environmental, occupational, and financial wellness. Outdoor Adventures can support and enhance each of these dimensions of wellness in the following ways:
- 1. Emotional Wellness
Participating in outdoor activities can improve emotional wellness by reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and increasing feelings of joy and satisfaction.
- 2. Intellectual Wellness
Exploring the outdoors can enhance intellectual wellness by promoting curiosity and learning about nature, history, and culture, and engaging in critical thinking and problem-solving.
- 3. Physical Wellness
Outdoor activities promote physical wellness by providing opportunities for exercise, improving cardiovascular health, and promoting physical strength, endurance, and flexibility.
- 4. Social Wellness
Participating in outdoor programming can improve social wellness by building relationships and connections with peers and leaders, fostering a sense of community, and promoting teamwork and collaboration.
- 5. Spiritual Wellness
Engaging with nature and outdoor spaces can promote spiritual wellness by fostering a sense of awe, wonder, and appreciation for the natural world, and promoting a connection with something greater than oneself.
- 6. Environmental Wellness
Outdoor Adventures can promote environmental wellness by fostering an appreciation for the natural world, promoting sustainable practices, and educating participants about environmental conservation and preservation. See Leave No Trace Principles below.
- 7. Occupational WellnessParticipating in outdoor activities can promote occupational wellness by providing opportunities for career exploration in fields such as outdoor education, recreation, and conservation.
- 8. Financial Wellness
Outdoor Adventures provides subsidized experiences which can promote financial wellness by providing affordable opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure, reducing financial stress, and promoting financial literacy and responsibility.
Learning Outcomes for Students Who Participate in an Outdoor Adventure Trip:
- Develop skills for outdoor activitiesStudents will learn basic skills for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, rock climbing, and kayaking. They will learn how to use appropriate gear and equipment, develop techniques for safety, and plan a trip on their own.
- Cultivate environmental awareness
Students will gain a deeper understanding of environmental issues and sustainability. They will learn about the impact of human activities on natural resources and ecosystems, and explore ways to minimize their ecological footprint while enjoying outdoor activities.
- Promote physical fitness and well-being
Students will engage in physical activities that promote health and well-being, such as hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and more.
- Enhance personal growth and self-awareness
Students will have the opportunity to challenge themselves and step outside their comfort zones. They will learn about their own strengths and weaknesses, and develop self-confidence and resilience through outdoor participation.
- Foster appreciation for cultural diversity
Students will have the opportunity to interact with peers from diverse backgrounds and learn about different cultures and perspectives. They will develop respect for cultural differences and build empathy and understanding through shared outdoor experiences.