FAQs

If you have a question that is not here, email adventure recreation at adventurerec@athletics.psu.edu.

What are the Adventure Recreations Center's (ARC's) hours?
We are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Fall & Spring Semesters.The summer '13 ARC hours are Monday-Thursday 10am-1pm, Friday 10-11am, Staurday & Sunday - CLOSED. You can also call or email us ahead of time to make an appointment!
What is the phone number?
(814) 863-2895
What is your email address?
adventurerec@athletics.psu.edu
How do I sign up for trips?
It's really easy! You can reserve a spot by calling or emailing us, or by visiting us at the Adventure Recreation Center (ARC), located at 133A White Building. Your spot is not officially reserved until you have paid the appropriate trip fee in cash and completed the Adventure Recreation waiver, both of which must be done in the office. If you reserve a spot without paying, please note that you have 5 business days from the day you signed up to pay the trip fee and complete the waiver, or your name will be removed from the list.
What should I bring when I sign up?
For complete registration, you will need to pay the full cash amount, provide your current contact information, and sign the appropriate waivers. In order to complete the Adventure Recreation waiver, you must provide your insurance information (policy provider and number), emergency contact information, PSU ID number (if applicable), telephone number and current mailing address. Please note that your spot is not officially reserved until you have paid and provided all above listed information.
Can I register my friend?
Yes. You may reserve a spot for a friend by providing us with the information listed above. You may also pay for them, but they are responsible for completing the Adventure Recreation waiver. Please remember that you or your friend's spot is not officially reserved until they have completed the waiver and provided payment and their contact information.
Do people usually sign up in a group or individually?
This is completely up to you and your comfort level. Some people sign up with friends, while others sign up by themselves for the opportunity to meet new people.
Where do trips go?
Trips head to destinations within Pennsylvania and to surrounding states in the Northeast, such as West Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia.
How long do trips last?
Trip durations can range from single-day to weekend-long trips. While day trip durations vary based on the trip activity and location, weekend trips leave Friday afternoon and return Sunday evenings. Friday departure time is usually between 3 and 5 p.m., depending on participants’ class or work schedules.
When will next semester's trip list come out?
We will have the full trip list posted by the previous semester's finals week.
How many people go on a trip?
This varies per trip. Depending on the activity, trips usually vary from 8 to 14 participants. We even have Vertical Adventures trips that may allow 36+ participants.
Is there a membership fee?
No! This is not a club, so you pay per trip that you attend.
Am I required to go on a certain number of trips?
No! You may go on as many or as few trips as you'd like. Upon registration for your first trip, you will receive a Frequent Adventurer Card, which will allow you to receive a fourth trip free after attending three trips within the 2010-2011 academic year. The trips must be purchased in order of the date they occur and can include any trip (regardless of its fee amount) up to the last trip of Summer 2011. The free trip must be redeemed within the 2010-2011 school year.
Can non-UP Penn State students or community members come?
Adventure Recreation welcomes Penn State students from all branches, as well as faculty and staff. We are not permitted to take non-affiliated community members on our adventure trips unfortunately. Only enrolled PSU University Park students qualify for the 75% discounted trip rate sponsored by UPAC.
Can I pay by credit, debit, or a check?
No, we only accept cash. You must pay in person at the Adventure Recreation Center.
What's included on the trips?
The flat fee you pay at registration will include your food, transportation, lodging, personal and group gear, and any miscellaneous fees associated with outdoor activities.
Is there anything else I will need to bring for the trips?
Maybe. Necessary equipment depends on the trip activity, terrain and weather conditions. While Adventure Recreation provides necessary group and personal gear such as cooksets, tents, backpacks, headlamps, sleeping bags/pads, kayaks/canoes, fly fishing equipment, climbing ropes, shoes, helmets, harnesses, etc., the participant is responsible for bringing appropriate clothing and personal items such as medications, water bottles, sunscreen, etc. You will be informed at the pre-trip regarding of all additional equipment you will need.
When are the pre-trip meetings?
Unless otherwise specified at registration, all pre-trip meetings will take place the Wednesday preceding the trip, at 7:00 p.m. in the Adventure Recreation Center (133A White Building).
What if I can't make the pre-trip meeting?
Attendance at the mandatory pre-trip meeting is MANDATORY. Because we have already designated a time and date for each trip's meeting, you have plenty of time to plan accordingly. Should you be unable to attend due to a personal emergency or illness, or a mandatory test or class, you must contact the office by Monday at 5 p.m. of the week preceding the trip. We will then get you in touch with a trip leader to schedule a time that works for you to meet individually with the leader. This meeting is extremely important because you will review the details of the trip location and daily itinerary, departure and return times, required gear, participant dietary restrictions or pertinent medical conditions, each day's menu, and other important details. You will also meet your trip leaders and other trip participants and have the chance to address any questions or concerns.

Equipment Rental

Adventure Recreation has a full line of equipment available for rental. Please see rental forms below for our gear list and pricing.