soap catalog 2015-2016

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S O A PSouthern Outdoor Adventure Program Catalog of Outdoor Activities 2015-2016

Did you know that Outside Magazine named Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of the 10 Best Outdoor Towns in the U.S.? The publication described Chattanooga as “a

very scenic, very happening, and very easy place to live, with unlimited options for climbing,

caving, biking, hiking, and paddling.”

It’s one more reason to attend Southern Adventist University, located just outside

Chattanooga on 1,300 acres of wooded hills.

If you love the outdoors or adventure activities, you will find some of the top opportunities

in the country to pursue these types of experiences. This booklet describes how we help

you get to those adventures. Each year, the Outdoor Leadership team plans a full calendar

of recreational activities available to students at little to no cost. Browse this catalog for an

idea of what you might enjoy.

Prepare for adventure!

Gordon Bietz, president

Southern Adventist University

W E L C O M E

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SOAP is an extension of the Outdoor Leadership program at

Southern Adventist University and is the campus resource for

adventure programming. SOAP provides guided backpacking,

rafting, caving, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, and

canoeing trips that range from day trips near Chattanooga

to weekend excursions around the southeast to week-long

trips across the country. Instructional clinics are offered

throughout the year for outdoor recreation enthusiasts to

learn a variety of wilderness survival skills. SOAP is a great

way to make friends, learn new skills, and have fun in a

Christian environment!

S O A P O V E R V I E W

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How do I sign up?

Come to the SOAP table at the Student

Center on Mondays from 11:45 a.m. to

1 p.m. and Wednesdays at the Wellness

Center from 5-6 p.m. You may also send

an email to [email protected], visit

southern.edu/outdoor/SOAP, or go

to the Hulsey Wellness Center front desk.

All trips can be paid for with cash, check,

major credit cards, or your student ID

(if funds are available).

Can my family and non-university friends come along?Priority goes to current Southern students,

faculty, and staff before being opened up

to your friends and family, but if there are

available spaces, guests 18 and older are

welcome to attend. Please sign up each

one individually.

What can I expect on a Sabbath SOAP event?Sabbath trips provide an opportunity to

relax and commune with God and friends

while being surrounded by His marvelous

handiwork. You may want to bring a Bible,

guitar, or story to share.

Are the trips difficult?Trips vary in intensity. To help you gauge

what trips are right for you, each one

includes a rank on the difficulty scale.

None require previous experience.

Requires a minimum level of

physical fitness or offers optional levels

based on participant’s ambitions.

Requires moderate physical

exertion.

Requires a high degree

of physical exertion.

Where is the OEC?The Outdoor Education Center (OEC)

is located on University Drive, near the

Biology Trail and left of the University

Health Center. Look for the building with

a hanging wooden canoe and 50-foot

climbing tower.

I signed up. Now what?The week of the trip, your leader will email

a list of necessary items and information

for your trip. All overnight excursions will

have a mandatory pre-trip meeting where

you will get an overview of your trip and

pick up a gear list. SOAP provides all

basic gear needed for activities. Visit

southern.edu/outdoor/rentals

for more information.

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S E M E S T E R O V E R V I E W

2015

August9 Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting [9]

16 Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting [9]

21 Bat Vespers at Nickajack Lake [10]

26 Free Challenge Course [21]

29 Cartecay River Kayaking [12]

September4 Bat Vespers at Nickajack Lake [10]

6 Paddle Boarding on Tennessee River [10]


18 Horseback Trail Riding [18]


20 Free Rock Climbing and Caving [21]

25-27 Rock Climbing at Sand Rock [16]

27 Ocoee River Whitewater Rafting [9] October4 Sunbelt Triathalon [24]


16-18 Backpacking in the Southeast [16]

23-24 Island Camping [9]

30 Spiritual Retreat Campout [18]

November1 Spiritual Retreat Campout [18]

6-8 Rock Climbing at Sand Rock [16]


19 Adventure Movie and Pizza [18]

26 Free Challenge Course [24]

December4-5 Overnight Caving [15]

10 Adventure Movie and Pizza [18]

2016

January21 Adventure Movie and Pizza [18]


31 Day Caving [14]

February6 Cardboard Boat Race [25]


21 Southern 6 Trail Race [26]

26-27 Overnight Caving [15]

March17 Adventure Movie and Pizza [18]

18-19 Create Your Own Trip [21]

20 Day Caving [14]

24 Free Challenge Course Event [21]

25-26 Create Your Own Trip [21]

April1-2 Spiritual Retreat Campout [18]

7 Free Challenge Course Event [21]

9 Free Rock Climbing and Caving [21]



15-17 Backpacking in the Southeast [16]


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[#] = page number with additional event details

Ocoee River Whitewater RaftingAugust 9 and 16, September 13, 20, and 27, April 10 and 17 – Sunday, 10 a.m to 4 p.m.The Ocoee River is one of the most visited rivers for whitewater enthusiasts in the United States. Our

experienced raft guides will take you on an action-packed adventure through class III and IV rapids.

This is an experience you don’t want to miss!

Difficulty: (No experience necessary, but you should be a confident swimmer.)

Cost: $20

Limit: 22

Meet at: Wright Hall

Included: Transportation, gear

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Island CampingOctober 23-24 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sabbath 5 p.m. Get away from the stresses of college life and unwind on an island. We will be canoeing across

Harrison Bay to our weekend getaway retreat. Play in the water, take a nap in a hammock, or focus on

improving your outdoor skills. It’s up to you since we’ll be on island time!

Difficulty:

Cost $10

Limit: 10

Meet at: OEC

Mandatory pre-trip planning meeting about one week prior to event at the OEC


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Paddle Boarding on the Tennessee River September 6 – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Paddle boarding has become a new favorite sport for many

Chattanoogans. It’s not surprising when you consider the opportunities

local rivers and lakes provide. Enjoy a wet day on the Chattanooga

riverfront. You won’t want to miss the beautiful views while paddling

through downtown.

Difficulty:

Cost: $30

Limit: 10

Meet at: OEC

Included: Transportation, gear, instruction

Bat Vespers at Nickajack LakeAugust 21 and September 4 – Friday, 6-11 p.m.

Looking for a unique vespers experience? Join us as we paddle across

a cove to Nickajack Cave for a rare opportunity. In addition to having

worship and fellowship on a lake, we will watch as many as 100,000

bats emerge from the cave at dusk.

Difficulty:

Cost: $5

Limit: 20



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Cartecay River KayakingAugust 29 – Sabbath, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Escape from the heat while venturing into the North Georgia highlands! The Cartecay River,

tucked away in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, follows rhododendron-filled wooded

areas and charming vacation homes. The Cartecay River is a great river to learn to kayak on,

due to how the level of difficulty slightly increases the further you paddle. It begins with a mild

current and slowly builds up to Class I rapids, followed by Class II rapids. Your kayak instructor

will share tips while showing the easiest and most enjoyable path for the excursion.

Difficulty:

Cost: $30

Limit: 10

Meet at: OEC

Mandatory attendance of an open-roll session at the Hulsey pool several days before the trip


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Caving Day TripJanuary 31 and March 20 – Sabbath, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Are you looking for a new hobby? The TAG region (Tennessee,

Alabama, Georgia) is a mecca for caving. There are thousands of

caves within an hour of Chattanooga, and some of the deepest in the

United States are found here. There’s a pit with glow worms, a cave

more than 30 miles long, and caves with creeks, salamanders, bats,

and beautiful rock formations. This trip will give you just a sample of

the many wonders to behold. If you’re left wanting more, sign up for

the horizontal and vertical caving classes offered by Southern.

Difficulty:

Cost: $8

Meet at: OEC


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Overnight CavingDecember 4-5 and February 26-27 –Friday, 3 p.m. to Sabbath, 2 p.m.Prepare to experience what few others have dared to try – an

incomparably dark night sleeping underground. Explore tunnels

and passages while camping below the surface before emerging

the next day.

Difficulty:

Cost: $12

Limit: 10

Meet at OEC

Mandatory pre-trip planning meeting about one week prior to

event at the OEC


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Rock Climbing at Sand RockSeptember 25-27 and November 6-8 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sunday noonSand Rock has a widespread series of boulders with numerous climbing and

bouldering options for all levels. You won’t want to miss the beautiful mountaintop

views as our staff shows you the ropes. This two-day adventure will be filled with

climbing, camping, fellowship, and fun.

Difficulty:

Cost: $25

Limit: 10

Meet at: OEC



Backpacking in the Southeast October 16-18 and April 15-17 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sunday, 3 p.m.With an abundance of plant and animal diversity and unique geological

features, backpacking in the southeastern United States is something you

have to experience for yourself while here at Southern. Your guide will

take care of all the logistics so you can relax and enjoy time in nature with

friends. Beginners will have an opportunity to learn new backpacking skills.

Experienced backpackers will have an opportunity to share their skills.

Difficulty:

Cost: $15

Limit: 10

Meet at: OEC



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Horseback Trail RidingSeptember 18, October 9, November 13, January 29, February 19, and April 15 – Friday, 1-3 p.m. Imagine the serenity of riding a horse through beautiful open

fields and pastures and along the wooded trails of historic

Grindstone Mountain. Hidden Hills Horse and Saddle Club has

more than 500 luscious acres just five minutes from Southern’s

campus. Your horse instructor will provide you with a brief

orientation when you arrive.

Difficulty:

Cost: $25

Limit: 5


Included: Gear, instruction

Adventure Movie and PizzaNovember 19, December 10, January 21, and March 17 – Thursday, 6-8 p.m.Take a break from your studies and come hang out with us around

the fire for pizza, wilderness skills, adventure clips, devotions, and

good times.

Cost $4

Limit: 20

Meet at: OEC

Included: Pizza

Spiritual Retreat CampoutOctober 30-November 1 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sunday 2 p.m. April 1-2 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sabbath 5 p.m.Jesus often led disciples away from their responsibilities for

spiritual rejuvenation. In order to advance in our discipleship,

Jesus still invites His followers to retreat at times. There is an

advantage to placing physical distance between our bodies and our

responsibilities in order to re-energize our life with Christ.

This weekend’s less primitive camping trip is designated just for

this special mission.

Difficulty:

Cost: $10

Meet at OEC

Mandatory pre-trip planning meeting about one week prior to

event at the OEC


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Free Rock Climbing and Caving EventSeptember 20 and April 9 – Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southern is fortunate to have climbing and caving facilities

on campus! The Goliath Wall has climbs up to 60 feet high

that are fit for both beginners and experienced climbers,

ranging from a 5.6-5.10. Our staff will be available for

belaying, sharing pointers, and keeping you safe. The Student

Park Cave has nearly a mile of passages. You may choose to

walk or crawl in the main cave or squeeze through tight side

passages, or even get wet wading in water! Print a copy of the

map at southern.edu/outdoor to help find your way to the

smaller passages.

Difficulty:

Cost: Free

Meet at: Student Park Goliath Wall

Included: Gear

Free Challenge Course EventAugust 26, March 24, and April 7 – Thursday, 5-7 p.m.How does a thrilling, physical challenge up to 50 feet off the ground sound? And it’s free!

Southern’s challenge course has a variety of elements to conquer at varying levels of difficulty.

Sign up to ensure your spot. Walk-ins are also accepted.

Difficulty:

Cost: Free

Limit: 20

Meet at: OEC Climbing Tower

Included: Gear

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Create Your Own Trip! March 18-19 and 25-26 – Friday 3 p.m. to Sabbath 2 p.m.We will provide gear, staff, and transportation for a trip of your choosing. There is a minimum

group size of 10 participants; destination and activity will determine the cost. Make it a trip that

everyone will be talking about!

Difficulty: to

Cost: $12 minimum

Limit: 10

Meet at: OEC



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• BACKPACKS• HEADLAMPS• COOK SETS

• SLEEPING BAGS• VERTICAL CAVING GEAR• ROCK CLIMBING SHOES

• WETSUITS • CANOESand MORE!

Find a complete list of our rental gear by visiting southern.edu/outdoor/rentals or email [email protected].

You can charge gear to a student account using Southern ID cards.

We have the gear you need to make it happen!

PLANNING SOMETHING

EPIC?2322

32nd Annual Race October 4, 2015

Registration from 10:30-11:45 a.m.Race begins at 12:30 p.m.

Register at southerntriathlon.com

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10TH ANNUAL

CARDBOARD

BOAT RACEFEBRUARY 6, 2016 • 7:30-11:59 p.m.

ILES P.E. CENTER

1ST PLACE - $200 • 2ND PLACE - $150 • 3RD PLACE - $100

Get your team together, register, build a boat from cardboard and duct tape, and see how many laps you can complete in the pool before sinking. Prizes will be awarded for various categories.

WAYS TO REGISTER:

1. Stop by the SOAP table2. Stop by the student center info desk3. Email [email protected]

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7th Annual

6K Trail RaceSunday, February 21, 2016

$30 walk/run race fee, $20 for Southern students. Packet pick-up begins at 11 a.m. Race starts at 1 p.m. Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, Tennessee

To register, visit active.com and search “southern6”

Presented by

Wilderness First Responder ADAC-318-A WFR CRTWFR is designed to give you the medical training you need to handle critical situations in remote locations.

May 9-19

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Fall 2015 classes CANOEING – ADAC 142BASIC ROCK CLIMBING – ADAC 145 HORSEMANSHIP – ADAC 148 INTERMEDIATE HORSEMANSHIP – ADAC 248CAVING – ADAC 152BASIC KAYAKING – ADAC 155BACKPACKING – ADAC 212OUTDOOR MINISTRIES – EDOE 301ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION – EDOE 348CHALLENGE COURSE FACILITATOR – OUTL 221

Winter 2016 classesCANOEING – ADAC 142BASIC ROCK CLIMBING – ADAC 145WHITEWATER RAFT GUIDE – ADAC 146CAVING – ADAC 152SWIFTWATER RESCUE – OUTL 346AMGA SINGLE PITCH INSTRUCTOR – OUTL 348VERTICAL CAVING – OUTL 353

GET OUTSIDE THIS SCHOOL YEAR

with classes in Outdoor Leadership

Kayak Club Meets Mondays at Iles Pool 8-9:30 p.m.

Must be a Kayak Club Member

Southern Striders Meets Sundays, 9-10 a.m.

$3 dues

Lifeguard recertification for ARC lifeguardsThree-hour class, $50Card cannot be more than 30 days past expiration

November 2, March 28, April 5, and April 14 Iles Pool, 6:30-9 p.m.

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soap catalog 2015-2016

Documents

sabbath trips

day trips

weeklong trips

canoeing trips

trips difficult

outdoor education center

outdoor leadership program

university health center