Summer Outdoor Adventure Retreat (SOAR)

Day trips depart campus each morning and return to campus every evening between August 20-23.
Experience an unforgettable journey, combining adventure with the breathtaking beauty of North Georgia through outdoor adventures including flatwater river tubing on the Chattanooga River, hiking, and indoor rock climbing. On-campus and off-campus activities will be facilitated by peer trip leaders. Participants will return to their residence halls each evening after activities conclude, giving them a chance to become better acquainted with campus and other SOAR group members. Each group may follow a different itinerary. Activities and itinerary subject to change.

Level of Challenge: Beginner

• Physical Fitness: Minimal physical fitness is needed. This trip is beginner friendly but may push some.
• Experience needed: No previous experience with this activity is required. Participants must be able to swim with the assistance of a personal floatation device (PFD).

Level of Remoteness: Level 1

This is a front country trip where showers and flush toilets are available. Sleeping arrangements will be in your residence hall. You will likely be able to charge electronics and should have regular access to cell phone coverage.

This trip will leave campus the morning of August 20 and return the evening of August 23.
Spend 4 days and 3 nights off campus for a front country camping trip in North Georgia. Create lasting memories while enjoying outdoor adventures and building your new and vibrant social network within the Emory community. Spend 1 day experiencing the thrill of gliding through the treetops as you zipline with your group. Other activities you’ll experience during this trip may include hiking, indoor rock climbing, optional opportunities to swim, camp activities and games, group bonding activities, and exploration of nearby areas. Each group may follow a different itinerary. Activities and itinerary subject to change.

Level of Challenge: Beginner

• Physical Fitness: Minimal physical fitness is needed. This trip is beginner friendly but may push some.
• Experience needed: No previous experience with this activity is required.

Level of Remoteness: Level 2

This is a front country trip with less access to modern-day conveniences. Sleeping arrangement will likely be in tents. Expect pit toilets or similar restroom facilities with little to no access to running faucets. Cell phone coverage may be available but is unreliable. You may have occasional access to electrical outlets to charge electronics.

This trip will leave campus the morning of August 20 and return the evening of August 23.
Spend 4 days and 3 nights off campus for a front country camping trip in Southern Tennessee. You will spend 1 day paddling through five miles of Class III and IV rapids on the Ocoee River with professional whitewater guides. Other activities you’ll experience during this trip may include hiking, river snorkeling, optional opportunities to swim, camp activities and games, group bonding activities, and exploration of nearby areas. Each group may follow a different itinerary. Activities and itinerary subject to change.

Level of Challenge: Beginner

• Physical Fitness: Minimal physical fitness is needed. This trip is beginner friendly but may push some.
• Experience needed: No previous experience with this activity is required. Participants must be able to swim with the assistance of a personal floatation device (PFD).

Level of Remoteness: Level 2

This is a front country trip with less access to modern-day conveniences. Sleeping arrangement will likely be in tents. Expect pit toilets or similar restroom facilities with little to no access to running faucets. Cell phone coverage may be available but is unreliable. You may have occasional access to electrical outlets to charge electronics.

This trip will leave campus the morning of August 20 and return the evening of August 23.
Challenge yourself on scenic trails as you pass through North Georgia’s beautiful forests and mountains during this four-day, three-night backpacking trip. Learn basic outdoor skills from your trip leaders. Immerse yourself in the outdoors: practice Leave No Trace principles, cook group meals, and relax in tents after long days on the trail! Join us for a one-of-a-kind trip you won't want to miss! Expect to travel along rocky and uneven paths. Elevation change is likely gradual with short sections of steep terrain. Participants will carry 20-40 lbs. in backpacking-specific packs. Expect to travel 4-8 miles per day for 3-6 hours per day. Activities and itinerary subject to change.

Level of Challenge: Beginner/Intermediate

• Physical Fitness: A basic level of fitness is recommended for participants to enjoy this trip. This trip is beginner friendly but may push some.
• Experience needed: No previous experience with this activity is required.

Level of Remoteness: Level 3

This is a backcountry trip. Sleeping arrangements will be in tents and access to vehicles/roads is extremely limited or difficult to arrange. There is no access to showers, running water, or toilets. Pit toilets may be available at evening campsites. There is no access to electrical outlets to charge electronics and cell phone coverage is very unreliable or non-existent.