Summer Outdoor Adventure Retreat (SOAR)

This trip will leave campus the morning of August 18 and return the evening of August 21.

Spend 4 days and 3 nights off-campus for a front country camping trip in campgrounds across North Georgia and North Alabama. Create lasting memories while seeking adventure and enjoying two days of rock climbing, one day of horizontal caving, and building a new and vibrant social network within the Emory community. Explore some of the most impressive rock formations in the Southeast above and below ground with this incredible SOAR experience. Students will learn knots, climbing skills, navigational skills, and so much more.

Level of Challenge: Beginner/Intermediate

• 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 arrangements will be in tents. Expect pit toilets (non-flushing) or similar restroom facilities with little to no access to running faucets. Showers will be occasionally available. 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 18 and return the evening of August 21.

Spend 4 days and 3 nights off-campus for a front country camping trip in campgrounds across North Georgia and Southern Tennessee. Create lasting memories while enjoying outdoor adventures and building a new and vibrant social network within the Emory community. Some activities may include, but are not limited to, whitewater rafting, lake swimming, hiking, camp games, and more. 

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 arrangements will be in tents. Expect pit toilets (non-flushing) or similar restroom facilities with little to no access to running faucets. Showers will be occasionally available. 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 18 and return the evening of August 21.

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; we will be headed into wilderness. 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.