Faqs, Policies & Permits

Adventure Outings FAQs

Nope! Adventure Outings is a program run by the Associated Students. You can register for one trip or 10 trips, how much you participate is up to you, and you don’t need to join. The only required meetings are the pre-trip meetings for each trip.

AO hires student staff for positions in the climbing gym, equipment rental center, office, and Bike Hub. Visit the AS Human Resources page for current job postings. Positions are typically posted twice a year, usually in April and November.

You can become a Trip Leader after going through our Assistant Trip Leader program. Find out more on the Assistant Trip Leader page.

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Almost anyone! All Chico Students are allowed to register. If you are a Chico State student and are under 18 you’ll need to have a parent or guardian sign our waiver. If you are not a Chico State student but are over 18, then you can register for our trips unless otherwise noted.

That’s perfect! We specialize in adventures for beginners. Adventure Outings is the gateway to getting you started in outdoor recreation. By providing transportation, some gear, and expert guides, we’ll make you feel at home in the outdoors. When you return from your trip, we guarantee you’ll have a greater sense of confidence in outdoor adventures. And, chances are, you won’t be alone; there will be many others who are new to the experience joining you on the trip.

Register online! You can also register in person at the AO table outside of the BMU or WREC.

Transportation to and from campus, experienced leaders, all technical gear, shelter, permits, and camping fees. Oh, and fun. Did we mention fun?! A GREAT value!

No problem! The AO Equipment Room rents these things, and if you’re renting them to go on an AO trip, your rentals will be half-price.

This really varies by trip but most of our trips are designed for beginners. However, even a beginner trip can feel very tough to someone who has never done the activity before. We suggest you talk to our office staff before signing up if you have questions and check the trip’s rating. You can also improve your experience by attending the pre-trip meeting and following the suggestions of your trip staff, bringing all the suggested equipment/food/clothing, and showing up for the trip well-rested and with an open mind.

If you’re signing up alone, don’t worry! One of the best things about our trips is that you’ll have the chance to meet and bond with new people. Most of our trips include a pre-trip meeting, during which you’ll meet everyone else you’ll be traveling with, break the ice and get to know each other.

For most trips, it will happen the week of the trip. For example, if your trip is on Saturday, your pre-trip meeting will most likely that Tuesday or Wednesday evening before the trip. We’ll let you know ASAP when and where the meeting will be, usually the Monday before the trip – keep an eye on your email! *Note: Some 1-day trips, as well as WWO and summer trips, do not have pre-trip meetings. For these trips, you’ll receive details via email.

Most trips will determine their departure time at your pre-trip meeting depending on the participant’s schedules. If your trip does not have a pre-trip meeting, you will be informed via email about the departure time. Return times vary greatly due to the unpredictable nature of the outdoors and travel in general. If you would like an estimated return time, please contact the AO Office.

Please contact us prior to registering. If you have already registered, please contact us ASAP and inform us.

AO leaders come from diverse backgrounds and are passionate about many different outdoor pursuits. They receive training in outdoor skills, logistics and risk management, interpersonal development, and much more. Trip staff hold current First Aid and CPR certifications and attend regular meetings, training, and workshops. All leaders are current students at Chico State.

Our ratings are designed to give you a general idea of the physical difficulty and amount of previous experience necessary for each trip. Please note that these ratings are estimations only. If you are unsure if a trip is suitable for you, please contact our office.

  • Easy: Relatively low level of physical exertion with numerous opportunities for rest. No prior experience needed.

  • Moderate: Some physically demanding activity and challenging environmental conditions should be expected. Previous experience is helpful but not required.

  • Difficult: This will be a physically challenging trip for almost everyone. Expect challenging environmental conditions and long days. Previous experience in the trip activity is strongly encouraged.

  • Very Difficult: This rating is reserved for our most challenging trips. Expect very challenging environmental conditions and very long days. Previous experience in the trip activity is strongly encouraged.


Refund Policy

No refunds are given unless the outing is canceled by Adventure Outings. Inform the Adventure Outings office if you decide to sell your spot and bring your receipt to the office. However, if you do not sell your spot, you will not be reimbursed if you choose not to go on the trip. Due to the unpredictability of nature and other unforeseeable circumstances, trip locations, times, dates, and the method of travel are subject to change with or without notification.

The AO Philosophy (what we expect of you)

  • In order to maintain high safety standards, all participants must comply with the procedures and practices of Adventure Outings as explained by the trip leaders.
  • Participants and staff will treat everyone with respect.
  • A clear head and fast, sure actions are essential for the safety and success of each trip. Drug and alcohol use on an outing is against AO policy and is not permitted.
  • You are a full member of a team, and we depend on each other for safety. In case of an emergency, and because we work in remote areas, we may request and expect your assistance.
  • Participants should respect the fragile wilderness areas that we use.
  • Violation of these principles may result in expulsion. If you are asked to leave a trip because of misconduct, you will forfeit trip fees and receive a charge for evacuation from the backcountry.

What you can expect of Adventure Outings

  • Trained student trip leaders.
  • Freedom from discrimination regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, disability, gender, and sexual orientation.
  • A supportive learning environment free from physical or verbal harassment.
  • Real challenges and meaningful learning experiences. We will inform you of anticipated curriculum and risks, but it must be understood that unanticipated situations occur and expectations may not be met. We promise that we will do all within our power to make this a meaningful experience.

Participant Information and Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Associated Students Special Use Permits

  • Shasta-Trinity National Forest
  • Lassen National Forest
  • Plumas National Forest
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Klamath National Forest
  • Point Reyes National Seashore
  • BLM-Redding
  • BLM-Mother Lode
  • El Dorado County
  • California Department of Parks & Recreation, Auburn

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible State or local Agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is also available in languages other than English.

To file a complaint alleging discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/compl... , or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provided in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.