General Information

Contact Info

About the Program

Who May Participate

Cost

Registration

Refunds

Equipment

Trip Ratings

TTE Home Page

SRC Home Page

 

Jennifer Stewart has left the University. While we search for the new Outdoor Recreation Coordinator, please address questions about trips, equipment rentals and the climbing wall to the staff at 404-413-1772.

Outdoor Desk: TouchtheEarth@gsu.edu
Inquiries: 404-413-1772
Location: Room 30, lower level SRC
Student Recreation Center

See our webpage at
www.gsu.edu/~wwwrec/touch

 

The Touch the Earth outdoor recreation program is designed to be a
non-credit instructional program providing never-ever beginners and novice participants the opportunity to learn the skills and safety concerns for a wide variety of outdoor activities in a supervised, hands-on environment.

Unless stated, no prior experience is required and in most cases, all group equipment is provided as well as transportation by 15-passenger van. An experienced staff of volunteer trip leaders provide logistical planning, instruction, leadership and facilitation for a group experience.

Some trips are available at an intermediate or experienced level for individuals to progress in their skill acquisition. In all cases, a moderate level of physical fitness will allow for a more enjoyable experience.

This program is subsidized by the Student Activity Fee and is a great way to learn outdoor skills in a supervised setting, meet people with similar interests and take a break from a busy week in the city. It's inexpensive and fun!

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Georgia State students, faculty, staff and GSU graduates are given first
priority for sign-up on all outdoor trips. GSU graduates need to be members of the Student Recreation Center. Faculty and staff do not need to be members.

Each GSU person may register one non-Georgia State guest who will pay the third fee amount listed. If a trip or clinic has not been filled one week before it starts, other non-GSU persons will be allowed to fill the vacant spaces, paying the third fee amount listed. Minimum age for "non GSU" registration is 16 years. Some outings may provide a younger limit if the activity is designated "parent-child."

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Register for Touch the Earth trips by paying the required fee at the Outdoor Equipment Rental Center, Lower Level of the Student Recreation Center-outside entrance at the back of the building. Reservations for trips are confirmed on a first-pay basis. Registration begins the first day of each semester. Bring your GSU Panther Card and be prepared to pay with cash, check or Panther Cash. Register by the Wednesday before the trip date.

All participants are required to sign a liability waiver form. Information sheets, available at the Rental Center and on the web site, provide trip
logistics. For trips requiring permission of leader call 404/413-1772 to
obtain the trip leader's phone number.

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The first price listed is for current GSU students. The second price listed
is for GSU faculty and staff and GSU graduates. (Graduates must be SRC members.) Non-GSU participants pay the third price listed.

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Full refunds are given when trip participants cancel their reservations more than two weeks prior to the date of the trip. Half of the fee is refunded if cancellations are made ONE WEEK prior to the date of the trip. No refunds will be awarded for cancellations made less than one week prior to the date of the trip or for a "no show".

If a trip or clinic is canceled by the Outdoor Recreation Coordinator for
any reason, a total refund or trip credit will be awarded to the participant. All refunds are mailed within a three week period. Credit vouchers may be issued for future registration.


REFUNDS FOR BREAK TRIPS
Deposits are always non-refundable and any money paid toward the trip balance is not refundable after the pre-trip meeting. All payment deadlines must be met or your trip spot will be canceled and your payments forfeited.

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Backpacking and Hiking trips are rated according to the physical fitness
demanded to traverse the terrain of the given trail.

Easy is a relatively flat, soft trail with some undulations over a distance
of three to five miles suitable for those in fair to good physical condition preferring a leisurely, less rigorous experience.

Moderate encompasses some incline and decline to traverse often on
switchbacks** or rocky terrain for a distance of four to seven miles requiring good physical condition.

Strenuous requires very good physical condition to traverse seven to ten miles of incline and decline to include rugged terrain and switchbacks.
** A switchback is a zigzag trail designed to make traversing a steep grade easier.

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