Clemson’s Campus Recreation department works to provide a quality recreational experience and promote physical and mental well-being among the University community. One of the most memorable ways it achieves this goal is through the Clemson Outdoor Recreation and Education (CORE) program. This initiative gives students the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of outdoor adventure activities, ranging from beginner to advanced skill sets. These events — including hikes, whitewater rafting, skiing and more — are scheduled throughout the year.
One of Clemson University’s primary goals is to promote well-being, and CORE aims to maximize this principle by organizing specific events designed to elevate wellness and target an inclusive audience.
“Our purpose statement is for CORE to facilitate community and personal growth through outdoor recreation,” says Associate Director of Outdoor Recreation Taylor Williams. “We strive for our trips to allow students the opportunity to make new friends, explore new places, and learn new skills all while enjoying the great outdoors.”
Some of the most unique and unforgettable experiences CORE offers are through its alternative break program. Last semester, students went canoepacking during fall break along the Suwanee River, while another group skied and snowboarded in Winter Park, Colorado over recent winter break. This spring, CORE will be leading a trip to West Texas, where students will paddle the Rio Grande in Big Bend National Park, hike to arches and camp along the riverbank at night.
In addition to trips sponsored by CORE, the program also aims to equip students with the knowledge and resources to plan their own adventures. CORE offers skills workshops — rock climbing and bicycle maintenance, for example — and manages an outdoor equipment rental service. Students who visit Andy’s on the lake have access to paddleboards, kayaks and other amenities to personalize their outdoor experience, while students planning a camping trip can borrow tents, backpacks, sleeping bags and more.
Below are a few of the upcoming spring events with dates and costs. Visit the CORE home page on Campus Rec’s website to sign up or learn additional information.
- Feb. 14 — Art Night @ Andy’s: Valentine Making and S’mores Baking ($5)
- Feb. 15-16 — Lake Hartwell Paddle and Camp ($40)
- Feb. 23 — Rainbow Falls Day Hike ($25)
- Feb. 28 – March 2 — Intro to Backpacking ($85)
- March 15-22 — SPRING BREAK: Canoepacking on the Rio Grande ($600)
- March 28 — SUP’s and S’mores ($5)
- March 30 — Nantahala Whitewater Rafting ($50)
- April 11 — Paddles and Pies ($5)
- April 13 — Ducks on the Tuck ($25)
- May 10-18 — International Adventure and Service: Dominica ($2,300)