Govs Outdoors

Govs Outdoors is University Recreation’s outdoor adventure department. We offer indoor rock climbing at the Foy, guided outdoor trips, outdoor equipment rentals, and a low-ropes course for challenge, teambuilding and leadership programs. Our climbing wall has bouldering and top-rope climbing for all ability levels. Outdoor trips can be anything from a half-day float on the Red River to a week-long backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon and everything in between. Adventurers who are just missing that one piece of, gear can rent everything from hammocks to backpacking packs. Groups can visit the Challenge Course to build teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Govs Outdoors aims to provide all students with an opportunity to expand their skillset, improve their self-reliance, and their ability to work with a group while enjoying the experience of the great outdoors.  

 Trip Schedule  Trip Info Climbing Wall  Gear Rental  FAQs

Trip Information:

Govs Outdoors offers a variety of outdoor experiences. Some outings will be short, in and around Clarksville, some will be overnight trips, and some will make use of the Fall and Spring Breaks to allow for 3+ days of adventure. Govs Outdoors trips are cooperative adventures; participants will learn relevant skills throughout the trip and be empowered to contribute to the adventure experience. 

Trip Difficulty
There is a Govs Outdoors trip for everyone. All trips are open to newcomers, and none require prior experience, regardless of activity type. Certain trips, such as backpacking, do demand a certain level of physical readiness. Most individuals can meet these demands without additional preparation, but it is an important consideration for any trip. If you are concerned with the potential difficulties of a trip, please speak with our staff at the Rock or the Gear Center, and they will help you understand what to expect. 

Equipment 
Specialized equipment will be provided and included in trip pricing. Some trips require or recommend specific types of clothing articles that the average participant will already own, such as a dri-fit t-shirt. We may not be able to provide items of this nature, but we will work with you to find a solution.   

Trip Fees
Trip fees include all transportation, lodging, in-camp food, equipment rental and activity fees. The trip fee advertised is the fee each individual pays. 

Refunds/Cancellations

• Full refunds will be granted under the following conditions:  

• • A trip that is cancelled by Govs Outdoors for weather, low participation, or other extenuating circumstances.  
  • A trip is full, has an active waitlist, and another participant is willing to take your spot.  
  • Family/medical/personal emergencies will be reviewed on case-by-case basis by the Govs Outdoors Coordinator and Assiociate Director.   
  • Cancellations 3 weeks in advance of the registration deadline. 

• Cancellations 2 weeks in advance of a trip's registration deadline will be eligible for a 75% refund  
• Cancellations 1 week in advance of a trip's registration deadline will be eligible for a 50% refund.  
• Cancellations within a week of a trip's registration deadline will not be eligible for a refund. 

University Recreation reserves the right to cancel a program due to inclement weather, lack of participation, natural disasters, or extenuating circumstances. Sometimes trip pricing includes outside reservation or activity fees; these fees are non-refundable.

SPRING 2025 Trip Calendar:

*IMPORTANT* Registration for all trips opens at 6AM, Monday, January 20th!

The Rock at APSU

Climbing at the Rock at APSU requires a climbing membership. All you need to do is visit the Rock during staffed hours to receive a free orientation. Top-rope and autobelay climbing are available from 2-6pm Monday thru Friday. Open bouldering is available for climbing members anytime the Foy is open.

The Rock features a 12-foot free-standing boulder and a 26-foot roped climbing wall with two autobelay devices. Both the boulder and the wall have climbs suitable for total beginners and advanced climbers alike.  

No experience, no problem. Our staff is available during open hours to assist those new to climbing. New climbers will go through a short orientation to become familiar with the Rock's policies. All necessary equipment is provided for free. 

Belay Training

Belaying is managing the rope while a climber is on the wall and belay certification is available to all climbing members. Belay certified climbers can belay each other and do not need staff assistance to top-rope. 

Belay classes are $5. Fall and Spring belay class schedules will be released on the first day of classes, while Summer semester classes will be based on interest. Belaying is a critical skill in rock climbing. Our class will cover technique, equipment and some common errors to watch out for. Once you are fully belay certified, you can belay at the Foy without staff assistance.

JUMP SCARE '24! Halloween Dyno Comp!

We are bringing back our spookyween climbing event for another year! This Halloween, join us at the Rock from 2 - 6 PM in your best costume and show off your rock-hopping skills! A 'dyno' is a jumping move in rock climbing, so this competition will be based on single-move challenges involving jumping from one hold to another. We will have dynos of all difficulty levels.