Why should I join the Outing Club?
The Outing Club is a group of people who love the outdoors and want to make time during the crazy college schedule to get out there and do stuff. If you want to join an awesome community of outdoor-lovers, learn about the area around Dickinson, get outside, learn how to backpack or climb, and/or laugh a lot, this is the club for you.

If I join, what is my level of commitment?
The Outing Club has a weekly meeting every Monday at 8:15pm in Tome 115 (in the Rector Science Complex). We love for as many people as possible to come to the meetings, so that the trips we plan accurately reflect what our membership wants to do. Meetings are generally 15-30 minutes long. If you cannot make the meetings, but still want to be involved, that is a-ok! You can sign up for trips on EngageD. Just RSVP for the event and email the trip leader if you have any questions.

Does it cost anything to be a member of Outing Club?
We do require a $10 dues for members. This helps defer our transportation costs and pay for gear repair and purchase. Some trips will have an additional cost that is never more than $7 dollars (exceptions include trips with an outfitter (i.e. rafting) or expensive gear rental (i.e. sailing)). This cost generally covers food, parking, and campsite fees.

How do I rent outdoor equipment?
We are not currently offering equipment rental for Fall 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns. However, once things are back to normal, whether you are a member of the Outing Club or not, you are able to rent equipment from the Gearbox, which is in the basement of Allison Hall. To reserve gear, fill out the Gear Request form from the Campus Rec EngageD page.

I have a trip that I would love to go on, can I lead a trip?
YES, if you have a trip that you would like to lead, bring it up in a meeting or email an officer and we will pick a date together and advertise it. If you do not feel comfortable leading a trip, but you have an awesome idea, let us know and we will find a qualified leader to guide the trip.

How do I sign up for a trip?
Go to the EngageD page and RSVP for a spot on the trip you’d like to go on. If the trip is full, don’t hesitate to email us with your name and a way to contact you quickly. We will reach out to you in case a spot opens up last-minute.

How often does the Outing Club run trips?
We try to have at least one trip a week. Usually, there will be a hiking trip and an all-day or overnight trip each weekend. You are welcome to sign up for every trip or just come on one or two a semester.

Does the Outing Club run the rock wall?
The Outing Club does not run the rock wall, but many Outing Club members are rock wall monitors and/or spend a lot of time at the wall. Whether you are an experienced climber or have never laid hands on a rock wall in your life, this is a great place to bond with fellow Outing Club members and break a sweat. There is also a Climbing Team at Dickinson if you are interested in learning how to climb and/or competing.

Do you plan trips for breaks?
Unfortunately, we are no longer able to run trips over fall pause and spring break due to changes in college policies. However, we are happy to help you plan your own trip should you be seeking suggestions!

What is the difference between the EngageD and the Facebook group?
The EngageD page is where you sign up for all official Outing Club trips. Anyone can post spontaneous adventures that they want to go on last minute in the Facebook group to connect with people and just go. Signing up on Facebook for an official trip does not guarantee you a spot, you must sign up on the EngageD.