Start Your Adventure Outdoor Recreation

Academic Year Hours (September-April)

The Climbing wall opens 1 hour after the office.

Monday – Thursday: 4-9 p.m.
Friday: 2-7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.*
Sunday: 12-4 p.m.*

Closed

• Mid-semester break
• Thanksgiving Break
• Fall Finals
• Winter Break
• Spring Break
• Easter Break
• Spring Finals

Reservations are restricted to our office hours. Please email Outdoor Pursuit if you would like to create a reservation outside of regular office hours.

*January & February, our office closes at 6 p.m.

Summer Hours (May-August)

Rental office only. The climbing wall is closed except for private groups and parties.

Monday – Friday: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Closed

• Finals and Commencement Week
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day (July 4th & 5th)
• Last 3 weeks of August – Labor Day
  • Staff Training and New Student Orientation trips

Reservations are restricted to our office hours. Please email Outdoor Pursuit if you would like to create a reservation outside of regular office hours.

Discounts

Current St. Scholastica students, employees and alumni receive discounts on rentals. During checkout use your CSS login/email, enter your respective discount code and students/alumni must enter graduation info.

• Students get 50% off, use code: cssstudent
• Employees get 25% off, use code: cssemployee
• Alumni get 25% off, use code: cssalum

Discounts will be applied to the order total at checkout. No discounts on purchases.

Rentals During Student Breaks and Summer

Email us to discuss rental options when our office will be closed. We handle these requests on a case by case basis.

Our office is staffed by students, so our office is closed or operating on modified hours during student breaks.
During the summer our hours are modified. Usually we are open Monday – Friday during the day and closed on weekends.

Before or After Hours Pick Ups and Returns

Email us to discuss pick up and returns outside of our office hours. Several variables determine what we can accommodate, so we handle these requests on a case by case basis.

Sizing Help

If you are unsure of your size, look at the item descriptions for sizing guides. Some items such as paddles and ski poles can be sized when you pick up the item. If you have additional questions, please contact us.

Customer Inspection, Use and Care

• It is the responsibility of the renter to understand the use and care of all rental equipment. Customers may request a demo and/or explanation of the equipment at pick up.
• It is the responsibility of the renter to inspect all rental equipment and verify it to be free of damage, fully functioning and all parts are included.
• The renter is responsible to pay for any missing parts or damaged equipment.

Cancellations, Changes, Late Fees and Refunds

• Cancellations made more than 48 hours prior to pick up receive a full refund. Refunds may take up one week to process.
• Cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to pick up receive 50% rental credit.
• Outdoor PURSUIT! reserves the right to change, adjust and cancel reservations at any time.
• No refunds will be issued for gear that is returned early.
• Reservations which are not picked up or cancelled and have not been paid, may incur a fee added to the users account up to the original reservation amount.
• Late gear will accrue a fee equal to the one-day rental fee for each item for every day past the due date.

Payments

• Reservations must be paid for before or at the time of pick-up.
• Checks (payable to OP!), cash or credit/debit cards are acceptable forms of payment.

Transportation of Equipment

• When transporting equipment, it is the responsibility of the renter to ensure all equipment is loaded and secured properly prior to driving.
• Outdoor Pursuit staff may assist the renter with loading and unloading. The College, Outdoor Pursuit staff and program is not responsible for any vehicle damage caused by rental equipment.

Damage, Loss, Theft and Cleaning

• Gear should be returned in the condition it was given. It is the responsibility of the renter to take into consideration the condition of the gear in order not to accrue damage/misuse.
• If gear needs to be repaired, the cost will be assessed to the renter.
• If gear needs complete replacement, the renter will be charged the full replacement cost.
• If gear needs cleaning, a charge of no less than $10 will be assessed.
• All fees are due within 7 business days of the fee being assessed.

Liability

Neither The College of St. Scholastica or the Outdoor Pursuit program will be responsible for any casualties or accidents resulting from the use or misuse of rental/purchased gear. The renter/buyer is responsible for having familiarity with the equipment and understanding the risks associated with many outdoor activities.

Purchases

All sales are final. No refunds, exchanges or holding of items. The College of St. Scholastica or Outdoor Pursuit cannot be held liable for any of the gear either bought or sold.

The Climbing wall opens 1 hour after the rental office and is closed during all academic breaks including summer.

The climbing wall is available during breaks and summer for hosting private groups and parties. Fill out the Climbing Wall Group and Party Request form for more information about having a party or group event at the climbing wall.

Climbing wall participants need to fill out a waiver prior to using the climbing wall. You can fill out the waiver electronically or you can print your own copy of the waiver and bring it with you. Make sure to give your completed waiver to the climbing wall staff when you arrive. The electronic and paper waivers are also available to be completed at the climbing wall.

Climbing Wall Waiver

Daily Guest Passes

Current St. Scholastica students climb for free and we provide all of the equipment and training. If a student wants to bring a guest, we sell daily guest passes for $5.

• Daily guest passes are $5
• Available to individuals attending the climbing wall with a St. Scholastica sponsor (current St. Scholastica student or employees)

There is a limit of 2 guests per person; however, we will try to accommodate students‘ families.

Seasonal Guest Passes

St. Scholastica students, employees and alumni can buy an individual or family pass. These passes are valid through the current academic year.

• Individual passes are $30
• Family passes are $60

A 50% spring discount is available to anyone purchasing a pass after the spring semester begins.

To purchase a pass, come to the climbing wall during our regular hours of operation.

New to climbing, looking for a place to climb, climbing with a group or hosting a birthday party? Fill out the Climbing Wall Group and Party Request form to get more information about the details of having a party or group event at the climbing wall.

Cost

$275. This covers meals, transportation, instruction, group equipment, meals and souvenir.

Outdoor Pursuit on Social Media

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Devil’s Lake State Park

Start off your college adventure by pushing yourself to new heights. Devil’s Lake State Park is a 374-acre lake surrounded by 500-foot-high quartzite bluffs created by glacial deposits during the last ice age approximately 12,000 years ago. With an abundance of trails, campsites, beaches, and picnic areas the park has become the most visited state park in Wisconsin. Devil’s Lake is home to thousands of climbing routes scattered throughout the park (which we will be exploring). Each day we will venture to a new climbing location while taking in the magnificent views visible from the crags. During the week, we will coach you on climbing techniques so each person can progress in skill. When we finish climbing each day there will be opportunities to hike various trails, swim in the lake, and if you’re lucky we might even show you our secret rocks for jumping into the lake!

This trip is a great experience for all, no matter your prior knowledge of climbing! We hope to see you on the climbs!

Trip Difficulty

Easy/Moderate: Each day of the trip we will be hiking roughly 2-4 miles to a unique climbing site. We will set up climbs of varying difficulty in order to meet the ability of everyone on the trip. There will be beginner friendly training and instruction prior to embarking on our trip as well as continued instruction during the trip. No prior experience is required!!

Number of participants

10-12

Check Out the Trip

See what a Devil’s Lake Trip is like.

Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA)

Explore the most famous wilderness canoe location in the world, right outside our back door! Spend six days with us exploring the Canadian Shield country. Our guides will teach you all of the paddling and camping skills needed to travel through this one-of-a-kind wilderness. Each day you will paddle across lakes and rivers surrounded by breathtaking landscape. Look out for waterfalls, hieroglyphs, and maybe even a moose. During the evening, you can wind down with camp games, great food, and get to know your trip mates. This would also be a great time to talk to the guides about what college is like as well as ask any questions you have not been able to ask yet. Meet new friends as your paddle silently guides you through the awe-inspiring depths of this boreal forest region.

Trip Difficulty

Moderate: During the trip, we will be paddling and portaging about 6-12 miles per day, for a total of about 45 miles in 6 days. This trip can be physically demanding and will involve carrying canoes and gear that can weigh up to 60 lbs in addition to making our way across some rough terrain from lake to lake. It is a good idea to prepare physically for this trip. We will be paddling most of the day with some portaging. In terms of wilderness skills and knowledge, prior experience canoeing and camping is helpful and welcomed but not required to succeed! Your guides can teach you everything you need to know. All we ask is that you come with a positive attitude and willingness to learn. If you are up for the adventure, making new friends, and spending some time in the wilderness, this trip is for you!

Number of Participants

2-3 trips, up to 7 participants per trip

Check Out the Trip

See what a Boundary Waters canoeing trip is like.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Starting college with a pack, hiking shoes and 10-12 of your new friends just screams adventure and good times. Come along for one of our backpacking trips where you will travel scenic routes and share your life story. The muscle aches will be worth it when you return to school with lots of new memories and friendships to help you get through the transition to your new home at St. Scholastica. Due to the overwhelming demand, we will offer two backpacking trips, both take you through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

During your trip to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, you will hike along part of the 42-mile North Country National Scenic Trail. The trail hugs the shoreline of Lake Superior, providing hikers with amazing views of sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, waterfalls, lakes, and forest. Each day you will hike to new a campsite. In the evenings, you cook, hang out and build relationships that will help you get off to a good start at St. Scholastica.

While on this trip, the leaders will share their own knowledge and wisdom on how to have a good time and prepare you for the next few years that you will spend in college. Don’t be shy, if you have questions they are there to provide you with answers. If you are looking for a backpacking trip with breathtaking views, fun guides and the opportunity to meet new friends then sign up now!

Trip Difficulty

Moderate: This trip is 5-11 miles of hiking each day, with a heavy (25-45 lbs) backpack, on uneven and slightly hilly trails. Your pack will contain your personal gear and portions of food and camp gear — so pack light! We recommend preparing for this trip with moderate incline walking or hiking.

Number of Participants

2 Trips, 10-12 participants per trip

Check Out the Trip

See what a backpacking trip at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is like.

Faith & SOAR — Backpacking or Rock Climbing

For SOAR 2025, backpacking and climbing participants have the option to attend Saturday evening Mass to fulfill their weekend obligation, allowing them to fully enjoy this SOAR trip while honoring their faith.

If you would like to attend one of these SOAR trips and also attend Saturday evening Mass, please select the Backpacking with Mass or Rock Climbing with Mass option during registration. These are the same backpacking and climbing trips offered to all; however, we will use these selections to determine who would like to attend Mass.

We will collect registrations and assign participants to trips on a first-come, first-served basis. Attending Mass will be incorporated into the trip plans and itinerary for participants who indicate a desire to attend. Outdoor Pursuit reserves the right to consolidate the option to attend Mass into one trip if the minimum number of participants does not indicate a desire to attend on both trips. If attendees are consolidated into one trip, Outdoor Pursuit will contact them to discuss this option or provide alternative August Adventure options.

Wilderness trips can be unpredictable. Travel, terrain, weather, and other factors are all considerations when safety is our highest priority. If, for some reason safety is a concern, we reserve the right to cancel the trip to Saturday evening Mass. Between the two trip options, due to the backcountry location, backpacking presents more factors that could impact attending Mass.

So why should you be part of SOAR?

Are you nervous? Excited? Maybe you’re just anxious to move on to the next chapter of your life? Let Outdoor Pursuit and our student guides help you transition into your new home. Your week will be full of exciting opportunities and adventures. Our guides will train you and provide you with all of the necessary equipment to have a fun and safe trip. During your trip, you will build relationships with others that are going through the same changes you are, as well as ask all those questions you haven’t been able to ask in an emotionally and physically safe environment. So if you’re ready to go on an adventure and meet some new people, look at the trip options and SIGN-UP!!! Space is limited and trips fill fast so don’t wait too long.

Who will be my guide?

Highly-trained, nationally certified St. Scholastica student guides lead the SOAR trips. Our elite instructors are excited about the outdoors and providing fun adventures. Passionate about teaching, they demonstrate outdoor skills and help other students explore new places. They show participants the beauty of nature, foster lifelong friendships and make these trips unforgettable.

Outdoor Pursuit’s Coordinator, Shawn Olesewski, provides guidance, training and leadership to each instructor. He prepares them to lead others safely and ethically.

Can I bring my cell phone?

During the SOAR trips, cell phones, mp3 players, or other electronics which will distract them from the experience are NOT ALLOWED. Most of the locations we travel to do not have cell phone reception and we do not want you to break or lose your electronics in the wilderness. We do allow cameras and digital cameras so you can document your experience. Each trip will also have a digital camera for participants to use throughout the entire trip, we will share those photos with anyone who requests them.

What about safety and emergency communication?

In terms of safety and communication, our guides are trained in wilderness medicine, emergency response, and risk management. We are strategic and detailed when we plan and prepare for these trips in order to minimize risk and maximize fun. Each trip is equipped with first aid supplies, a guide who is nationally certified in wilderness medicine and a device to alert the college and the nearest emergency services if needed. We take safety very seriously. If you have any questions, let us know.