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nickerson-campingIntroduction to Camping at Nickerson State Park
New to camping? This trip is the perfect way to give it a try! We’ll spend one night camping in tents at Nickerson State Park on Cape Cod, with plenty of time to learn the basics of setting up camp, cooking outdoors, and enjoying the experience. The adventure also includes a scenic hike through the park’s beautiful trails—an easy, welcoming way to get started with camping and spend time outside.
Cost: $65 total
- Covers everything: transportation, camping fees, food, gear and instruction from your OAP trip leaders. The only extra costs could be any snacks or incidental purchases you choose to make on the travel there and back.
- Registration deadline: Sunday, September 14
Group size: Group size minimum 6 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
Cancellation Policy: Participants cancelling after September 25 will not receive a full refund unless another participant takes their place on the trip. If no one is able to take their place, they will be refunded 40% of the full payment. If the trip is cancelled by OAP for any reason, participants will receive a full refund of the trip cost.
Skill Level / Prerequisites: No previous hiking or overnight camping required.
Physical exertion: Easy. Participants will hike 3-5 miles each day with day packs. Terrain is generally flat or low hills.
Required pre-trip meeting:
- Preparation meeting on Monday, September 15 at 6 p.m., depending on participant schedules. In-person for those who can attend; online for those who need it. We will review itinerary, meals, lodging, and travel information.
Itinerary:
- Saturday, September 20: 10 a.m. Group meets at Bike Shop and Outdoor Center, packs up gear and food, and drives to Nickerson State Park. We will learn how to set up camp, and then head out to various hiking trails to explore this beautiful state park. We will return to campsite for dinner and campfire.
- Sunday, September 21: Pack up our campsite, store it all in the van, and then head out on a different hiking trail for midday. By early afternoon, we will drive back to Lowell, return gear at the Outdoor Center, clean up and celebrate!
acadiaAcadia National Park Hiking and Camping
Join the Outdoor Adventure Program for an unforgettable trip to Acadia National Park! We’ll spend the long weekend hiking some of Maine’s most scenic trails. Acadia is called the "crown jewel of the North Atlantic Coast" with its high rocky coast, wide variety of habitats, and rich cultural heritage. Enjoy two glorious days of hiking with beautiful views and scenery followed by a visit to the Abbe Museum to learn more about the native history of the area.
Cost: $105 total
- Covers everything: transportation, camping fees, food, gear and instruction from your OAP trip leaders. The only extra costs could be any snacks or incidental purchases you choose to make on the travel there and back.
- You may choose to pay in full, or you may choose the $60 deposit option with final payment of $45 due September 25.
- Registration deadline: Sunday, October 5
Group size: Group size minimum 6 people, maximum 9. A waitlist is maintained once the trip is filled. Encourage your friends to join!
Cancellation Policy: Participants cancelling after September 25 will not receive a full refund unless another participant takes their place on the trip. If no one is able to take their place, they will be refunded 40% of the full payment. If the trip is cancelled by OAP for any reason, participants will receive a full refund of the trip cost.
Skill Level / Prerequisites:
- No previous hiking or overnight camping required.
- Overall good physical fitness.
Physical exertion: Moderate. Participants will hike 5-8 miles each day with day packs. Some terrain will be steep and rough.
Required pre-trip meeting:
- Preparation meeting on Thursday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m., depending on participant schedules. We will review itinerary, meals, lodging, and travel information.
Itinerary:
- Friday October 10, 5:30 p.m.: Group will finalize preparation, load gear, and drive to Blackwoods Campground.
- Saturday-Sunday, October 11-12: Camp, enjoy breakfast, pack and head out to various hiking trails. Acadia has numerous beautiful trails with stunning views and gorgeous lush scenery. The group can expect to eat lunch while hiking, and will spend most of the day hiking. Return to campsite for dinner and campfire.
- Monday, October 13 (Indigenous People's Day): Pack up our campsites, head to the Abbe Museum to learn about and appreciate the culture of the native Wabanaki people, whose native land we will have been visiting. Drive back to Lowell during the afternoon, return gear at the Outdoor Center, clean up and celebrate!
Packing List
The items on this list are strongly recommended for your trip. The weather forecast and your thermal perception (i.e. if you generally feel cold easily or often feel hot) should be considered when packing.
CLOTHING
- Long underwear shirt/base layer Recommend 1 long-sleeve and 1 short-sleeve, quick-dry, lightweight, non-cotton, no sweatshirts
- *Insulating upper layer Recommend 1-2 layers fleece, wool, or puffy top layer, should be compact
- *Rain jacket/shell Used for both rain and wind.
- Underwear Quick-dry (non-cotton) preferable
- Long underwear bottoms/lower base layer Recommend 1-2 pairs, quick-drying material such as nylon or polyester required
- Pants/Shorts/Hiking Skirt Recommend 2 pairs quick-dry, non-cotton, no jeans
- *Rain Pants Used for both rain and wind. Bottoms are a must, as weather in mountains can change suddenly
- Socks Hiking socks should be a wool mid-weight hiking style are required, especially for wet conditions and blister prevention; 2-3 pairs is ideal. Socks for wearing at camp may be any material, 1 pair.
- Hiking Shoes or Boots with good tread, and ideally with ankle support
- Camp Shoes Worn around camp or in the van; very lightweight athletic shoes or sport sandals are ideal—no flip flops or open-toed sandals
- Optional: *Gaiters lightweight ankle protection to keep debris out of shoes, especially pebbles & mud. Necessary in winter weather.
- Optional: Pajamas if desired
- Sunglasses Recommend with leash
- *Warm Hat Sun and/or cold protection, depending on season
- *Gloves
- Scarf/Neck Gaiter optional
- Baseball hat or sun hat
- Swimsuit if your trip has a swimming possibility
PERSONAL
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Feminine hygiene supplies plus toiletries disposal bag, pee rag
- Personal environmental supplies Sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray
- If needed: Hair ties
- If needed: Contacts/contact solution
- Small pack towel and/or Bandana Washcloth is a perfect size. Versatile: use as sweat rag, hanky, napkin, etc.
- Personal Medications
- Medical Insurance Card
- Optional: Hand sanitizer Small bottle
EQUIPMENT
- *Headlamp You must provide 3AAA batteries if borrowing one of ours
- *Sleeping bag Proper temperature rating for the season necessary; we use 0 or 20 degree bags
- *Sleeping pad
- *Trekking poles
- *Backpack 40+L required. We provide 65 L backpacks.
FOOD AND WATER
- *Bowl recommend a small plastic Tupperware-type bowl. No plate needed.
- *Mug or cup lightweight plastic for warm drinks
- *Utensils
- *2 Water Bottles Hydration; start hydrating the day before
OPTIONAL
- Money For food on the road and/or possible souvenirs
- Camera (or camera phone). A protective case is highly recommended. Turn phone to airplane mode to preserve battery (and enjoy nature)
- Book or journal or notebook Great for the van or down time on the trip
- Lightweight rechargeable battery pack and charging cables
- Multi-tool or pocketknife
- Binoculars
- Snacks for yourself - no more than 1-2 per day
- Driving clothes and shoes, etc additional clothes/supplies for a longer drive
*All items with an asterisk are available to check-out and included in the cost of your registration.
If you have any personal equipment (sleeping bag, etc.) that you would like to bring, please bring it to the pre-trip meeting so trip leaders can make sure it is appropriate for the needs of this trip.
OAP will provide all the necessary group items, including tents, cooking supplies, stoves and fuel, all the food (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks on the trail) and food storage, water purification, hygiene kit (hand sanitizer and biodegradable soap), first aid kit, emergency communication device, and maps.
Check out all of our upcoming trips on our Trips and Events Calendar webpage.
Image by thehikinghi.com
spring-breakSpring Break to Hawaii!!!
We’re heading to Maui for a weeklong escape packed with jaw-dropping scenery, tropical vibes, and some serious outdoor adventure. The heart of the trip will be a four-day backpacking trek through Haleakalā National Park, where we’ll hike through the surreal volcanic crater, camp beneath the stars, and soak in the dramatic views of ancient lava flows. Before we lace up our boots and head into the backcountry, we’ll kick things off with a catamaran tour along Maui’s stunning coastline. This sail will take us out to some of the island’s best snorkeling spots, where we’ll dive into crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs and tropical marine life.
This trip will have a selection process for its limited spaces. Interested students must participate (or have participated) in an OAP day hike or backpacking/camping trip, and must submit two items for consideration: Register with a small deposit and submit the Participant Application before the October 1 deadline. A waitlist will be maintained.
Check out our Spring Break webpage for all the details on this exciting spring break trip!
Contact Us
- Email: OutdoorAdventure@uml.edu
- Phone: 978-934-1549