For over 35 years, Outdoor Adventures (OA) has provided outdoor recreation experiences for NIU students, faculty and
staff as well as services to the general public.

 

All our trips and events are student-planned and led, meaning our staff (NIU students) are able to provide you with fun adventures and develop their own diverse skillsets at the same time.

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Our Trip Leaders

Student Leaders are hired over the summer and fall, and spend a semester in training. They earn CPR and Wilderness First Aid certifications and learn a variety of outdoor and leadership skills. Training includes navigation, how to plan trips and use outdoor equipment, team-building strategies, and how to lead groups.

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After training, the leaders are put to the test on a trip they plan over winter break. When spring semester begins, they can begin co-leading with our more seasoned trip leaders and learn on the job. Once spring is over, most are ready to plan and lead trips of their own!

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As a student-led operation, Outdoor Adventures schedules and offerings change with each new group of leaders. We love being a dynamic organization that can give our leaders the opportunity to take initiative and gain real-life experience.

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The Adventure Center

Our physical location (where we rent our gear, host workshops, and other shenanigans) is located on the west side of the Recreation Center on NIU's campus in DeKalb, IL. Look for our racks of boats to find our entrance, or hang a right if using the Rec Center's main entry.