S O A P

Southern Outdoor Adventure Program

Catalog of Outdoor Activities 2014-2015
Did you know that Outside Magazine named Chattanooga, Tennessee, one of the
10 Best Outdoor Towns in the U.S.? The publication described Chattanooga as a very
scenic, very happening, and very easy place to live, with unlimited options for climbing,
caving, biking, hiking, and paddling.
Its one more reason to attend Southern Adventist University, located just outside
Chattanooga on 1,300 acres of wooded hills.
If you love the outdoors or adventure activities, you will nd some of the top opportunities
in the country to pursue these types of experiences. This booklet describes how we help
you get to those adventures. Each year, the Outdoor Leadership team plans a full calendar
of recreational activities available to students at little to no cost. Browse this catalog for an
idea of what you might enjoy.
Prepare for adventure!
Gordon Bietz, president
Southern Adventist University
WE L COME
SOAP is an extension of the Outdoor Leadership program at Southern Adventist University
and is the university communitys resource for adventure programming. SOAP provides
guided backpacking, rafting, caving, rock climbing, horseback riding, camping, surng,
canoeing, and cycling excursions that range from single day trips around Chattanooga to
week-long trips across the country. Instructional clinics are offered throughout the year
for outdoor recreation enthusiasts to learn a variety of wilderness survival skills. SOAP is a
great way to meet new friends, learn new skills, and have fun in a Christian environment,
all in the GREAT OUTDOORS.
Comments from students:
I used every muscle I have!
A great way to make new friends.
Awesome spiritual experience in the wilderness.
I am hooked on backpacking now!
One of the coolest experiences of my life!
SOAP OV E RV I E W
SE ME ST E R OV E RV I E W
2014
September
5 Bat Vespers
14 Ocoee Whitewater Rafting
21 Ocoee Whitewater Rafting
25 High Ropes Course
26-28 Backpacking
28 Horseback Riding
October
3-5 Foster Falls Climbing
5 Horseback Riding
5 Ocoee Whitewater Rafting
10-12 Spiritual Retreat
10-12 Island Camping
23 High Ropes Course
November
2 Horseback Riding
7-8 Overnight Caving
9 Open Goliath Wall
14-15 Fall Photo Fling
14-15 Tennessee Wall Climbing
16 Horseback Riding
22 Caving Day Trip
December
7 SOAP Party
2015
February
6-8 Spiritual Retreat
8 Horseback Riding
15 Caving Day Trip
15 High Ropes Course
20-22 Outdoor Leadership Retreat
26 Adventure Movie and Pizza
March
19 High Ropes Course
26 Adventure Movie and Pizza
27-28 Overnight Caving
April
3-4 Foster Falls Climbing
5 Ocoee Whitewater Rafting
12 Horseback Riding
17-19 Spring Photo Fling
19 Ocoee Whitewater Rafting
23 Adventure Movie and Pizza
24 Bat Vespers
25 Dusk til Dawn Race
How do I sign up?
You can sign up at the SOAP table located
in front of the student center every
Monday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for
the month of September and January. You
can also nd the SOAP table occasionally
at the Hulsey Wellness Center and inside
the student center. All trips can be paid
for at the Hulsey Wellness Center front
desk with your student ID card, credit
card, check, or cash. If you cannot
make it to these locations please email
us at soap@southern.edu and we will
arrange a time to meet you.
Can I sign up my friends and/or
family?
If there are available spots on a trip,
get em signed up and bring em along!
Priority goes to current Southern students,
faculty and staff before being open to
other friends and family.
What about Sabbath?
The Great Outdoors is a fantastic place
to spend Sabbath. You may choose to
bring a Bible or maybe even a guitar and
come listen to voice of the Lord without
your everyday distractions.
Are the trips difcult?
Even though all of our trips require no
previous experience, some trips do
require a little more sweat equity be
invested.
Anyone can do it. Just get off the
couch and come along.
You should probably be active
and fairly comfortable being outdoors.
Be ready for a challenge.
Good physical condition and willingness to
suffer a bit, highly preferred.
Where is the OEC?
The Outdoor Education Center (OEC) is
located on University Drive to the left of
the University Health Center. Look for the
building with the hanging wooden canoe
and the GIANT climbing tower.
I signed up. Now what?
The week of the trip, your leader will
contact you via email with a list of
necessary items and information for your
outing. All overnight excursions will have a
mandatory pre-trip meeting where you will
learn about any gear that you may need.
SOAP provides all gear needed for the
activity except for a sleeping bag (which
has a $5 rental fee). Visit southern.edu/
outdoors/rentals for more information.
FAQ
BACKPACKS
HEADLAMPS
COOK SETS
SLEEPING BAGS
VERTICAL CAVING GEAR
ROCK CLIMBING SHOES
WETSUITS
CANOES
and MORE!
Find a complete list of our rental gear by visiting southern.edu/outdoor/rentals
or email gearrental@southern.edu.
You can charge gear to your student account using your student I.D. Pay for your rental at the
Wellness Center front desk any day, then pick up your gear Fridays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
PLANNING SOMETHING
We have the gear you need to make it happen!
EPIC?
Fall 2014 classes
ADAC 142A CANOEING
ADAC 145 BASIC ROCK CLIMBING
(FALL AND WINTER)
ADAC 152A CAVING
(FALL AND WINTER)
ADAC 155 BASIC KAYAKING
(FALL AND WINTER)
EDOE 301 OUTDOOR MINISTRIES
ADAC 212 BACKPACKING
ADAC 221 CHALLENGE COURSE FACILITATOR
Winter 2015 classes
ADAC 146 WHITEWATER RAFT GUIDE
ADAC 136 SURVEY OF OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
ADAC 353 VERTICAL CAVING
EDOE 348 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
ADAC 346 SWIFTWATER RESCUE
GET OUTSIDE
THIS SCHOOL YEAR
with classes in Outdoor Leadership
SE PT E MBE R
Bat Vespers at Nickajack Lake
Friday, September 5, 6-11 p.m.
Experience the calm and camaraderie of pals and paddling while
witnessing 100,000 bats emerge from the world famous Nickajack
Cave. There is nothing quite like it. Vespers credit provided.
Difculty:
Cost: $5
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River
Sunday, September 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Ocoee River provides rafters and kayakers with world-class whitewater excitement only an hour
from campus. Our experienced raft guides will direct your mates through white-knuckled class III and
IV rapids like Grumpys, Double Suck, and Table Saw, just to name a few. This is an experience you
dont want to miss!
Difculty: (should be a condent swimmer)
Cost: $20
Meet at: Wright Hall
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: September 10, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
High Ropes Course
Thursday, September 25, 6-8:30 p.m.
Ever wondered about that crazy contraption behind the OEC? Come
get your heart pumping as you traverse the pirates crossing, ying
squirrel, and other elements 50 feet off the ground, then ride a
zipline back to the comfort of Mother Earth! (The event is open to
walk-ins, but sign up at the SOAP table to hold your spot.)
Difculty:
Cost: $5
Meet at: OEC Climbing Tower
Included: Gear, instruction
Horseback Trail Riding
Friday, September 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Abandon the wheel and take the reins for an afternoon as
you experience the power and elegance of one of Gods most
majestic creatures. After a brief orientation, mount your trusty
steed for a scenic ride through the elds and forests of nearby
Hidden Hills.
Difculty:
Cost: $20
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
Backpacking on the Cumberland Plateau (Fiery Gizzard)
Friday, 1 p.m.-Sunday, 5 p.m., September 26-27
There is a wealth of incredible recreation opportunities within a
short drive from campus. Come and check it out by foot and nd
the beauty in simplicity. Backpacking is a great way to have all
the fun of camping, only covering more ground.
Difculty:
Cost: $30
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: September 24, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction, food
SE PT E MBE R
OCT OBE R
Climbing at Foster Falls
Friday, 2 p.m.-Sunday, 5 p.m., October 3-5
Join us as we explore the heights of Tennessee. You wont want to
miss the beautiful views as our guides show you the ropes. This
adventure will be lled with lots of climbing and rappelling, so come
ready for a weekend you wont forget.

Difculty:
Cost: $18
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: October 1, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, food
Horseback Trail Riding
Friday, October 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Abandon the wheel and take the reins for an afternoon as you experience the power and elegance of
one of Gods most majestic creatures. After a brief orientation, mount your trusty steed for a scenic
ride through the elds and forests of nearby Hidden Hills.
Difculty:
Cost: $20
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River
Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Ocoee River provides rafters and kayakers with world-
class whitewater excitement only an hour from campus. Our
experienced raft guides will direct your mates through white-
knuckled class III and IV rapids like Grumpys, Double Suck,
and Table Saw, just to name a few. This is an experience you
dont want to miss!
Difculty: (should be a condent swimmer)
Cost: $15
Meet at: Wright Hall
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: October 1, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
Should be a condent swimmer
Spiritual Retreat Campout
Friday, 2 p.m.-Sunday, 5 p.m. October 10-12
Jesus often led His disciples away from their responsibilities
for spiritual rejuvenation. In order to advance in our
discipleship, Jesus still invites His followers to retreat at times.
There is an advantage in placing physical distance between
our bodies and our responsibilities in order to re-energize our
life with Christ. This camping weekend is designated just for
this special mission. Experience the giant expedition DOME
tentjust be sure to rent a warm sleeping bag.
Difculty:
Cost: $15
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: October 8, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear (sleeping bag rental $5),
instruction
OCT OBE R
OCT OBE R
Island Camping
Friday, 2 p.m.-Saturday, 6 p.m., October 10-12
Camp under the stars on an island that lies in the heart of the Tennessee River. This is a great trip for
anyone longing for a castaway experience.
Cost: $25
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: October 8, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction, food
High Ropes Course
Thursday, October 23, 6-8:30 p.m.
Ever wondered about that crazy contraption behind the OEC? Come get your heart pumping as you
traverse the pirates crossing, ying squirrel, and other elements 50 feet off the ground, then ride a
zipline back to the comfort of Mother Earth! (The event is open to walk-ins, but sign up at the SOAP
table to hold your spot.)
Difculty:
Cost: Free
Meet at: OEC Climbing Tower
Included: Gear, instruction
OCT OBE R
NOV E MBE R
Horseback Trail Riding
Friday, October 31, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Abandon the wheel and take the reins for an afternoon as you
experience the power and elegance of one of Gods most majestic
creatures. After a brief orientation, mount your trusty steed for a
scenic ride through the elds and forests of nearby Hidden Hills.
Difculty:
Cost: $20
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
Overnight Caving
Friday, 2 p.m.-Saturday, 5 p.m., November 7-8
Prepare to enter the world of the troglodyte and experience what few others have
an incomparably dark night sleeping underground. Our experienced cave guides will
introduce you to the ner points of underground camping including The BOMB. You
will emerge from this trip as a true caveman or cavewoman.
Difculty:
Cost: $25
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: November 5, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction, food
Rock Climbing on the Goliath Wall
Sunday, November 9, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
The peaks of granite and ice in your sky-blue dreams are
within reach. You just have to take the rst step. Southerns
Goliath Wall is the perfect way to get started. Without leaving
campus, you will be on your way to great heights. Climbers of
all levels are welcome.

Cost: Free
Meet at: Goliath Wall in the Student Park
Included: Gear, instruction
Tennessee Wall Climbing
Friday, 2 p.m.-Saturday, 5 p.m., November 14-15
Join us as we hit the one of the best crags in the South. This
climbing area is lled with excellent cracks and roofs to hold
your attention all weekend. The south-facing wall will keep
you warm, making this a good climbing destination in colder
weather.
Cost: $18
Meet at: OEC
Included: Transporation, gear, instruction, food
NOV E MBE R
Horseback Trail Riding
Friday, November 14, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Abandon the wheel and take the reins for an afternoon as
you experience the power and elegance of one of Gods most
majestic creatures. After a brief orientation, mount your trusty
steed for a scenic ride through the elds and forests of nearby
Hidden Hills.

Difculty:
Cost: $20
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
Caving Day Trip
Saturday, November 22, 2-6 p.m.
If you enjoyed exploring Southerns cave, then you owe it
to yourself to take it to the next level of exploration. Our
caving guides will safely introduce you to a larger and more
impressive cave labyrinth not too far from campus.
Difculty:
Cost: $10
Meet at: OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
Fall Photo Fling
Friday, 1 p.m.-Sunday, 5 p.m., November 14-16
Do you love the beauty of Gods creation? What about
camping? Photography? If you answered yes to these
questions, then this trip is for you. Bring your digital camera
and be ready to learn the ner points of nature photography
from a pro. The fall colors will make for breathtaking pictures.
Cost: $35
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Gear, transportation, food, instruction
NOV E MBE R
DE CE MBE R
SOAP Party
Sunday, December 7, 6-8 p.m.
If you like pizza, ice cream, and hanging out with fellow SOAP
participants, then you will not want to miss this event. All
participants from the fall semester are invited to come hang
out and watch a slideshow. Please send us pictures taken
during your activities, and we will make sure those shots
make it into the show.
Cost: Free
Meet at: OEC
Included: Pizza, ice cream, slideshow
Spiritual Retreat Campout
Friday, 2 p.m.-Sunday, 5 p.m., February 6-8
Jesus often led His disciples away from their responsibilities for spiritual rejuvenation. In order to
advance in our discipleship, Jesus still invites His followers to retreat at times. There is an advantage
in placing physical distance between our bodies and our responsibilities in order to re-energize our
life with Christ. This car-camping weekend is designated just for this special mission.
Experience the giant expedition DOME tentjust be sure to rent a warm sleeping bag.
Difculty:
Cost: $25
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: February 4, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear (sleeping bag rental $5), instruction, food
Horseback Trail Riding
Friday, February 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Abandon the wheel and take the reins for an afternoon as you experience the power and elegance of
one of Gods most majestic creatures. After a brief orientation, mount your trusty steed for a scenic
ride through the elds and forests of nearby Hidden Hills.
Difculty:
Cost: $20
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
F E BRUARY
F E BRUARY
Caving Day Trip
Sunday, February 15, 2-6 p.m.
If you enjoyed exploring Southerns cave, then
you owe it to yourself to take it to the next level of
exploration. Our caving guides will safely introduce
you to a larger and more impressive cave labyrinth
not too far from campus.
Difculty:
Cost: $10
Meet at: OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
High Ropes Course
Sunday, February 15, 5-7 p.m.
Ever wondered about that crazy contraption behind the OEC?
Come get your heart pumping as you traverse the pirates
crossing, ying squirrel, and other elements 50 feet off the
ground, then ride a zipline back to the comfort of Mother
Earth! (The event is open to walk-ins, but sign up at the
SOAP table to hold your spot.)
Difculty:
Cost: $5
Meet at: OEC Climb Tower
Included: Gear, instruction
Adventure Movie and Pizza
Thursday, February 26, 6-8 p.m.
Take a break from your studies and come hang out with us
around the re for pizza, wilderness skills, adventure clips,
devotion, and good times.
Difculty: None
Cost: $5
Meet at: OEC
Included: Movie, pizza
High Ropes Course
Thursday, March 19, 6-8 p.m.
Ever wondered about that crazy contraption behind the OEC?
Come get your heart pumping as you traverse the pirates
crossing, ying squirrel, and other elements 50 feet off the
ground, then ride a zipline back to the comfort of Mother
Earth! (The event is open to walk-ins, but sign up at the
SOAP table to hold your spot.)
Difculty:
Cost: $5
Meet at: OEC Climb Tower
Included: Gear, instruction
Overnight Caving
Friday, 2 p.m.-Saturday, 5 p.m., March 27-28
Prepare to enter the world of the troglobite and experience
what few others havean incomparably dark night
sleeping underground. Our experienced cave guides will
introduce you to the ner points of underground camping
including The BOMB. You will emerge from this trip as a
true caveman or cavewoman.
Difculty:
Cost: $25
Meet at: OEC
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: March 25, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction, food
Adventure Movie and Pizza
Thursday, March 26, 6-8 p.m.
Take a break from your studies and come hang out
with us around the re for pizza, wilderness skills,
adventure clips, devotion, and good times.
Difculty: None
Cost: $5
Meet at: OEC
Included: Movie, pizza
MARCH
APRI L
Climbing at Foster Falls
Friday, 2 p.m.-Sunday, 5 p.m., April 3-5
Join us as we explore the heights of Tennessee. You wont want to miss
the beautiful views as our guides show you the ropes. This adventure will
be lled with lots of climbing and rappelling, so come ready for a weekend
you wont forget.
Difculty:
Cost: $35
Meet at OEC
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: April 1, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Gear, transportation
Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River (should be a condent swimmer)
Sunday, April 5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Ocoee River provides rafters and kayakers with world-class whitewater
excitement only an hour from campus. Our experienced raft guides will direct
your mates through white-knuckled class III and IV rapids like Grumpys, Double
Suck, and Table Saw, just to name a few. This is an experience you dont want
to miss!
Difculty:
Cost: $25
Meet at: Wright Hall
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: April 1, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
Horseback Trail Riding
Friday, April 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Abandon the wheel and take the reins for an afternoon as you experience the
power and elegance of one of Gods most majestic creatures. After a brief
orientation, mount your trusty steed for a scenic ride through the elds and
forests of nearby Hidden Hills.
Difculty:
Cost: $20
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
Spring Photo Fling
Friday, 1 p.m.-Sunday, 5 p.m., April 17-19
Do you like nature? What about camping and photography?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you
will not want to miss this trip. Come capture the beauty of
blossoming spring colors. Make sure to get tips from the
experienced photographer who will be leading the trip.

Cost: $35
Limit: 10
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Gear, transportation, food, instruction
Whitewater Rafting on the Ocoee River (should be a condent swimmer)
Sunday, April 19, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Ocoee River provides rafters and kayakers with world-class whitewater excitement only an hour
from campus. Our experienced raft guides will direct your mates through white-knuckled class III and IV
rapids like Grumpys, Double Suck, and Table Saw, just to name a few. This is an experience you dont
want to miss!
Difculty:
Cost: $25
Meet at: Wright Hall
Mandatory pre-trip meeting: April 15, 6 p.m. at the OEC
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
Should be a condent swimmer
APRI L
Adventure Movie and Pizza
Thursday, April 23, 6-8 p.m.
Take a break from your studies and come hang out with us around the re for pizza, wilderness skills,
adventure clips, devotion, and good times.
Difculty: None
Cost: $5
Meet at: OEC
Included: Movie, pizza
Bat Vespers at Nickajack Lake
Friday, April 24, 6-11 p.m.
Experience the calm and camaraderie of pals and paddling while witnessing 100,000 bats emerge
from the world famous Nickajack Cave. There is nothing quite like it. Vespers credit provided.
Difculty:
Cost: $5
Meet at: Wright Hall
Included: Transportation, gear, instruction
APRI L
Wilderness First Responder
ADAC-318-A WFR CRT
WFR is designed to give you the medical training you
need to handle critical situations in remote locations.
May 4-15
31
st
Annual Race
October 5, 2014
Race begins at 12:30 p.m.
Register at southerntriathlon.com
3
9
TH
ANNUAL
CARDBOARD
BOAT RACE
FEBRUARY 7, 7:30 - 11:59 p.m.
ILES P.E. CENTER
1
ST
PLACE - $200 2
ND
PLACE - $150 3
RD
PLACE - $100
Get your team together, register, build a boat from cardboard and duct tape,
and see how many laps you can complete in the pool before sinking. Prizes
will be awarded for various categories.
WAYS TO REGISTER:
1. At the SOAP table
2. At the desk in the student center
3. By email: adventureprogramming@southern.edu
Form your coed team of four and register to compete in the Dusk til Dawn Adventure Race
hosted by the Outdoor Leadership program. Your team will be tested by physical tasks,
obstacles, mental challenges, and technical knowledge. All required gear will be provided.
Saturday, April 25, 8:45 p.m., Collegedale, TN
til
7th ANNUAL
ADVENTURE RACE
1
ST
Prize $200
2
ND
Prize $150
3
RD
Prize $100
Register by searching Dusk til Dawn at active.com
6
th
annual
6k Trail Race
Sunday, February 22, 2015
$30 walk/run race fee, $20 for Southern students.
Packet pick-up begins at 11 a.m.; race starts at 1 p.m.
Southern Adventist University, Collegedale, TN
To register, visit active.com and search southern6
Presented by
Kayak Club
Meets Mondays,
8-9:30 a.m.
$7 dues
Southern
Striders
Meets Sundays,
9-10 a.m.
$3 dues
Lifeguard recertication for
ARC lifeguards
Three-hour class, $50
Card cannot be more than 30 days past expiration
October 20, March 30,
April 6, April 13, 6:30 p.m.
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