SUUSI and Nature

Nature Trips at SUUSI

At SUUSI, we delight in exploring both the beauty of the natural world and the creativity of the people who shape and live within it. Together, we’ll forage for mushrooms, wander through a local herb farm, tour a beloved winery, and visit historic bridges rich with stories.

We’ll pause to listen deeply to the quiet music of the woods, paddle along the world’s second-oldest river, and bike scenic riverway trails and around Claytor Lake State Park. Along the way, we’ll scramble over rocks to breathtaking overlooks and waterfalls—sharing fresh air, discovery, and a sense of connection at every turn.

If you’re hear with your young ones, or with multiple generations of extended family, we can take you on Family Friendly adventures crafted to keep everyone happy.

You’ll find accessible exploring and hiking trips listed in the Hiking section of the catalog, along with adventures for every interest and energy level. Bike scenic trails, float rivers and lakes by tube, kayak, or canoe, hike to mountain summits, or try something bold—like climbing a rock wall.

Curious about the cosmos? Discover the colorful birthplaces and burial grounds of stars and explore the celestial forces that shape our tides, weather, and seasons. Love wildlife? Choose from full-day adventures or nearby outings close to campus.

However you like to experience the outdoors, there’s a way for you to join the fun of Nature—at your own pace and in your own way!

Nature trips go out rain or shine. Please remember to pack a poncho or raincoat on every trip. As a general Nature rule, plan and be prepared by having the right equipment, including the appropriate footwear, water, etc. Much time and attention have been devoted to evaluating each trip’s requirements to afford every participant the best experience possible. Please carefully consider trip descriptions and your own needs when choosing your schedule. For other tips, please see the Nature FAQ and don’t hesitate to reach the Nature Director at nature@suusi.org.

Make sure to arrive at the Nature Tent 15 minutes BEFORE the trip’s scheduled departure time. That is when Nature staff will review all trip requirements and equipment and will inquire about health and other concerns.

Should I pre-register for Nature trips?

Yes. Don’t wait until you arrive at SUUSI to sign up for Nature trips. Reservations at venues, equipment rentals, and transportation needs are based on advance registrations. Trips with low pre-registration numbers may be canceled. Some Nature trips will have deadlines for adding/dropping and refund or cancellation that are different than the usual 24 hours ahead of time. These will be marked individually. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Nature Director at nature@suusi.org.

From where do Nature trips depart?

Youth and Middler Nature trips will depart from the youth program area. All other trips will depart from outside of the Nature Tent. It will be marked on the SUUSI map you will receive when you arrive and check in during registration.

Even if the trip takes place on campus, please go to the Nature Tent area first to check in.

When do trips depart? What if I’m late?

Please meet 15 minutes early to check in with your trip leader. Trips leave at the time stated in the catalog, or earlier if everyone has arrived. If you are not present when departure is nearing and others are waiting on standby, your spot may be forfeited.

What do I need to bring? What happens if I do not have all the required equipment?

Some equipment may be provided by SUUSI. Read all the information on your trip type and the description for each of your trips carefully. The trip requirements are real. If the equipment or supplies are listed as required then this is what you must provide. Before the trip departs the trip leader is required to make sure all participants have the proper equipment. If you don’t show up on time with the right gear you won’t be allowed to go. At least a quart of water and rain gear are required for nearly all Nature trips. If you have questions about trip requirements, drop by the Nature Tent/Office, ask a Nature staffer, or get in touch with the directors at nature@suusi.org.

There are shoe requirements for Nature trips – please check your trip description for a list of what is accepted.

Are Nature trips ever canceled (if it’s raining, for example)? Do locations ever change?

The Nature program will cancel a trip only if conditions are unsafe. Locations may be changed to assure safety, to improve the experience if site conditions are not good, or if the site is no longer available.

Are waivers required to go on a Nature trip?

Yes. A few trips require two waivers: one for SUUSI and one for the owner of the property we will be visiting. Parents or guardians must co-sign an assumption of responsibility form for minors under their supervision. Nature trip leaders will warn you about common risks and hazards, but they cannot protect you against all hazards.

What guidelines should I use when choosing a Nature trip?

Check the difficulty rating for your trip below each description and in the legend at the beginning of each Nature program section. Trip difficulty ratings are there for your safety, and the Nature staff have devoted a great deal of time, expertise, and attention to evaluating each trip’s requirements to afford every participant the best experience possible. Some of our trips are very physically challenging. Please consider the level of difficulty and evaluate your current capabilities before registering for any Nature trip. Nature activities are group experiences as well as personal explorations. We want participants to be able to stretch themselves without intruding on the experience of others.

We ask that you prepare for your own well-being. If the day is not a good day for you to carry out the activity safely, either physically or mentally, please don’t go on the trip. Always stay with the group, follow the leader’s instructions, stay focused on safety, and use common sense in deciding what to bring with you in addition to the required items. For example, a sunburn or poison ivy can spoil your day, or maybe even your week.

What if I have physical limitations or need assistance?

If you have specific physical limitations or need more information to determine whether you possess the abilities needed for an activity before SUUSI, please contact Nature staff at nature@suusi.org. At SUUSI, visit the Nature table at check-in or the Nature Tent during the week. Anyone under a physician’s care should consult with their physician before pre-registering for an activity. Please notify your trip leader of any limitations before leaving the Nature Tent. If you need one-on-one assistance to participate, your support person is welcome to come along as long as they also are registered for the trip.

One of the goals of SUUSI Nature programming is to provide opportunities for participants to challenge themselves and stretch beyond their typical comfort zone. However, the safety and well-being of trip participants always remain the first priority of Nature Staff, who are authorized to refuse to take a person they consider inappropriately prepared on a trip. Thank you for joining in helping to make Nature programming as safe, accessible, adventurous, and enjoyable as possible.

My child wants to go on a Nature trip. What do I need to know?

Look for FF (Family Friendly) after the title to find trips that are open to children 13 and younger. An adult must register for the trip and accompany each child under 14 years old, except on Nature trips run through the Youth and Middler programs. The accompanying adult is responsible for the child’s safety and behavior during the activity and must maintain direct supervision of the child at all times.

Please note that VA law requires children under 8 to use an age-, weight- and size-appropriate car seat or booster seat. Parents or guardians must bring a seat to the Nature Tent 15 minutes before the trip departs.

What can I do if the trip I want is full?

If the trip you want is full when you register, don’t despair. Sometimes people drop trips and spaces open up. You can add your name to a watch list in your registration by selecting the trip you want and selecting that option. Nature staff will do their best to monitor the list to let you know if space has become available – and you can check in SOLIS later, too. If space hasn’t become available prior to the close of online registration, you may be able to add a trip at check-in on Sunday, or at the SUUSI office and Nature Tent during SUUSI.

Even if a trip remains full as you’re checking throughout the week of SUUSI, you are welcome to come to the Nature Tent 15 minutes before the start time and check in as a standby. If there is a “no show” you can go in their place. This is especially likely late in the week after some folks have expended their energy. Remember to be prepared with the required equipment (clothes, shoes, water, etc.) and fees.

Does SUUSI give refunds for Nature trips?

If the SUUSI Nature program cancels a trip the fee will be refunded to you, or you may donate the fee to SUUSI. Refunds are not given to people who don’t show up, arrive at the Nature Tent late, or arrive without their required equipment. If you cancel your Nature trip at least 24 hours in advance, a credit can be issued to be used for another Nature trip, workshop, or activity during the current SUUSI. Please make sure to pay attention to cancellation, refund, and add/drop dates for certain Nature trips. We now can make known these deadlines when SUUSI is required to make deposits and reservations with outside vendors.

The point of these requirements is to keep your feet protected from rocks, broken glass, etc. Your shoes must stay on your feet throughout the trip and have a sole that is thick enough to stop sharp objects. Slip-ons, ancient shoes that are barely together, or other footwear that does not protect your feet will not be allowed.

OK for ALL Aquatics and Hiking trips

Tied, closed-toe shoes with soles thick enough to protect the bottoms of your feet, such as sneakers, tennis shoes, running shoes, hiking boots, and thick-soled water shoes that secure around the foot and have adequate toe protection are allowed. A slip-resistant grip is recommended.

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OK for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, or tubing – but NOT hiking

Open- and closed-toe water shoes with thick soles that stay securely on your feet with straps around the back of your heel are allowed.