Trips, Outings and Experiences

Disconnect from the busy-ness of life and experience God in his beautiful creation.

EPIC Trips provide a wide range of opportunities for Houghton College students, from full-day or overnight trips, to multi-day excursions to areas beyond Allegany County.

EPIC Trips

Hike, whitewater raft, and rock climb in Ohiopyle or the Adirondacks. Backpack in Alleghany State Park, the Appalachian Trail, Susquehannock Trail System, or the Adirondack High Peaks. Canoe and kayak on the Genesee or Alleghany rivers, and other aquatic outlets. Whitewater kayak in the Letchworth Gorge or the Moose River in the Adirondacks. Sea kayak on the Georgian Bay, Canada.

EPIC Outings

Take a half day and get some fresh air. Led by Houghton faculty and staff members, EPIC Outings range from a few hours to half-day excursions to nearby locations. Although primarily designed for Houghton students, outings are open to community members and faculty/staff, depending on space.

EPIC Experiences

Prepare for future adventures with events, workshops, trainings, and certification courses that hone your skills. Learn wilderness first aid, CPR, or lifeguarding. Keep yourself fit with water aerobics and more, and introduce kids to the joy of swimming through lessons for ages 5-12.

Types of Outings

Where the Wildflowers Are: Enjoy a short hike around Trout Pond at Letchworth State Park while you learn about the beautiful wildflowers in this amazing nearby state park.
So Fly: Learn the art of fly fishing through an on-land workshop, then practice those skills during an early morning on the river!
A Day at the Gun Range: Learn the basics of firearm and hunting safety and practice shooting targets at the local gun range.
Waterfalls and Changing Leaves: Witness the multiple cascades and changing colors of the leaves at Stonybrook Gorge in Dansville, NY.
Let There Be Snow: Bundle up and head out for some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in Letchworth State Park once the weather turns the area into a winter wonderland.

American Red Cross Courses

Basic First Aid
CPR for the Professional Rescuer
Lifeguarding

Design Your Own Adventure `{`Facilitated Experience`}`

Choose from backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, or orienteering.

Indoor Climbing Wall `{`Facilitated Experience`}`

Sessions are two hours long; half- and full-day options available.

Up to 15 participants ($175)
16-29 participants ($225)
30-40 participants ($300)
50 or more ($5 per person)

Ropes Course

Outdoor Initiatives & Low Elements

Half Day (up to four hours)
- Up to 12 participants ($350, $35 each additional)
Full Day (4-8 hours)
- Up to 12 participants ($450, $45 each additional)

Combo of Low & High Elements

Half Day (up to four hours)
- Up to 12 participants ($400, $40 each additional)
Full Day (4-8 hours)
- Up to 12 participants ($500, $50 each additional)

*Progression from low to high elements is dependent on group dynamics and judgement of lead facilitator.

Swim Lessons

Taught by student instructors and open to children ages five through 12.
Adaptive swim lessons available for children with disabilities on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis and provides instruction in beginning through intermediate levels (American Red Cross levels I-IV).
$50 per child

Water Aerobics

Free for students and faculty members, with staff discount available.
10 sessions for $45 or pay as you go for $5/session.
Schedule:
- Tuesdays from 8:00-8:45 a.m. (low impact)
- Wednesdays from 6:15-7:00 p.m. (high impact)
- Thursdays from 8:00-8:45 a.m. (low impact

SOLO Wilderness First Aid (WFA) Recertification Course

The WFA provides a step-up certification from basic first aid and provides knowledge and technical skills for dealing with injuries when one is not near a hospital. This certification is beneficial for those living in a rural area, who head out into the wilderness on a regular basis, or who work at summer camps. Courses are 40 hours and provide a mixture of lecture and technical skill training.

“Are You Ready for Summer Camp?” – Workshops, Panel Discussion, and Networking

This event is aimed at Houghton students considering summer camp opportunities as well as for summer camp directors and employees. Discussions focus on the successes and challenges of the camp experience and provide networking opportunities.