Frequently Asked Questions
Our first-year student adventures help with the transition to University of Idaho. These trips offer the chance to build strong bonds with fellow students before the first day of class even starts, right here in the state of Idaho.
Here you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about our Vandal Ventures trips such as who can attend, how to register, what to bring and more.
Commonly Asked Questions
Anyone who is an incoming full-time registered undergrad student at University of Idaho for Fall 2024.
Call us! We can answer all your questions about the differences of the trips and make sure you go on the trip that is best fit for you. Our number is 208-885-6810.
- Rafting Trip #1 | Lower Salmon River | July 20-25 | $725
- Backpacking | Mallard-Larkins | August 1-6 | $625
- Racking Trip #2 | Lower Salmon River | August 9-14 | $725
The registration deadline is four weeks before the first day of the trip.
- Rafting #1 — June 22
- Backpacking — July 4
- Rafting #2 — July12
All group gear is provided by the Outdoor Program, except personal clothing and toiletries. This includes cooking equipment, dishes, tents, paddles, etc. If you need a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, or a backpack, please indicate so on your registration form. There is no charge to you, we just need to know.
Rafting Equipment List (PDF)
All food is provided on our trips, except for any personal snacks you would like. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know as soon as possible. We can work with most dietary restrictions or allergies, but need to know beforehand.
We pick our own fresh vegetables from the Soil Stewards Farm, the student-run farm at the University of Idaho, the first-day.
We work with Vandal Meats, on campus to provide any meat for the trip.
Every meal is planned to provide the calories and nutritional needs to be successful in the field, plus it tastes awesome!
All meals are cooked and cleaned with help of participants to build camaraderie, teamwork, and enjoy the fun of cooking your own food.
- Rafting - we use a portable toilet system as required by the Bureau of Land Management.
- Backpacking - Depending on the camp, there is a vault toilet or our staff will designate an appropriate area based on Leave No Trace principles and cat holes are used.
No drugs or alcohol, per University of Idaho policy, on Vandal Venture trips or any Outdoor Program activity. Participant Code of Conduct (PDF)
We understand the desire to stay connected. We encourage you to take this rare opportunity to unplug and immerse yourself in the experience. This is to help keep everyone present and participating. If you want to keep your phone as a camera, this is fine - just remember to keep it in airplane mode so you have battery life. We will have a camera on the trip and photos will be shared with everyone after the trip. All locations will be without cell service for the majority of the trip. The Outdoor Program is not responsible for lost or damage equipment.
Most of the equipment is provided. If you need a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and/or backpack, just let us know on the registration form. They are free for you to use.
We do not provide clothing, so make sure you have the proper footwear and clothes. If you have any questions, check the equipment list and then give us a call.
We recommend using the gear you know and love. Please make sure to read the equipment list carefully to make sure that your gear is appropriate. If you are not sure, please call us.
You will meet your leaders at the University of Idaho Student Recreation Center at 8 a.m. on the first day of the trip.
You should be back at the Student Recreation Center by 6 p.m. on your last day. Every trip is a bit different so please be flexible with the time.
Yes. As a registered incoming student, you will have to have health insurance.
Anything that you have that will not be going on the trip with you (such as an extra change of fresh clothes) can be kept at the Outdoor Program. We ask that you limit your extra gear to one backpack.
Yes there is free parking available for your car if you choose.
We do not offer housing before or after the trip. There are many great hotels in the area. We recommend checking the Moscow Chamber of Commerce for a list of local offerings.
For the August 9-14 Rafting Trip, students will be able to move into their dorms the morning of August 9 and stay in their dorm upon their return from the trip.
Give us a call and we can go over any concerns that you may have.
No housing on campus is provided before or after the trip. If you have questions about when you can move into your housing, please feel free to contact the Housing and Residence Life.
The only trip that allows for early move in is the August 9-14 Rafting Trip. There is no charge to move in early. The other two trips do not allow for early move-in.
Vandal Ventures is not part of Freshman Orientation. You must still participate in the mandatory Freshman Orientation in August.
If you are interested in being a future trip leader for Vandal Ventures, please contact the Outdoor Program Office. Come talk with our staff about what it takes to become a leader with the Outdoor Program. Our office is located in the Student Recreation Center.
If you have to cancel for whatever reason, please let us know as soon as possible. You will be given a full refund minus a $50 processing fee until the registration deadline. No refund will be issued after the closing registration date.