Vandal Ventures

You must be an incoming full-time registered undergraduate student at University of Idaho for Fall 2025 to participate.

Vandal Ventures has limited spots and you should register early. After you've submitted your application and payment, you will receive an email from the University of Idaho Outdoor Program confirming your spot. Make sure to send the risk waiver and health form back (we need to know about any food allergies or preferences) as soon as possible.

Essential Eligibility Criteria (PDF)

Participant Responsibility Code (PDF) 

All our trips are led by current students or recent graduates at University of Idaho. They have first-hand knowledge of what it takes to be a successful student and offer invaluable insight.

All trips have staff with Wilderness First-Responder certification (a wilderness based first-aid course), CPR and are experienced leaders in the outdoors.

No previous experience is necessary for our trips, but you must meet our essential eligibility criteria (PDF). If you have any concerns about the physical demands of a trip, please give us a call and we can answer your questions.

Our trips are fully self-supported: we prepare our own meals, carry our own gear, set up camp and travel the entire route — whether by boat or on foot. This offers a great opportunity to work as a team, build bonds with fellow first-year students and develop communication skills. These skills transfer directly to community living in the dorms or Greek Life and into the classroom.

During the trips our staff will lead students through activities to help build confidence, leadership skills, communication skills and show what it takes to be successful as a Vandal. 

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)

Backpacking equipment list (PDF) 

All food is provided on our trips, except for any personal snacks you’d like to bring. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know as early as possible. We can accommodate most needs with advance notice.

We pick our own fresh vegetables from the Soil Stewards Farm, the student-run farm at University of Idaho, during the first-day of the trip.

We work with Vandal Meats to provide meat for the trip.

Every delicious meal is planned to provide the calories and nutrition you need to be successful in the wilderness.

All meals are prepared by trip leaders and participants to build camaraderie, teamwork and enjoy the fun of cooking your own food.

• All leaders have wilderness first-aid and CPR training.
• All leaders who drive have taken driver training and have passed a driver record check.
• All leaders pass a background check before they are hired.
• All leaders have been trained in the specific activity that they lead.
• All trips have a first-aid kit, activity-specific rescue gear and satellite communication in case of an emergency. 

These trips are open to any incoming full-time undergraduate student enrolled at University of Idaho for Fall 2025.

Absolutely! If you’re unsure which trip to choose or have questions about the experience, give us a call at 208-885-6810. We’re happy to help you find the best fit. 

• Rafting trips: We use portable toilet systems, as required by the Bureau of Land Management.
• Backpacking trips: Depending on the location, there may be a vault toilet. Otherwise, we follow Leave No Trace practices, including digging cat holes in designated areas. 

In accordance with University of Idaho policy, the use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco is not permitted on any Vandal Ventures trip or Outdoor Program activity. 

We encourage participants to unplug and be present during the trip. However, if you’d like to use your phone as a camera, that’s totally fine, just keep it in airplane mode to conserve battery. Cell service will be unavailable for most of the trip, and the Outdoor Program is not responsible for lost or damaged devices. Don’t worry — we’ll take photos and share them with the group afterward!

Yes! We provide most of the essential gear. Just indicate what you need, like a sleeping bag, pad or backpack on your registration form. It's free to use for this trip. 
 

We do not provide clothing. Come prepared with appropriate footwear and outdoor clothing. Check the equipment list and reach out with any questions.

Yes! Using your own gear is great, as long as it fits the trip requirements. Review the equipment list carefully and if you're unsure whether your gear is appropriate, feel free to call. 

You'll meet your trip leaders at the Student Recreation Center at 8 a.m. on the first day. 

We’ll return to the Rec Center around 6 p.m. on the final day. Return times may vary slightly. 

Yes. All incoming students are required to have health insurance coverage. 

Yes. We can store one backpack or small bag of personal belongings (like a clean change of clothes) for you while you’re away. 

Yes, free parking is available during your trip.

Housing is not provided before or after the trip. We recommend checking local accommodations through the Moscow Chamber of Commerce.

Generally, early move-in is not available. However, participants on the second rafting trip may be allowed to move in on the first day of the trip.  

For questions about housing move-in dates, contact University Housing and Residence Life. 

No. Vandal Ventures is a fun, optional experience and does not replace your mandatory New Student Orientation in August.

If you need to cancel, please let us know as soon as possible.

• Before the registration deadline: You’ll receive a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee.
• After the deadline: No refunds will be issued.