BU Outdoor Programs: Escape the City and Reconnect with Nature | BU Today

It’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced nature of city life when you’re a Boston University student. From pushing through crowds on Comm Ave to squeezing onto a crowded Green Line trolley, this city campus leaves some students craving the blissful outdoors. 

That’s why FitRec began its Outdoor Programs series in fall 2019. The program has expanded to over a dozen outdoor excursions for BU students, from skiing to hiking to overnight camping. The programs’ durations range from day trips to multiday programming and are categorized by intensity levels: relaxed, moderate, high, and strenuous. Students can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $80 for most trips, while the multiday Utah spring break trip is $775. 

Emma Sanchez (CAS’26), who has gone on two Outdoor Programs white-water rafting trips, recommends the programs’ offerings for anyone who needs a breather from college life. 

“It was such a nice break from school, because for the six hours we were gone I wasn’t thinking about when my next assignment was due—I was enjoying springtime views of western Mass from the water with friends,” Sanchez says. “I wanted to attend because living in the city, especially in a small dorm room, can feel so cramped and crowded, and it feels nice to get out of the city.”

This spring, Outdoor Programs has over a dozen trips planned, among them winter activities like snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding, and more relaxing adventures, such as the Cape Cod Rail Trail biking trip, sunset kayaking, and the Appleton Farms Maple Walk, already in high demand. There are also more educational trips, such as the Fire, Shelter, Water workshop, where students have the opportunity to develop their outdoor survival skills on the banks of the Squannacook River, which runs for over 16 miles in north central Massachusetts. For those looking to learn the basics of backpacking, there’s a two-day, beginner-friendly backpacking trip, held in past semesters along the Appalachian Trail in northwestern Connecticut or in southern New Hampshire.

All student staff and trip leaders are trained in wilderness first aid, as well as in leadership and outdoor technical skills. 

“Outdoor recreation can be a lot of fun, but it entails consistent practice and continuing education, especially when in charge of others,” says Benjamin Beck, Outdoor Programs manager. “When we do not have appropriate expertise, we work with outside experts or gain required expertise.”

But if you’re simply looking to have a good time, Outdoor Programs are also a great way to meet new people. Sebastian Gilligan (ENG’25), who has led several trips over the past four years, recounts a rewarding experience running a backpacking trip to Ethan Pond in New Hampshire. 

“The group began as strangers, but ended as friends,” he says. “I would absolutely recommend any student who is interested in getting out of the city to go on an Outdoor Programs trip. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or completely inexperienced, there’s a trip for you.”

The program’s sold-out spring break trip to Utah will take students on a six-day adventure in Moab, home of the expansive Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Students will get the chance to try their hand at whitewater rafting, canyoneering, and hiking. While students do have to book their own flights, included in the cost of the trip are lodging and food, except a select few dinners. Thanks to a collaboration with Columbia Sportswear Group, clothing and equipment can be sourced as needed.

“We try to create trips that people can experience a la carte as well as have tracks for people to grow their skills,” Beck says. “There’s usually at least one new trip and/or one new location each semester in addition to trips and locations that prove popular.”

Most trips fill up quickly, some within days of being announced, but students are welcome to join wait-lists. They are also encouraged to reach out to Outdoor Programs with feedback or ideas for new trips. 

“They’ve offered suggestions for new trips, improvements to how we run trips, and expressed gratitude for the chance to explore,” Beck says. “Students have told us that a trip has been the highlight of their week, their month, and their year. They’ve met people who’ve become close friends.”

As of spring 2025, Outdoor Programs is also welcoming all young alumni to join on trips, and is even hosting a special day hike for faculty and staff. 

“Even though you might feel too busy to get outside, it’s almost always a benefit to your academic and personal life,” Beck says. “Students, and now young alums, should join these trips to meet other people interested in exploring outdoor recreation, to get out of Boston, to challenge themselves, to learn some new outdoor skills, to disconnect from school pressures, and to have a restorative adventure that will enrich their everyday life.”

Find more information, as well as the spring Outdoor Programs calendar, here or email [email protected] if you aren’t sure which program is best suited for you.