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Cornell University

Cornell Outdoor Education

Special Program Participant Resources

Tyroloean traverse over Beebe Lake gorge

Participant Documents

All participants, regardless of program, are required to complete a Participant Waiver. These can be completed at home, printed, and brought to the program, or you can complete your waiver when you arrive at the program is all participants are over the age of 18.

For a canoe program on Beebe Lake, please complete the Paddling Waiver.

For a rappel program, please complete the General COE Waiver.

If participants are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign the waiver. 

Paddling Waiver.pdf
General COE Waiver.pdf

Getting There

Beebe Lake on Google Maps

Bartels Hall on Google Maps

Schoellkopf Stadium Rappel on Google Maps

The Hoffman Challenge Course on Google Maps

Trying to figure out where to park on campus? Visit Cornell Transportation's Parking page. 

Safety and Challenge By Choice

At Cornell Outdoor Education we have a great record with safety! In addition, we ask all participants to contribute to the safety of each program by making responsible decisions regarding their own level of participation. Most importantly, our ethic of challenge by choice means that every activity is an opportunity, and that at no time will any participant be obligated to do anything they do not wish to do.

How to Dress for Paddling Programs

  • Shoes are required, sandals with a heel strap, water shoes or sneakers that you don’t mind getting wetTwo women paddling canoe in yellow life jackets
  • Wear athletic clothing that you don’t mind getting wet or shorts. Expect to get your feet and legs wet up to maybe mid-shin when getting in and out of the boats. 
  • Be sure to dress for the weather. Synthetic quick-drying clothing is great if people have it. Most outdoor, athletic or active wear clothing works well. 
  • There is a chance of getting wet entirely however most people are able to figure out the balance quickly to avoid flipping the canoes.
    • Do not bring anything out onto the water that can’t get wet. Beebe Lake has claimed many cell phones! There is a shed that can be locked during the program if they want to leave a backpack in there. 
    • Bring a towel and maybe extra layers in case they do fall in or decide to jump in the water to cool off. 
  • Hat and sunglasses are recommended. The sun reflecting off of the water is a bit more intensified than just walking around on a sunny day. 

How to Dress Rappel Programs

  • Closed-toe shoes are requiredperson rappelling down a wall
  • Pants are recommended, or long shorts (because you'll be wearing a harness and lifting your leg over a window ledge)
  • Comfortable and flexible athletic clothing is recommended
  • No loose clothing or jewelry. Tie back long hair. 

Provided Gear

  • We provide all the necessary safety gear for your program! 
  • For paddling programs we require everyone to wear a life vest/PDF and we have all sizes from infant to adult. 
  • For rappel and ropes course programs we provide harnesses and helmets

Weather

  • Check the weather report before coming out for your program and always prepare for it to be a little bit colder, winder, hotter, or wetter than expected by bringing extra layers, or even a change of clothing!
  • We run programs rain or shine. In the event of heavy rain, we can provide rain jackets upon request.
  • In the event of extreme weather like thunder and lightning we will either postpone your program, or offer an indoor alternative. We typically make this call about 12 hours before the program.

Water, Snacks and What to Bring

  • Reusable water bottles to keep yourselves well-hydrated (we have water available for refilling bottles)
  • Bring snacks! (fruit, granola bars, etc.) You'd be surprised how much energy you expend doing outdoor activities! If your group is not providing meals, please bring something to eat so that you can fully engage with the program.
  • Any personal medications that you’d want to have with you in the outdoors (inhaler, EPI-pen, etc. )

Bugs, Ticks & Lyme Disease

Please remember that we are sharing the great outdoors with insects. From June to August we have mosquitos and black flies at the Challenge Course. There are spiders and ticks all year round. During any outdoor activity in the northeastern United States, there is the risk of getting bitten by a tick that carries Lyme Disease.

We have insect repellent available for your use at the course. Visit the NYS Department of Health Guidelines on Lyme Disease for more information.

If you have any questions please e-mail us coed@cornell.edu