Special Program Participant Resources

Participant Documents for Special Programs

We're excited to be a part of your upcoming adventure! Please review the information below about our Cornell Outdoor Education special programs so that you're prepared for the event. If you have any questions, you can reach us at coed@cornell.edu or teambuilding@cornell.edu or by phone at 607-255-6183.

Payment

Payment is required prior to the start of the program. You will receive a link in your email to submit payment. Please follow the steps and make sure to include your program name (ex. "CU Reunions Canoe") and the event date when you complete your payment. 

We can only accept credit card payments or checks. 

If you have questions about making a payment, please reach out to us at teambuilding@cornell.edu

Waivers

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. To sign this waiver you much be at least 18 years old or a current Cornell Student.

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

If you are not bringing in your signed waiver, please arrive at your program at least 10 minutes early to take care of any paperwork or outstanding payments. 

Getting There

Beebe Lake on Google Maps- Meeting location for canoe programs

Bartels Hall on Google Maps- Location of Lindseth Climbing Center

Schoellkopf Stadium Rappel on Google Maps- Location for rappel programs

The Hoffman Challenge Course on Google Maps- Location of high and low ropes course/zipline programs

Sackett Foot Bridge near Beebe Lake on Google Maps- Location of Tyrolean Traverse

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 and What to Expect

Canoe Programs

These programs take place outdoors, on Beebe Lake. The majority of the lake is just 3 feet deep, but some areas in the gorge are up to 20 feet deep, so all participants are required to wear person flotation devices (PFDs) at all times. We provide PFDs and paddles. You're welcome to change or use the bathroom facilities in the Tang Welcome Center. 

• Shoes are required. Some options include sandals with a heel strap, water shoes or sneakers that you don’t mind getting wet.
• 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. Most outdoor, athletic or active wear clothing works well.
• There is always the chance of capsizing, however most people are able to figure out the balance quickly and 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 a change of clothing 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 intense than just walking around on a sunny day. 

Rappel Programs

These programs take place outdoors at Schoellkopf Stadium. You'll climb up 3 flights of stairs to the top of the stadium and then rappel out one of the highest windows and back down to the ground below. For your safety, you are required to wear a helmet and waist harness, provided by COE. Some people will be required to wear a chest harness as well to maintain the correct body orientation as they rappel. Gloves are available by request.

• Closed-toe shoes are required
• Pants are recommended, or long shorts (because you'll be wearing a waist 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. 

Tyrolean Traverse

These programs take place outdoors near Beebe Lake. Groups meet at Sackett Bridge and walk up the gorge footpath that parallels Forest Home Drive towards Judd Falls Road. For your safety, you are required to wear a helmet and waist harness, provided by COE. Some people will be required to wear a chest harness as well to maintain the correct body orientation.

• Closed-toe shoes are required
• Pants are recommended, or long shorts (because you'll be wearing a waist harness)
• Comfortable and flexible athletic clothing is recommended
• No loose clothing or jewelry. Tie back long hair. 

High and Low Ropes Course Programs

Detailed information about ropes course programs can be found here!

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. )
• To protect yourself from the sun, we encourage you to wear a hat and bring sunscreen. We have sunscreen available at most program locations where you may be exposed to direct sunlight.

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