Policies
Outdoor activities challenge both mind and body and involve an element of risk. To manage this reality, Outdoor Programs has developed a risk management strategy that encompasses and supports all aspects of our trips, classes, and other programming. Outdoor Programs is committed to investing time and resources into these practices because the health and well-being of our community is our highest priority.
Pre-Trip Meeting And/Or Classroom Session
Pre-trip meetings occur usually on the Wednesday night prior to a camping or backpacking trip at 7:00 pm. Equipment and/or food is given out at this time. These meetings usually last less than 20 minutes. Those who cannot attend, must schedule a separate meeting with the Program Manager.
Required Paperwork
Acknowledgement of Risk, Release Agreement, and Health forms must each be read, filled out, and signed to participate in the outing. The Health form is necessary to assist leaders in case of a medical emergency; please fill it out thoroughly. These forms will be included in your confirmation packet. Please bring the completed forms with you to the pre-trip meeting.
Transportation
Outdoor Programs does not provide transportation. Transportation is the responsibility of the group members, and our leaders will help facilitate carpool transportation to the site with participants. The group will share gas expenses and those who volunteer to drive will not pay for gas. If there are not enough participants with vehicles for a given trip, it will be the group’s responsibility to rent a vehicle or arrange alternative transportation.
FAQ
Do I have to be a UCSF Student to go on a outdoor programs trip?
No way! We offer quality programs for students, staff, faculty and the San Francisco community. See more information about our age requirements below.
Can I enroll a group of friends in a program?
Yes, if there is room in the class. If not, Outdoor Programs can help you organize an affordable custom trip to suit your needs. These private events can be booked by contacting Kirk McLaughlin, Outdoor Programs Manager: Kirk.McLaughlin@ucsf.edu.
Can children participate in classes and trips?
Most of our trips are designed with adults in mind. We also provide opportunities for youth. Please contact us for details.
What is your refund policy?
UCSF Fitness & Recreation adheres to a ‘no refund’ policy for all customer-cancelled registration activities, programs, sessions, lessons or trips; therefore:
• A full refund is issued if Outdoor Programs has to cancel for any reason.
• Credit is issued if a customer cancels 7 days prior to the first day of an activity, program, session, lesson, pre-trip meeting or trip.
• No credit is issued if a customer cancels within 3 days of a kayak trip or pre-trip meeting for camping/backpacking trips.
What if my trip is cancelled?
Outdoor Programs may be forced to cancel a class or trip due to inclement weather or other circumstances beyond our control. If this is the case, we will offer to transfer participants to a future class, give a full credit or refund or reschedule the course. It is important that the phone number you provide is one you can be reached the night before the program in the case of a cancellation.
Will my trip be cancelled if it’s raining?
Gentle rain is not sufficient reason to cancel a class. If the class/trip is going to be canceled for weather reasons, every attempt will be made to contact participants as quickly as possible.
Are personal kayaks and gear acceptable?
Outdoor Programs participants must use the equipment we provide for your specific program. Contact us with further questions.
Does Outdoor Programs rent equipment?
We offer equipment rental for participants on Outdoor Programs trips only.
If you are looking to rent equipment, we would suggest REI, Outback Adventures or Berkeley Surplus. We do offer some equipment rental for participants on Outdoor Programs trips. UCSF students, contact us for other details.
