Students interested in the outdoors will have a chance to join UT's Outdoor Program on a rafting and kayaking trip through the Ocoee River on Sunday, Sept. 21.

The cost of the trip is $25, which includes all rented equipment, guides and transportation.

Although the group will be traveling down river rapids, no experience is necessary and students of all levels and abilities are welcome. Trained staff members will lead the excursion to ensure safety and provide a quality experience.

For me, it’s a stress reliever from school and it’s a community that I’ve become a part of. I love the outdoors and I feel like it’s a huge learning experience – Krissa Kirchoff, UT junior majoring in nursing

Krissa Kirchoff, a junior majoring in nursing, attended last spring's rafting trip and has plans to attend in this year's.

"I didn't have experience, or much at least, when I went," she said. "We had a lot of explanations before actually going on the river.

"For me, it’s a stress reliever from school and it’s a community that I’ve become a part of," she said. "I love the outdoors and I feel like it’s a huge learning experience. You can learn a lot from the other students about outdoor activities."

Kirchoff said by attending the trip through UTOP, it allowed her to experience the more technical aspects of rafting and introduced her to the more advanced parts of the river.

Those interested in participating are required to complete the following forms: Trip Agreement Form, Waiver Form, and Medical History Form. The forms are available at the Outdoor Center, located at the bottom level of the TRECS building, as well as online at the outdoor recreational homepage.

Members are encouraged to download the forms and bring them in completed in effort to save time upon registering for trips. A valid student ID is also required upon registration.

Bradley Craig, a sophomore in Spanish education, is an active member of the UTOP program

"I would strongly encourage any student to get involved with UTOP if they have any interest in the outdoors," said Craig.

For more information, or to see a listing of other upcoming events, students can visit UTOP's 2008 program guide or contact the TRECS Outdoor Center at 865-974-9749 or utop@utk.edu.