REQUESTED PROGRAMS

Outdoor Education and Leadership can take your club, group, or organization on your own adventure!

We offer five unique outdoor adventures for groups to choose from.

Each trip includes two or more student trip leaders to guide the experience.

OEL can support a limited number of requested programs each semester.

Please complete our program request form if interested!

Program Options

Bike Ride and Ice Cream

Time: 3 hours

Participants: Minimum of 5, maximum of 12

Participants will meet at the Christy Mathewson Memorial Stadium to be outfitted with bikes and helmets before heading off for a leisurely bike ride on the rail trail. After a few miles, the group will stop for ice cream at the Purple Cow, a local favorite spot for a sweet treat. OEL will provide bikes, helmets, and bike locks, although folks can bring their own if they’d like. Participants are responsible for covering the cost of ice cream!

Hiking in Bald Eagle State Forest

Time: 4 hours

Participants: Minimum of 5, Maximum of 10

Participants will meet at the OEL Basecamp in Tustin before heading out to hike in Bald Eagle State Forest! The drive to the trailhead is 40 minutes; the hike is a 3 mile out-and-back trail with a gentle climb on the way out. There is a beautiful vista overlooking Penns Creek where the group can stop for a snack, or lunch.

Daypacks, water bottles, trekking poles and some clothing (rain gear, warm jackets) are included. Snacks are included as well!

Your group may opt in to a sandwich lunch.

Hiking at Ricketts Glen State Park

Time: 5 hours

Participants: Minimum of 5, maximum of 10

Participants will meet at the OEL Basecamp in Tustin before heading out to hike at Ricketts Glen State Park! The drive to the trailhead is 1 hour; the hike is a 4 mile loop that leads you by waterfall views! There is some elevation change.

Daypacks, water bottles, trekking poles and some clothing (rain gear, warm jackets) are included. Snacks are included as well!

Your group may opt in to a sandwich lunch.

Paddling on the Susquehanna

Time: 3 hours

Participants: 8 minimum, 20 maximum

Participants will meet at the OEL Basecamp in Tustin before driving to Milton State Park. The group will then paddle about 5 miles from Milton State Park back to Bucknell Landing. The boats are all tandem kayaks, with 1 single kayak available for an odd number of participants. All gear and snacks are included!

Large Group Program

Time: 3-5 hours

Participants: 20 - 60+

For large groups seeking an outdoor experience, we have created an outdoor adventure that can accommodate many people!

Enjoy an afternoon at Montour Preserve, just 20 minutes from campus. Spend time hanging out under the pavilion, playing yard games, paddling on the lake, playing at the playground, and hiking around the preserve!

Snacks and cold drinks will be provided!

Certain aspects of this program, including transportation and food, are dependent on group size.

University policy is that meals over $300 must be catered by Dining Services. Meals under $300 can be provided by your group, or by OEL. We have grilling supplies, plates, cups, coolers, etc.

Program Request Form

What are Bison Bikes?

Bison Bikes is a bike share program managed through the Outdoor Education and Leadership (OEL). Bison Bikes provides longer term rentals each semester and during the summer to current Bucknell students at no cost. Students can request a bike through our portal (website). Students are able to schedule appointments for ongoing maintenance and other related needs throughout the semester. Regular maintenance costs are taken care of by the program and not the responsibility of the student. Significant damanges or a lost/stolen bike is the financial responsibility of the student. Each bike rental includes a bike lock and helmet.
How do I rent a bike through Bison Bikes?

Prior to the start of each fall and spring semester we will make our Bike Request form available here on our portal (website). Simply complete the information requested and submit. Regardless of availability, our staff will be in touch within 2-3 regular business days following the closing date of the lottery. Because less students are on campus and request bikes during the summer, generally all bison bike requests will be met during the summer. Bikes will be assigned based on random selection from the entries recieved through our Bike Request form. If a bike is available, a pick up time will be shared with you to rent the bike, bike lock and helmet. At the time of pick up, you will also need to review and agree to our Rental Agreement and Liability Form. Fall 2024 Bison Bike rentals are available for pick up during scheduled times the week of September 1st - 6th and are due back during scheduled times November 15th - 20th. We will not rent bikes out after Sept 6, and will not be able to extend any bike rentals beyond November 20. We will not be able to rent out bikes outside of the pre selected pick up and return times which are shared with the renter upon selection. The renter must be present during these times to pick up and return the bike. You can always Contact Us directly with more questions about the bike request and rental process.
Damage Policy

Regular use of bikes will result in basic maintenance needs (flat tire, chain pops off, brake issues, etc.). Repair and/or maintenance needs as a result of standard wear and tear can be serviced by OEL Rental Center Staff at no cost to the renter. If damage occurs to bikes as a result of abuse or neglect (running it into a curb, attempting to ride down stairs, etc.) renters will assume the responsibility of fees for repairing or replacing bikes/bike parts as required. Repair and replacement fees will be reviewed and assessed by the Bison Bike Student Manager and/or the OEL Professional Staff. Failure to pay damage fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account.
Lock Policy

Every Bison Bike renter is provided with a bike lock upon bike rental. Renters are required to use the lock distributed by the OEL Rental Center for their Bison Bike. Bikes must be locked appropriately around the frame and front tire when not in use. If a bike is found unlocked or locked inappropriately, the bike may be confiscated and the renter notified. If a second offense occurs, the bike may be confiscated and the renter may not be permitted to rent a Bison Bike again during their time at Bucknell. If a renter fails to lock the bike responsibly or does not use the provided lock and the bike is stolen, they will be held responsible for the bike theft. The renter will be responsible for paying all fees associated with replacement of their stolen equipment. Failure to pay replacement fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account. Replacement cost for the bike is $600.00. Replacement cost for the helmet is $30.00. Replacement cost for the bike lock is $25.00.
Return Date Policy

All Bison Bikes will be due during a designated date window/range toward the end of each semester. This will be pre-determined by the OEL Rental Center and shared with the renter at the time the bike is rented. It is the renter's responsibility to schedule their return during this period of time. Failure to return a bike during this period of time will result in late fees as explained in our Late Fee Policy. Failure to return the Bison Bike, helmet, and lock by the scheduled return date may limit the renters ability to be rented a Bison Bike in the future.
Late Fee Policy

Bikes, locks with key, and helmets must be returned during the pre-determined time period as agreed during initial pick up. Late returns of the rental package - bike + locks/key + helmet will incur a flat late fee of $10/day until the cost of the equipment is reached. Bikes, locks with key and helmets returned at different times will result in itemized daily late fees of $10 for the bike, $5 for the lock/key and $5 for the helmet per day until the cost of the equipment is reached. Failure to return items online may limit the renters ability to rent a Bison Bike in the future. Failure to pay replacement fees within two weeks from the date they are shared with the renter will result in the renter's information being sent to the Finance Office who may place a hold on the renter's account.