New Student Programs

» Chihuly Glass Walking Tour »
Tour the permanent Tacoma displays of the world-renowned artist and Tacoma native Dale Chihuly. Tour includes live glass blowing in the Hot Spot Amphitheater, glasswork at the Museum of Glass, Chihuly Bridge of Glass, and glasswork at the University of Washington – Tacoma library. This is a must for any avid art enthusiast.

Trip cost: $5.00
What you should bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera not requiring a flash (flash photography is not permitted)

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» Local Church & Organ Tour » 
The Tacoma-Parkland area is speckled with spectacular churches and organs, including our own organ in the Mary Baker Russell music hall. We will be traveling around town to view churches and play organs. This is a great opportunity to hear wonderful music and to see churches of all denominations.

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Clothing for warm and cool conditions

Hosted by: Campus Ministry & the Music Department

» Movie at The Grand » 
See an independent film at The Grand, a PLU hot spot inside the Merlino Art Center. This local non-profit theater has some of the best independent films of the year showing right here in Tacoma. If you love cinematography and good acting, this trip has your name written all over it.

Trip cost: $5.00

Hosted by:Student Involvement and Leadership

» Photography Tour of Tacoma » Trip FILLED!
If you have a love for photography and want the opportunity to travel through Tacoma with some of PLU’s finest photographers, this is the trip for you. Tacoma is full of spectacular sites to photograph such as gorgeous waterways with Mt. Rainier in the background and magnificent buildings with architectural details. This will also be a wonderful opportunity to visit and learn about the local area and what it has to offer. 

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera and/or film

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» Salsa Dancing » Trip FILLED!
Time to get out on the dance floor! If you've always wanted to learn how to Salsa, this is the trip for you! Enjoy dancing the day away with some fellow Lutes during this professional dance  lesson.

Trip cost: $10.00
What you should bring:
All your best moves!
Comfortable clothing and shoes

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» Tacoma Art Museum Exhibit Tour and Washington State History Museum »
We’re taking a trip down to the wonderful museum district of Tacoma! First, we will visit the Washington State History Museum and enjoy a tour through the rich and entertaining exhibits the museum has to offer. Then, it’s off to another great tour at the Tacoma Art Museum.  Once at the Tacoma Art Museum we will see and learn about art from world-renown artists like Mary Cassatt, Jean Baptiste, Camille Corote, and Dale Chihuly.

Trip cost: $10.00

What you should bring:
Comfortable clothing and shoes
Your love of learning and insatiable curiosity
Camera not requiring a flash (flash photography is not permitted)

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» Citizens for a Healthy Bay » 
A great opportunity to help conserve the waterways of the Pacific Northwest. Citizens for a Healthy Bay “engages citizens to clean up, protect and restore Commencement Bay, surrounding waters and habitat,” an area once targeted for Superfund cleanup. Help out by marking storm drains and get to know the Tacoma area.

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:
Clothes that you are willing to get dirty or paint stained.
Sunglasses
Water bottle

Hosted by: Volunteer Center

» The Food Connection » Trip FILLED!
Pitch in at Pierce County’s largest food bank, The Food Connection! We’ll assist in the food distribution process providing nutritious food to those in need. Prepare food baskets with some fellow Lutes, and help fight hunger in Pierce County.

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:
Comfortable clothing and shoes

Hosted by: Volunteer Center

» Habitat for Humanity » Trip FILLED!
Here’s a wonderful chance to work with your hands and help end poverty housing in Pierce County. Join in the endeavor to develop communities with people in need by building and renovating houses, so that there are decent homes in decent communities.

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:
Clothes/Shoes that you are willing to get dirty or paint stained.
Work gloves if you have them.

Hosted by: Volunteer Center and Student Involvement and Leadership

» Pierce County AIDS Foundation » 
Help further ties with Pierce County AIDS Foundation by taking part in this volunteer activity in which we will be preparing for the September 9^th AIDS walk.  We will be passing out leaflets, informing business/individuals of the event, clearing debris from the walk route, and helping to ensure the walk's success.  This will be a great opportunity to get involved in the community and help out with an event that PLU members will be partaking in during the following week.

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:
Clothes that you are willing to get dirty.
Comfortable shoes.

Hosted by: v

» Puget Creek Restoration Society » 
Help keep the Pacific Northwest green and lush by volunteering at the Puget Creek Restoration Society where we will be helping to restore native vegetation, eradicate non-native plants, and restore trails.  If you have a green thumb or just want to help support the wooded areas of the Pacific Northwest, this will be a great trip for you.

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:
Clothes that you are willing to get dirty
Gardening gloves if you have them

Hosted by: Volunteer Center

» The Tacoma Rescue Mission » 
Serving those in need, the Tacoma Rescue Mission provides emergency services such as shelter and food.  We’ll be working at the Mission to provide a meal for low-income and homeless individuals in the community. Join us in supporting the Tacoma Rescue Mission!

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:
Comfortable clothing and shoes

Hosted by: Volunteer Center

» Shared Housing » 
Come with us as we work with Shared Housing, an organization dedicated to providing housing and resources to families in transition. This volunteer opportunity will be helping to improve the grounds while getting to know the residents.

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:
Clothes that you are willing to get dirty
Bring garden gloves if you have them

Hosted by: Volunteer Center and Student Involvement and Leadership

» Biking Point Defiance » Trip FILLED!
Ride through the wooded trails on a bike tour through one of Puget Sound's most stunning parks.  This scenic ride will take us through Point Defiance and will end at Owens’s Beach for some relaxation down by the water.

Trip cost: $5.00

What you should bring:
Your bike and helmet (make sure all tires have air and are in good shape)

Hosted by: Outdoor Recreation

» Golf at PLU » 
Hole in one here we come!  Whether you’re an avid golfer or have never played the game before, come join us as we set out on the PLU Golf Course here on campus to enjoy a wonderful day of golf and good company. 

Trip cost: $5.00 (includes the entrance fee to the course)

What you should bring:
Your own golf clubs or plan to rent.

Hosted by: Outdoor Recreation

» Hike to the Olympic Hot Springs » Trip FILLED!
Olympic National Park has so much to offer, including a wonderful hike that will pass by several sulfur hot springs. Level of difficulty is classified as easy on this well-maintained trail with a slight elevation.

Trip cost: $10.00

What you should bring:
Sandals
Towel
Rain Gear
Sturdy shoes for hiking
Water bottle
One warm jacket or sweater
Backpack (optional but recommended)

Hosted by: Outdoor Recreation
                    

» Kayaking at Kopachuck State Park » Trip FILLED!
Spend the day out on the waters at Kopachuck State Park kayaking through some of the loveliest waters the Northwest has to offer.  We will be out on the water exploring a myriad of coves and waterways while enjoying the stunning scenery with fellow Lutes, faculty, staff, and Outdoor Recreation guides.  All are welcome and both experienced paddlers and novices will enjoy this trip.

Trip cost: $20.00 (includes transportation, ferry tolls, lunch and a guided kayak trip)

What you should bring:
Rain gear
Clothing for both warm and cold conditions
An extra set of clothing
Wool or fleece hat
Sun hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses

Hosted by: Outdoor Recreation & Associated Students of Pacific Lutheran University

» Rafting on Tieton River » Trip FILLED!
This is an all-day event full of stunning weather, good friends, laughs, exciting times, and plenty of thrilling action on the Tieton River. With warm weather upon us and gorgeous sunny days ahead what better way to spend the day than in the good ol' H2O rafting down a river with Class III & IV rapids!

Trip cost: $25.00 (includes transportation, lunch and rafting trip)

What you should bring:
Clothing for water sports
Change of clothing
Sunglasses
Swimming skills advised

Hosted by: Outdoor Recreation & Pacific Lutheran University ROTC

» Rainier Pinnacle Peak Hike » Trip FILLED!
The hike up to Pinnacle Peak in the Mt. Rainier National Park has adventure written all over it.  Pinnacle Peak is a Class III +, which means we will get the opportunity to ascend fixed lines with prusiks and harnesses to ascend the very last pinnacle, where we will top out to find stunning views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding valleys. 

Trip cost: $10.00 (includes transportation, lunch and admittance into the park)

What you should bring:
An adventurous attitude
Clothing for warm and cold conditions
Good shoes for hiking and climbing (hiking boots or sturdy tennis shoes)
Raingear
Sunglasses
Water bottle

Hosted by: Outdoor Recreation & Associated Students of Pacific Lutheran University

» Rock Climbing in North Cascades (Exit 38) » Trip FILLED!
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, Exit 38 has it all.  We will be heading off to Exit 38 near Snoqualmie Pass for a day full of climbing on some of the best rock Washington has to offer.  The day will be spent setting up new routes, pushing your limits, and climbing like you've never climbed before.

Trip cost: $30.00 (includes transportation, lunch and a full day of guided climbing with PLU’s Outdoor Recreation)

What you should bring:
Comfortable clothing
Clothing for warm and cold conditions (include a sweater and a windbreaker)
Hiking shoes
Water bottle

Hosted by: Outdoor Recreation
               

» Sailing the Puget Sound » Trip FILLED!
If you enjoy the wind in your face and the feeling of gliding over the water then come join us as we head out with a PLU faculty member on the Puget Sound for a fun day of sailing. Join us as we head out on the Puget Sound with a PLU faculty member for a fun day of sailing. We will be spending the day out on the water with lunch and stunning views of the Sound.

Trip cost: $5.00 (includes transportation, lunch and a sailboat tour)

What you should bring:
Clothing for warm and cold conditions
Sunglasses
Sun hat

Hosted by: PLU faculty member

» Scenic Tour of Mount Rainier » Trip FILLED!
Looming at 14,411 ft above sea level, Mt. Rainier is the tallest of the 5 volcanoes in Washington. During our time in the park, we’ll linger at several scenic lookout points and gaze at the natural wonders – crashing waterfalls, diverse plant life, and the snowcapped summit. We will be taking short hikes that are classified at the basic level and there will be plenty of picture taking opportunities. 

Trip cost: $5.00 (includes transportation, lunch and park entrance fees)

What you should bring:
Camera
Comfortable clothing
Clothing for warm and cold conditions
Sunglasses
Sun hat

Hosted by: Outdoor Recreation
                    

» Spelunking at Ape Caves » Trip FILLED!
Bring your headlamp because were heading deep into the ground to explore some of Washington's most famous lava tubes. Created 1,900 years ago, these tubes offer plenty of opportunities to partake in exploration and discovery as well as to learn about the world below.

Trip cost: $10.00 (includes transportation and lunch)
What you should bring:
Sturdy shoes
Water bottle
Warm clothes that can get dirty
Flashlight if possible

Hosted by: Outdoor Recreation & Associated Students of Pacific Lutheran University

» Beach Bumming at Sunnyside » 
Join us as we head out to Sunnyside Beach in Steilacoom for some fun in the sun, sand, and surf. Bring tons of energy and excitement because this day will be packed with sand soccer, volleyball, frisbee and the beach. This afternoon of activities also includes lunch.

Trip cost: $5.00

What you should bring:
Clothes appropriate for a sunny and windy day at the beach
Beach towel
Sunscreen

Hosted by: Associated Students of Pacific Lutheran University and Outdoor Recreation

» Bumbershoot » Trip FILLED!
What is a Bumbershoot? Well, it’s another word for umbrella…or, a weekend long music festival located in the shadow of the Space Needle at Seattle Center. This year’s line-up includes everything from local bands to huge nationally touring acts. So why not spend your day, jammin’ and dancin’ in Seattle.

Trip cost: $25.00

What you should bring:
Comfortable clothing
A blanket or pad to sit on (optional)
Sunscreen

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» EMAL InterSquad Game & Tailgate » 
"Every Man A Lute". This phrase is the rallying call for PLU's champion football team, which takes pride in representing PLU to heart both on and off the field. We will watch one of PLU’s InterSquad football games, chat with fellow Lutes, and get a chance to preview the great season that is to come.  The game will be followed by food and a chance to meet PLU students. 

Trip cost: $5.00

What you should bring:
Loud voice and plenty of cheering ability
Sunscreen

Hosted by: Office of Admissions

» Northwest Trek Tour » 
Northwest Trek has it all! We see more than 200 Northwest animals and explore some of the parks 615 acres full of wildlife and native vegetation.  We will be heading out to explore lakes, trails, meadows, and a myriad of animal life.  Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Trip cost: $5.00

What you should bring:
Walking shoes
Camera

Hosted by: Campus Ministry

» Point Defiance Zoo » 
Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my!  Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium has so much to offer, it’s going to be hard to figure out what we want to do first! The zoo is large enough to offer an awesome array of animals yet small enough to let you get really close to them. We will also have time to walk and see the sights in the public park connected to the Zoo & Aquarium. 

Trip cost: $5.00

What you should bring:
Walking shoes
Camera

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» Roy Rodeo » 
Yee haw!  Yep it’s that time of year again when Roy, a small town near Tacoma, puts their annual Roy Rodeo into full swing.  It is a good old fashion pioneer rodeo complete with clown act, bareback riding, bull riding, and cow milking.  If you’re not from these parts or have never been to a rodeo, then you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity.

Trip cost: $5.00

What you should bring:
A jacket for cooler weather at night.

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» Tacoma Rainiers Baseball » 
An evening of baseball with our own Tacoma Rainiers. Check out the Mariner’s Triple-A Affiliate on their home turf, Cheney Stadium. Get ready for hot dogs and home runs as the Rainiers take on the Colorado Springs Sky Sox.

Trip cost: $10.00 (includes ticket, hot dog, chips, and soda)

What you should bring:
Sunglasses
A jacket for cooler weather at night.

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» Tour of Seattle » Trip FILLED!
An eventful day trip from campus, come visit Seattle! Watch the fish fly at Pike Place and take in the picturesque views of the waterfront. With plenty of sightseeing and interesting neighborhoods, this trip is great way to get to know Seattle and your fellow Lutes.

Trip cost: $5.00

What you should bring:
Walking shoes
A jacket for cooler weather

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership