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. 

Times: 10:30am-5:15pm

Trip cost: $10 (includes admission and transportation)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Money for lunch or snacks, or bring your own lunch
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera not requiring a flash (flash photography is not permitted)

» 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.

Times: 12:15pm-5:00pm

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Money for lunch, or bring your own
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Clothing for warm and cool conditions

Hosted by: Campus Ministry

» 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. Small tour of the immediate surrounding area may be given, if there is time.

Times: 11:30am-5:15pm

Trip cost: $10 (include cost of ticket and transportation)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Money for snacks or souvenirs

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» Photography Tour of Tacoma »
If you have a love for photography and want the opportunity to travel through Tacoma with some of PLUs 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. 

Times: 9:30am-2:30pm

Trip cost: $5 (includes the cost of transportation)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Money for lunch and souvenirs
  
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Camera and/or film
• Backpack
  

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» Salsa Dancing »
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.

Times: 10:45am-2:00pm

Trip cost: $15 (includes the cost of lesson and transportation)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Snack
• All your best moves!
• Comfortable clothing and shoes

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» Saint John's Bible at the Tacoma Art Museum »
We're taking a trip down to the wonderful museum district of Tacoma! We will tour the Tacoma Art Museum. Once at the Tacoma Art Museum we will view St. John's Bible, which is on limited exhibit at the museum.

Times: 8:30am-12:30pm

Trip cost: $10 (includes admission and transportation)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Money for lunch or snacks
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Camera not requiring a flash (flash photography is not permitted)

Hosted by: Campus Ministry

» Centro Latino » TRIP CANCELED
This is a great opportunity to experience cultural diversity right here in our own backyard! Help this local Latino organization with preparing for its annual Mexican Independence Day celebration!

Times: 9:00am-4:00pm  

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Please do NOT wear open-toed shoes, tank tops, or shorts.
  

Hosted by: Diversity Center

Times: 10:00am-2:00pm

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Garden gloves, if you have them
• Please do NOT wear open-toed shoes, tank tops, or shorts.
  

Hosted by: PLU Community Garden Club & The Women's Center

» Habitat for Humanity » 
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.

Times: 7:45am-4:00pm

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
  
• Clothes/Shoes that you are willing to get dirty or paint stained.
• Work gloves if you have them.

Hosted by: 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 and/or walking in AIDS walk.  We will be assisting in set up and takedown of the event, and will have the opportunity to participate as well. This will be a great opportunity to get involved in the community and help out with an event that is important to the lives of many. Free t-shirt will also be provided.

Times: 6:15am-3:15pm

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
  
• Comfortable shoes
• Sunscreen, hat
  

Hosted by: Student Involvement & Leadership

»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!

Times: 7:30am-2:00pm

Trip cost: None

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Comfortable clothing and shoes
  

Hosted by: Student Involvement & 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 Owen Beach for some relaxation down by the water.

Times: 7:30am-1:00pm

Trip cost: $5 (includes cost of transportation)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Snack
• Your bike and helmet (make sure all tires have air and are in good shape)
• Sunglasses

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

» 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.

Times: 8:30am-1:00pm  

Trip cost: $5 (includes cost of tee time)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Your own golf clubs or plan to rent.

Hosted by: Office of Admissions

» 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.

Times: 7:00am-6:00pm

Trip cost: $15 (includes cost of transportation, lunch)

What you should bring:

• Sandals
• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Rain Gear
• Sturdy shoes for hiking
• Water bottle
• One warm jacket or sweater
• Backpack (optional but recommended)

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

» 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.

Times: 

• Trip I: 7:00am-12:00pm 
• Trip II: 10:30am-3:00pm
• Trip III: 1:15pm-6:15pm

Trip cost: $20 (includes transportation, ferry tolls, lunch and a guided kayak trip)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
  
• Rain gear
• Clothing for both warm and cold conditions (no cotton, if possible)
• 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!

Times: 11:30am-7:00pm

Trip cost: $45 (includes transportation, lunch and rafting trip)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
  
• Clothing for water sports (no cotton, if possible)
• Change of clothing
• Sunglasses
• Swimming skills advised

Hosted by: PLU 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. 

Times: 7:00am-9:00pm

Trip cost: $15 (includes transportation, lunch and admittance into the park)

What you should bring:

• 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.

Times: 7:00am-5:00pm

Trip cost: $30 (includes transportation, lunch and a full day of guided climbing with PLUs 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 & Associated Students of Pacific Lutheran University
               

» 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 staff member on the Puget Sound for a fun day of sailing.  We will be spending the day out on the water with lunch and stunning views of the Sound.

Times: 9:30am-3:00pm

Trip cost: $5 (includes cost of transportation)

What you should bring:

• Clothing for warm and cold conditions
• Lunch
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
  
• Camera
  

Hosted by: PLU Counseling Center

» 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.   Our adventure will include walking and climbing over rough terrain.

Times: 7:00am-6:00pm

Trip cost: $15 (includes transportation and lunch)

What you should bring:

• Sturdy shoes
• Water bottle
• Warm clothes that can get dirty
• Flashlight or headlight, if possible

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

» Beach Bumming at Westport» 

Join us as we head out to the seaside town of Westport! Bring tons of energy and excitement because this day will be packed with sand soccer, volleyball, and frisbee on the beach. There are also a variety of shops to peruse through on the town's main street, as well as some great places for lunch!

Times: 8:30am-4:00pm

Trip cost: $15 (includes cost of transportation)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Money for lunch and souvenirs
  
• Clothes appropriate for a sunny and windy day at the beach
• Beach towel
• Sunscreen
• Camera

» Fremont Chocolate Tour »
If you love chocolate, this is the trip for you!! Take public transportation to the Fremont area of Seattle, where you will tour Theo Chocolates, a local sustainable chocolate maker. You will have the opportunity to explore the Fremont area, eat lunch at the Whole Foods Market, and take public transportation back home.  

Times: 8:30am-6:00pm

Trip cost: $10 (includes cost of transportation and tour)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Money for lunch and souvenirs
• Walking shoes
  
• A jacket for cooler weather
  
• Daypack
  

Hosted by: PLU Sustainability

» EMAL InterSquad Game & Pizza Party » 
"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 PLUs InterSquad football games at Sunset Stadium in Sumner, chat with fellow Lutes, and get a chance to preview the great season that is to come.  The game will be preceded by food at Farelli's in Puyallup and a chance to meet PLU students.

Times: 11:00am-3:30pm  

Trip cost: $5 (include cost of transportation and lunch)

What you should bring:

• Water Bottle
• Loud voice and plenty of cheering ability
• Sunscreen
• Camera
  

Hosted by: Student Alumni Association

» 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!

Times: 8:30am-2:30pm

Trip cost: $15 (include admission and cost of transportation)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Money for lunch & souvenirs
• Walking shoes
• Camera

Hosted by: Student Involvement & Leadership

» 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.

Times: 11:30am-4:30pm  

Trip cost: $15 (includes admission and cost of transportation)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Money for lunch & souvenirs
• Walking shoes
• Camera

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership

» Transfer Students @ Safeco Night!» TRIP FILLED
An evening of baseball with our own Seattle Mariners! Enjoy watching the Mariners take on the New York Yankees on their home turf, Safeco Field. Transfer Students are invited to bring their families along. This trip is for TRANSFER STUDENTS ONLY please!

Times: 5:00pm-11:00pm

Trip cost: $5.00 (for a $23 ticket!)

What you should bring:

• Money for food, or pack your own!
• Sunglasses
• A jacket for cooler weather at night.
• Your team spirit!
• No outside beverages allowed at Safeco Field
  

Hosted by: Transfer Student Programs in Student Involvement & Leadership

» Shrek the Musical at the 5th Avenue Theatre & Tour of Seattle »
An eventful day trip from campus, come visit Seattle! We will watch the fish fly at Pike Place and take in the picturesque views of the waterfront for the beginning part of the day, and spend the latter part taking in a matinée showing of Shrek the Musical at the historic 5th Avenue Theatre! With plenty of sightseeing and fun, this trip is great way to get to know Seattle and your fellow Lutes.

Times: 7:30am-7:00pm

Trip cost: $40 (includes theatre ticket and cost of transportation)

What you should bring:

• Water bottle
• Money for lunch and souvenirs
• Walking shoes
  
• A jacket for cooler weather
  
• Daypack
  

Hosted by: Student Involvement and Leadership