Adventures & Outings

BORP's Most Popular Program

Two BORP athletes on adaptive ski equipment
Skiing at Bear Valley

 

The Adventures & Outings Program (A&O) offers a wide array of outdoor recreation activities, group adventure trips, and urban outings that appeal to a variety of ages, interests and abilities. Whether it's sailing on the bay, skiing in Tahoe, hiking Mount Tam, watching the elephant seals at Ano Nuevo, picnicking in Tilden park, or a taking in a play at the Orpheum Theater, this program has something for everyone. Check out the Events Calendar for the latest list of upcoming trips and activities.

A group of adaptive mountain bikers riding downhill
Mountain bike riding at Mount Tam

 

A&O is our most popular program, serving several hundred participants every year. Activities take place nearly every weekend on a year-round basis. The program is designed to include families and friends. It creates new friendships and builds social connections. It connects people to nature and to their communities. It challenges participants to try new things. It enables them to do things they never though possible.

The Philosophy of BORP Trips

We believe that everyone should have access to the unique challenges that outdoor recreation provides. Families and friends are not merely welcome-they are a major aspect of all of our trips. We provide the infrastructure and organization, you provide the curiosity and desire - just let us know who is coming and the nature of their needs.

An able-bodied man walks with a woman in a wheelchair with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background
Chrissy Field environmental
education day in the
Golden Gate National
Recreation Area

 

Accommodation and Adaptation

We make every effort to accommodate needs, including transportation and volunteer support. BORP plans trips for a wide spectrum of abilities, including wheelchair users, and people with visual impairments or difficulty walking. BORP does not, however, provide attendant care on trips--but will offer discounted trip fees for caregivers when possible.

Good for the Soul

BORP trips operate on two basic tenets. 1) A successful trip requires group participation. 2) A little dirt is good for the soul. The line between volunteer and participant is often blurred, as we all share responsibility for the group's well-being. Every person is responsible for setting their own boundaries and limitations. Safety is our first priority on all BORP outings and events.

Two children fishing
Fishing trip at Lake Chabot

 

A Fisherman is Not a Fisherman

There's a fishing aphorism: a fisherman is not a fisherman until they realize they're not really out there to catch fish. Over the years, we've learned that the rafting, the hiking, the cycling, the theatre experience are merely a focal point: not the deeper point. The deeper point is being out in the world, with friends, aware, learning, smelling, and moving. That's why so many people take part in BORP's Adventures & Outings. And we actually do go fishing from time to time.


A close-up of two smiling faces
You too can become
a BORP volunteer!
 

Volunteers:

BORP trips are possible because of dedicated people who generously donate their time and energy. You too can be one of these lovely people. Sighted guides are especially needed for hikes and riding tandem bikes. Call the office for more information.


Two kayaks pass in front of a ship
Kayaking on the Bay
 

HOW TO REGISTER

Just follow two easy steps:

  1. Call BORP for trip deatails and availability at 510-849-4663;
    or Lori Gray AFTER 10AM at 510-843-4398
     
  2. Mail fees *
    (NOTE that your space is NOT confirmed until payment is received).
    * PAYMENT: We accept checks, money orders and credit cards for advanced registration.

Please make checks payable to BORP and note the trip name and date(s) on the check.
Mail payment to:
600 Bancroft Way
Berkeley, CA 94710

To pay for multiple trips, call the BORP office and talk to Mike of Jay to pay with a credit card.

Many BORP trips fill quickly, so we urge you to register early.

FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE:

We want you to participate in BORP outings. Call us and we can talk about payment plans or scholarships.

FOR CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS FOR OUTINGS & ADVENTURE PROGRAMS CALL LORI GRAY OR THE BORP OFFICE. Full refunds are given ONLY if we must cancel an outing. In the event of illness or other emergencies, please call. Credit may be possible.

Refer to the Events Calendar for this month's activities.