Frequently Asked Questions

What is EPIC Adventures?

EPIC Adventures is the Eastern Washington University's (EWU) outdoor program. As a part of Campus Recreation and under the larger umbrella of Student Affairs, EPIC is here to help EWU students augment their learning by trying new and adventurous activities outside of the classroom while learning about themselves and the natural world.

What kind of activities does EPIC do?

In short, backpacking, camping, canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking. If it's human powered and in the outdoors, we probably do it.

How can I join EPIC?

EPIC Adventures is not a club or organization you can join. Simply go online or stop by our front desk to sign up for whatever trips events that you want to take part in. If you want to sign up for a bunch, you can do that too! All of our trip staff an operations staff are student employees, so if you are looking for work, and love the outdoors like we all do, that is an option too.

What if I've never tried it before?

Almost all of our trips are set up for everyone from complete novices to more experienced folks. Most of the time, all of the people on an EPIC trip are trying the activity for the first or second time (even waterfall ice climbing). We are here so that Eastern students can try new things. So... it's ok to be nervous!

What does it cost?

Well, that depends on the trip. EPIC Adventures is supported through Student Activities Fees paid by you through your tuition. We exist because you chose to come to school at Eastern, and we are elated to be able to offer these fun opportunities for you to take advantage of! You can find our prices on the trips page of our website, and frequently on our social media pages. You can also visit our front desk for our trips catalogs. Our prices rock, pun intended.

Who can sign up for an EPIC trip?

EPIC Adventures exists to serve our students and get them involved outside of the classroom. As long as your are an enrolled EWU student, you can take part in our trips!

What are your operation hours?

Our front desk hours vary each quarter and during school breaks. Please visit our home page to find our current hours. You can also look at our facebook page!

Will going on EPIC trips improve my dating prospects?

Maybe. Probably. That's not why we're here, but we can't rule out the possibility that going on an EPIC trip will make you more awesome.

Is it safe?

We will answer this yes-or-no question with the following: risk management is our highest priority. We have our risk management practices audited every 3-4 years by an external organization, mostly recently by NOLS. That being said, the sports we offer do have inherent risks involved, and we cannot eliminate every risk. Our trip leaders are all trained in the specific activities we offer, and all of our trip leaders are required to be Wilderness First Responder certified.

Will going on EPIC trips improve my GPA?

Yes, it might! Students who are involved in co-curricular activities like EPIC and other campus recreation programs tend to stay in school and do better than students who just go to class. Plus, many students love the community-building benefits EPIC offers.

Who leads the trips?

Students, for the most part. All trips are led and facilitated by student trip leaders who have gone through a rigorous field training process, wilderness first responder training, van driver training and other skills training depending on the type of trip. On trips involving climbing or whitewater travel, a professional staff with advanced technical training is also present.

What do I need to bring?

Yourself. Maybe a friend. Oh, and clothes. For most trips, we provide all the equipment you need to take part in the activity. For instance, on a whitewater rafting trip, you can show up in a swimsuit and we have pretty much everything else you need. Before every trip, we will give you a detailed packing list, so you'll know what to bring. No need to go out and buy any special gear, because you can rent it from us, and it is free if you have paid to be on a trip!

What if I take regular medication?

Each person that takes part in an EPIC Adventures trip or event is required to fill out our medical form. Before participating in your trip, please disclose any medications that you take on the medical history form, which is distributed to all participants during the pre-trip meeting. This information remains confidential and is stored securely before, during, and after your trip, in accordance with the HIPAA Act of 1996. It is important that you bring relevant/scheduled medications with you during your trip. Your trip staff may ask to see that you have your medication prior to departure. Please refer to our Epinephrine guidelines below.

Epinephrine Use

In March, 2016, RCW 70.54.440 was adopted and authorized healthcare providers to prescribe epinephrine auto-injectors to certain entities, including Eastern Washington University.

The following information provides guidance for implementation of the RCW at EWU. The intent of this guidance is to establish safe and effective practices consistent with the medication’s instructions for use and the rules established by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).

1. General: An epinephrine auto-injector is a medical device used most frequently for the treatment of acute allergic reactions to treat the onset of anaphylactic shock. These medical devices deliver a single, measured dose of epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, using a spring-loaded needle injected into a recipient's muscle.

Trained employees or agents of Eastern Washington University are responsible for storing, maintaining, and overseeing the use of epinephrine auto-injectors. Trained individuals may provide or administer an epinephrine auto-injector to any individual who the employee, agent, or other individual believes in good faith is experiencing anaphylaxis.

2. Authorized Units: University units may request authority to procure, store and maintain epinephrine auto-injectors through the University Risk Manager. All such requests will be vetted through the University Risk Management Committee and are subject to final approval by the Vice President for Business and Finance. Currently, EPIC Adventures has been authorized to procure, store and maintain the devices.

3. Training: Prior to providing or administering an epinephrine auto-injector (that has been prescribed to EWU), an individual must complete an online or in-person training program as approved by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Upon completion of training, individuals must receive a certificate on a form developed or approved by DOH.

University units that maintain epinephrine auto-injectors shall maintain records documenting all persons in the unit who have completed training. Units shall also forward a copy of each training record to the University Risk Manager.

4. Incident Reporting: Each time an employee or agent of Eastern Washington University uses an epinephrine auto-injector, the individual must submit an incident report to the University Risk Manager and to DOH. Annually, DOH will publish a report that summarizes and analyzes the incident reports received during the reporting period.

5. Liability: Individuals authorized to administer an epinephrine auto-injector are not liable for any injuries or damages that result from administration or failure to administer the medication unless such acts or omissions constitute gross negligence or willful or wonton conduct.

If you have any questions or comments, please contact the University Risk Manager at 359-6618.

What have you learned while working at EPIC?

"I've learned how to be a leader. All the training I've been through and trips I've been on have taught me lessons. This has affected my everyday life by building my confidence, helping me become a stronger person, and making me happier." - Hannah H.

What did you enjoy most about being on an EPIC trip?

"I enjoyed the flexibility of the schedule and how the trip was tailored to the wants of the group. I would absolutely recommend EPIC trips to other EWU students." Hannah C.