EPIC Experience Descriptions – Fall 2026
There will be no additional cost for any experience and all materials will be provided.
Master the Mix: Party Planning 101: Great parties don't happen by accident. Learn how to dream up a theme, organize the details, and work as a team to bring an event to life. From brainstorming and budgeting to decorations and entertainment, you'll help plan a party from start to finish, then enjoy the results together over food, drinks, and great conversation.
Casting On Community
Bring your curiosity and a warm drink as we gather to learn, knit, and connect. Whether you're picking up needles for the first time or already have a project in hand, this relaxed gathering offers a chance to slow down, create something meaningful, and build friendships.
What's Your Type? Coffee, Tea & the Enneagram
Grab a cup of coffee or tea and explore the Enneagram, a popular personality framework that helps you better understand yourself and others. Join the conversation, discover your type, and connect with fellow students through meaningful discussion.
Outside Lies Magic: Slow Down, Tune In
College moves fast. This EPIC experience is an invitation to hit pause. Through a guided text-message walk, you'll explore the outdoors in a completely different way. Every few minutes, you'll receive prompts that encourage you to notice what's around you, from shifting clouds and changing light to the sounds, textures, and hidden details of a place you may walk past every day. Along the way, you'll exchange photos, voice notes, and observations with a partner in a different location, creating a shared experience of discovery. The experience also includes creative reflection through journaling, drawing, conversation, and restorative movement practices.
No hiking experience, yoga skills, or athletic ability required. All activities can be done walking, sitting, standing, or lying down.
TEE UP New Connections: Meet new people while enjoying a round of golf. Students will be randomly assigned to foursomes, creating a fun, low-pressure way to build friendships and connect with others outside their usual circles. The experience continues during winter with golf simulator meetups in the HUB, giving participants even more opportunities to connect.
Pause & Flow: Breathe in. Stretch out. Slow down. Pause & Flow offers college students a calming space to unwind, connect with their breath, and explore the fundamentals of yoga and mindfulness. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just curious to try, this experience will help you recharge, refocus, and find a moment of peace that will help you as you immerse in campus life and the upcoming fall term. Mats provide, no experience necessary.
Self-Care Sampler: Build Your Rejuvenation Station
Treat yourself to an afternoon of relaxation, exploration, and connection as we sample a variety of self-care practices designed to help you recharge and feel your best. From calming campus spaces and mindful movement to hand massages, essential oils, tea tasting, and more, you'll have the chance to try different approaches to self-care and discover what helps you feel refreshed and grounded. Along the way, you'll connect with fellow students, share ideas, and create your own personalized "rejuvenation station" toolkit to use throughout your college journey. Come curious, leave refreshed. No experience required, just a willingness to slow down and invest in yourself.
Let's Get Creative! Ready feed your inner creative spirit? Join us for some artsy experiences at local venues in the Fox Cities that will allow you to create, design and paint different pieces on different mediums - canvas, clay & ceramics. (No previous artistic experience required.)
You’re a “Rock”star! Join us for an afternoon of indoor rock climbing at Odyssey Climbing and Fitness. Connect with each other and the Fox Cities climbing community. No experience or lots of experience? Everyone will have a great time! A 15-minute orientation will be required prior to climbing, and gear will be provided. Wear your comfy clothes and come ready to “rock your socks”!
Indoor/Outdoor Recess: Learn the ins and outs of a few fun recess games - Pickleball, 4 square, disc golf or Kuub just to name a few. During this experience you’ll learn the rules, strategy, practice, and play against your new peers. (All students are welcome. No previous experience or knowledge required. Will required physical movements and being outdoors.)
The Art of Appleton Thrift: Sustainability-CHECK. Money Savings-CHECK. Hitting the hot spots around town – CHECK. When you learn the massive benefits of thrifting, and the best places to go on and around campus, you not only get yourself set up for success, but also connect to the Lawrence and Appleton community in a unique way. (All students are welcome.)
Botanical Adventures: Come connect with fellow garden groupies and explore the outdoor places around the Fox Valley. Visit local gardens, and botanical places on and off campus. In the winter, this group will explore through watercolors by utilizing your favorite pix from the Fall adventure. In the Spring, come veg-out by learning how to plant your own garden from seed. Think about growth and all it means to you.
Knot a Frayed Adventure Course: Imagine being blindfolded and silenced, yet still expected to express yourself. Now imagine that you must do this with a stranger that you barely know. While this may seem terrifying, working with a team to navigate through a ropes-course provides significant opportunities for growth. Consisting of high and low elements, you and your team will work through on-ground and above-ground challenges that may seem insurmountable but elevate you to apply experiential leadership to the classroom and beyond! (This experience will involve some outdoor activities with physical and height components.)
Vinyl is Vital: Let's dive into the vinyl experience. Spend some time with a group interested in vinyl records - both for the enjoyment and collection of them. What is it about listening to vinyl that offers a different experience than other media? Gather with others that love vinyl and hang out with our favorite campus dogs, Carl and Finn. We'll wrap up the experience with a trip to our downtown record store.
Spokes and Stokes Biking Adventure: Join us for an outdoor adventure that is sure to be a great time! This will include a bike tour and exploration of Appleton through its different parks and trails. Stops at various locations through out the tour will also include team building activities and other surprises. (You must be able to ride a bike to fully participate in this experience.)
Outdoor Adventures- Canoeing & Kayaking: Join us for an outdoor adventure that is sure to be a great time! This will include a canoe/kayak trip down the Fox River with some historical background of the area, team building activities, and some friendly competition. (You must be able swim/tread water to fully participate in this experience.)
Make Museums Your Thing: Think museums aren't for you? Think again! Come discover art, stories, and hidden gems as we visit the Trout Museum and another local museum, explore public sculptures and murals, and possibly enjoy a special behind-the-scenes experience. Whether you're an art lover or a complete beginner, this is a chance to see museums in a new way and connect with other students along the way. All students are welcome. This program involves walking, and accommodations are available upon request.
Mural, Mural on the Wall: Take a stroll through downtown Appleton and discover the stories told through its vibrant murals that highlights the creativity, culture, and character of the community around you. Then, bring that inspiration back to campus to help create a collective growing mural—a visual piece that blends individual expression with shared Lawrence values, visions, and experiences. Whether you contribute a bold design or a small detail, your voice will become part of a living, growing work that represents us. We will be adding different layers and textures each term as your Lawrence story evolves. No art experience necessary—just bring your ideas, energy, and willingness to be part of something meaningful and collaborative.
LU Crafternoon
Love creating, making, or trying something new? Join us for a relaxed and creative afternoon filled with hands-on projects, good conversation, and new connections. You'll have the chance to explore a variety of crafts and creative activities while expressing your creativity and making something uniquely your own.
Whether you're an experienced crafter or have never picked up a glue gun, paintbrush, or crafting tool before, this welcoming space is all about having fun, learning new skills, and connecting with others who enjoy making things. Come create, connect, and discover your next favorite hobby!
Axe-citing Escape: Unleash your inner adventurer through this experience. Channel your precision and wit while connecting with your new peers. In this experience, you will get the excitement of axe throwing and the challenge of solving an escape room. Are you ready to throw like a pro and escape in time? Team up, throw down, and build new friendships. All skill levels welcome!
Find Your (Hip Hop) Flow: Discover the art of lyrical expression in this creative introduction to writing hip hop music. Learn how to craft verses, structure songs, and express your voice through rhythm and rhyme. No experience necessary—just bring your ideas and energy. Original beats and music will be provided to inspire your writing and performance.
Game Day: Learn Games, Make Friends: Games, snacks, and new friends — what more could you ask for? Join us for a welcoming game day event where you’ll get to learn and play awesome board games with other new students. A local game shop is bringing the games, you bring the good vibes. No experience needed, just a willingness to have fun and connect.
Lawrence & Appleton: A Story in Every Step: Come walk with us as we learn about the intertwined history of Appleton and Lawrence—famous people, intriguing places, fascinating happenings—right in our own backyard. We’ll stop at interesting spots in the city, on campus, and along the Fox River as we conduct a scavenger hunt for clues to our heritage and sample local treats. Participants should be comfortable walking up to three miles.
Pull Together: Row Before You Row
Curious about rowing? Grab a seat in a real rowing shell and discover how a group of strangers becomes a crew. Using boats secured on land, you'll learn the basics of rowing while working together on timing, communication, and teamwork. Expect plenty of laughs, a few challenges, and the satisfaction of finding your rhythm as a team. No experience required, just a willingness to try something new, have fun, and pull together!
Chop, Sizzle & Season: Ever wanted to level up your kitchen game or impress your friends with your cooking skills? This hands-on culinary experience is your ticket to becoming a true foodie. No experience needed—just come hungry to learn! You’ll work alongside local chefs to explore the basics of cooking, including how to safely cut and prep ingredients, use essential kitchen tools, select oils and seasonings, and experiment with creating your own recipes. Whether you're a microwave master or a total beginner, you’ll leave with practical skills, a deeper appreciation for flavor, and maybe even your signature dish. Aprons provided. Curiosity required.