The Clemson University Outdoor Lab

Why Hold Events At The Outdoor Lab?

• About the Clemson's Outdoor Lab

  The Clemson University Outdoor Lab is a beautiful hideaway featuring the scenic views of Lake Hartwell. We host a variety of events, some of which include conferences, meetings, retreats, weddings, receptions, family reunions, cookouts, and celebrations. While visiting, guests can choose to take a pontoon boat ride or canoe trip out on Lake Hartwell, explore our nature trails, take a hayride, and so much more. Our facility provides a high ropes course and group initiatives that foster excellent team building. Add our superior food services and distinguished lodging in our cabins and suites to create an all-inclusive event. Our exceptional staff is here to serve you from mid-August through early June. Our summer camps are offered in June and July.

  Our Mission

  The mission of the Clemson University Outdoor Lab is to provide superior customer service by creating social, recreational and educational opportunities for the university community and our guests.

  Our Vision

  To be an exceptional camp and retreat center with a personal touch.

  Our Core Values

  Our core values at the Clemson Outdoor Lab Retreat Center include customer-driven service, integrity, honesty, sincerity, stewardship and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

• Our People

  Leslie Conrad
  Title: Director
  Phone: 864-656-9538
  Email: conrad@clemson.edu
  About: Leslie directs all areas of the Outdoor Lab from conference and retreat center to summer camps and everything in between. She desires to provide all guests of the Outdoor Lab with wonderful memories of their time spent here.

  Tom Childress
  Title: Associate Director
  Phone: 864-656-9539
  Email: rchildr@clemson.edu
  About: Tom works with all departments at the Outdoor Lab to ensure guest satisfaction.  He coordinates our Team Ventures program and leads various volunteer efforts and service projects to benefit our site and programs. 

  Katherine Sterling
  Title: Business Manager
  Phone: 864-656-9541
  Email: kssterl@clemson.edu
  About: Katherine is the Business Manager for the Outdoor Lab. She is also the Registrar for Camp Hope and Camp Sertoma.

  Janay Whitesel
  Title: Reservations Coordinator
  Phone: 864-656-9540
  Email: jkw@clemson.edu
  About: Janay organizes reservations for all events and lodging at the Retreat Center. She is also the Registrar for Day Camp, Camp Lions Den, and Camp Odyssey.

  Mike Oros
  Title: Property Superintendent
  Phone: 864-656-9545
  Email: moros@clemson.edu
  About: Mike is the Property Superintendent for the Outdoor Lab. He started his Outdoor Lab career with us in 1993.

  Kevin Fowler
  Title: Trades Specialist
  Phone: 864-656-9545
  Email: kf@clemson.edu
  About: As a Trades Specialist, Kevin is quite literally the "jack of all trades," dealing with much of the preparation, cleanup, and maintenance that the Lab requires.

  David Milner
  Title: Trades Specialist
  Phone: 864-656-9545
  Email: dmilner@clemson.edu
  About: At the Lab, David is part of the Properties and Facilities team; he takes care of all of the maintenance, landscaping, and cleaning needs of the grounds, and his favorite spot at the Lab is Beaver Dam Trail.

  Norman McGee
  Title: Assistant Academic Program Director
  Phone: 864-646-7502
  Email: mcgeen@clemson.edu
  About: Norman is the Program Advisor and Special Programs director. He enjoys spending time outdoors whenever he has the chance.

  Katie & Matt Dobson
  Title: Camp Sunshine Weekend Directors
  Phone: 864-646-7502
  About:  Katie & Matt have been involved in the Outdoor Lab camps for many years, meeting each other here! They plan & lead our weekend camps and also help in many other ways. They have two daughters, Lilly & Rowan, who are growing up to be great camp helpers, too!

• Contact, Reservations & Rates

  For all inquiries about the Outdoor Lab services and reservation information, please contact us in any of the following ways.

  Mailing Address
  Outdoor Lab
  Clemson University
  Clemson, SC 29634-0737
  (p) (864) 646-7502
  (f) (864) 646-3620

  Camps & Programs:

  For more information about any of our camps or programs, please email the Camps & Programs Coordinator.

  Reservation Services:

  For more information, availability or to make reservations, please email our Reservations Coordinator or call (864) 646-7502

  Facility Rates Equipment/Activities Rates

  Food Service Options Planning Guide & Terms of Use

  Lodging Lodging Rates

• Employment Opportunities

  Summer Employment with the CUOL Camps!

  June - July 2022

  The Outdoor Lab is home to several residential summer programs. We are accredited by the American Camp Association and are designed to offer campers opportunities they won’t get other places. Our amazing staff care for and lead campers in a variety of activities which include: overnight camping, archery, canoeing, swimming, arts & crafts, drama, sailing, nature, and more! Volunteer and Course Credit Opportunities are available! Contact us for more information, (864) 646-7502 or cuolcamps-L@clemson.edu

  Camps include:

  • Jaycee Camp Hope (children and adults 7+ who have intellectual or developmental disabilities)
  • Camp Sertoma (children 7-13, who are either underprivileged or have a speech or hearing impairment)
  • Camp Lions Den (children, teens, and young adults who have visual impairments or are blind)
  • Camp Odyssey (children 6-12)

  Positions Available:

  • Group Counselors
  • Activity Instructors, including:
    • Lifeguards
    • Drama
    • Archery
    • Photography/Videography
    • Canoeing
    • Sailing
    • Gardening
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Nature

  Apply Now

  ---

  Spring/Fall Employment

  Throughout the academic year, volunteer and paid positions may be available for the following:

  • Property staff support
  • Food Service
  • Weekend camp staff
  • PRTM 206/207 & PRTM 405 Practicum Opportunities

  For further information, contact us at cuolcamps-l@clemson.edu or call (864) 646-7502.

• Camp Alumni

  We have just completed another amazing summer at CUOL Camps. Several former camp staff came to visit, volunteering their time and energy to help out. We welcome veterans to return and bring their families during the summer. If you want to know more about this opportunity, give us a call or an e-mail.

  In an effort to keep you updated on camp and each other, please take a minute to let us know what is happening with you!

  1) Your Information

  Full Name:

  Email Address:

  Primary Telephone Number:

  Mailing Address:

  City | State | Zip:

  2) Your Newslegend

  When were you at camp? (list years, i.e. 1997-98)

  Tell us what is new with you! Family news, job, special honors/events in your life or use this space to tell us what your time at CUOL Camps has meant to you.

  Can we post this update on our website?

  Yes No

  ---

• Directions to the Outdoor Lab

  Physical Address:

  Outdoor Lab
  Clemson University
  415 Charlie White Trail
  Pendleton, SC 29670
  Google Maps Link

  From I-85 North or South:

  • Take Exit 19-B (Highway 76/28) towards Clemson.
  • Follow Hwy 76/28 for 7.5 miles.
  • After you pass Tri-County Technical College located on your right, take your first left onto West Queen Street (this is also the turn for the T. Ed Garrison Arena).
  • Follow West Queen Street for 2.5 miles.
  • The Outdoor Lab entrance is on the left.

  From Highway 123:

  • Turn onto Hwy 76/28 East towards Anderson.
  • Follow Hwy 76/28 for 4 miles.
  • Turn right onto West Queen Street (this is also the turn for the T. Ed Garrison Arena).
  • Follow West Queen Street for 2.5 miles.
  • The Outdoor Lab entrance is on the left.

  GPS coordinates:

  • N 34 degrees 37.721 minutes
  • W 82 degrees 50.366 minutes
  • Note: GPS systems are unreliable in this area.