
Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond Adventure Blocks
August 25, 2025 | Registration for NRB Adventure Blocks will open on June 6, 2025 at 10 a.m. EST.
Choose from a variety of activities that align with your interests. These events help you explore clubs and activities and connect you with students who share your passions. Adventure Blocks are a required part of NRB Activities.
Registration
Register by June 30 at go.rpi.edu/NRB2025 | Login with the user name and password with which you applied to Rensselaer.
With 70+ blocks, please have a few in mind when you go to register. This will not be the last opportunity you have to interact with these groups or activities. If an event is listed here but not on the registration form, it may be full.
Adventure Blocks will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025. Choose between one full-day Adventure Block or two, half-day Adventure Blocks. Pick something you’re excited about—ideally one activity you’re familiar with and one that pushes you outside your comfort zone. Adventure Blocks are a great way to meet new people and try something new!
Full-Day Adventure Blocks
Choose one block from this list. You will participate in this block from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., including lunch.
Remember—you must select one full-day Adventure Block or two half-day Adventure Blocks.
Dive into the exciting challenge of performing contemporary a cappella with RPI's 5 a cappella groups for a great day filled with music. Get to know the members of The Rensselyrics, The Rusty Pipes, Partial Credit, Duly Noted, and RPI Raaga to experience what collegiate a cappella is all about! Singers and vocal percussionists will have the opportunity to showcase their talents by learning and performing one song from each group's repertoire. This program is perfect for individuals with an interest in or experience with singing or vocal percussion/beatboxing.
Join RPI Cycling for a fun, social bike ride and picnic at a local park. We'll ride a variety of trails from paved bike paths to mountain bike singletrack, depending on what you want. All skill levels are welcome, but you must know how to ride a bike. Bikes and helmets can be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own if you have one. Come enjoy the outdoors and meet other students!
Does crawling around underground through mud, rock and water with only the light from a headlamp sound like fun to you? If so, then you should join the Outing Club to explore Clarksville! This trip is for those who aren't afraid of getting dirty and willing to step outside their comfort zone. Clarksville has some crawls/squeezes in addition to more open passages. To go on this trip you will need to wear synthetic layers and hiking boots, as it will be cold in the cave. Gloves (cheap gardening gloves) and kneepads are highly recommended.
Join Circle K by heading to one of Troy's local parks, Frear Park! We will be collaborating with Professor Bram in maintaining our beautiful local community by cleaning up the park. Then, after lunch, enjoy some ice cream while creating and distributing positivity notes around campus to start off the semester with kindness!
Interested in musical performance at Rensselaer? If you have experience performing in a traditional concert band, wind ensemble, or jazz band, come join us for a day of fun, excitement, and music making. While meeting fellow musicians of the Class of 2029, you will have the opportunity to learn challenging new music in a relaxed setting. The program will culminate with a concert in the EMPAC Concert Hall, where fellow classmates will be invited to hear you play. This is an excellent time to get to know your fellow classmates, meet and talk to upperclassmen, and learn about the many performance opportunities at Rensselaer. You are encouraged to bring your own instrument. The Rensselaer Music Association has a limited supply of instruments which are available for use throughout the event.
Are you interested in planes? Want hands-on experience with RC plane building? Looking into joining an engineering club? Come build RC planes with RPI Design/Build/Fly! Learn the basics of RC airplanes and put them into action in this full-day adventure block. When you're finished, watch your designs soar through the skies, or crash spectacularly! No prior experience is needed, we'll teach you everything you need to know and more.
Learn how to play Disc Golf (Frisbee Golf) with the RPI disc golf club. Learn to put and throw, or, if you already have experience, play some games and have fun with discs. All experience levels welcome!
Spend the day with Rensselaer Society of Engineering Innovation (RSEi) and Rensselaer Panhellenic Council (RPC) for a fun, interactive event that blends painting, volleyball, and water balloon games with plenty of chances to meet new people. We will start with some time to get to know each other and introduce ourselves before breaking into groups to rotate between activities—whether you're picking up a paintbrush or joining a volleyball match, no experience is needed. After lunch, choose between a water balloon fight or a chill crafting session to close out the day. Come get to know us, try something new, and enjoy a full schedule of low-pressure, high-energy fun to kick off your time at RPI.
Do you enjoy hiking and being outside? Join the Rensselaer Outing Club on an all-day hike up Mount Greylock. This is an intermediate hike, covering 5.5 miles and 2,100 feet of elevation. Mount Greylock has beautiful views and waterfalls. You will spend the day hiking outside, with a lunch break at the summit to enjoy the views and take a rest.
We will go to a local Habitat for Humanity chapter to help construct a house for future use. No experience is required and activities can include hammering, painting, landscaping, power tools, moderate lifting, and the use of ladders.
Humans vs. Zombies is a game similar to tag, where players begin as Humans and try to survive a Zombie horde. The ultimate goal of the game is for either all Humans to be turned into Zombies, or for the Humans to survive a set amount of time using foam-dart (Nerf) blasters and balled-up socks as means to fight off the horde.
Interested in musical performance at Rensselaer? If you have experience performing in a traditional concert band, wind ensemble, or jazz band, come join us for a day of fun, excitement, and music making. While meeting fellow musicians of the Class of 2029, you will have the opportunity to learn challenging new music in a relaxed setting. This is an excellent time to get to know your fellow classmates, meet and talk to upperclassmen, and learn about the many performance opportunities at Rensselaer. You are encouraged to bring your own instrument. The Rensselaer Music Association has a limited supply of instruments which are available for use throughout the event.
Enjoy a day on the Hudson River learning to row with the RPI Crew Team. With no prior experience required, come to meet the team and take your first strokes in a rowing shell. Beyond rowing on the water, meet new people while playing lawn games and enjoy a friendly competition when you test your skills on the rowing machine.
Do you love movies? Ever wanted to create one of your own? If you answered yes to one of these questions then come on down to UPAC Cinema’s NRB event where you will split into teams to make and present your own short film!
Like Trains, scale modeling, logistics, or challenges? Then join the Rensselaer Model Railroad Society as we travel to Kevin Surman's beautiful HO scale New York and Long Branch Railroad. You will be given the opportunity to replicate the real railroad by running trains in a model railroad operations session.
Join RPI's FSAE team, Rensselaer Motorsport, to meet our newest electric vehicle, RM28, and watch it drive! Meet with mechanical, aerospace, electrical, and computer systems engineers, as well as other majors, to learn how to apply what you learn at RPI to a large-scale real-world project. Take a closer look at automotive engineering and have to opportunity to participate in racing sims as well!
The RPI Flying Club's Introduction & ESAM (Empire State Aerosciences Museum) Visit + Tour! event is designed to provide first-year students with an immersive experience in the world of aviation. The day-long program begins with a club presentation on the RPI campus, where attendees will learn about the club's mission and the various opportunities it offers. The group will then travel to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum for a guided tour, exploring the museum's extensive collection of aircraft and aviation artifacts. The RPI Flying Club welcomes aviation enthusiasts of all levels, from seasoned pilots to those new to the field, inviting anyone with a passion for planes and flight to join in the club's activities.
Spend the day with members of the RPI Men's and Women's Club Soccer teams, and play some shooting and technical games, compete in small-sided team scrimmages, and learn more about RPI club soccer and how to join!
From sending images with a walkie-talkie to hunting down hidden transmitters, you will be able to experience many of the opportunities the world of amateur radio has to offer! In the morning, participants will explore campus and learn how to send photos of campus over the air with handheld radios and free and available software. In the afternoon, participants will engage in a Fox Hunt, using a radio receiver to hunt down a hidden transmitter.
Half-Day Adventure Blocks
Choose two blocks from this list. You will participate in your first block from 9-11 a.m. and your second block from 1-3 p.m. with lunch in the middle.
Remember—you must select one full-day Adventure Block or two half-day Adventure Blocks.
Come meet America's Pep Band and get a feel for what we're all about! Bring your instruments; we'll play some of the music we play at hockey and football games. Sousaphones and percussion will be provided, and, if needed, we may be able to provide woodwind and brass instruments. All instruments and skill levels are welcome!
RPI's iconic Pushball tradition is back, and you won't want to miss it. Picture this: teams of students, muscles flexed, pushing a massive ball (6 feet in diameter, weighing a hefty 50 pounds) across the field, aiming to shove it into their opponent's goal. It's part football, part circus act, and all excitement! Why should you get involved? Because Pushball embodies the spirit of RPI: innovation, teamwork, and a dash of delightful absurdity. Plus, the winning team walks away with limited-edition swag for the 2025 NRB Pushball games. Fuel up with snacks and refreshments during matches, because nothing says "victory" like a well-earned snack break. So, grab your sneakers, channel your inner giant, and let's push our way to glory!
Join RPI SWE to navigate a cross-campus challenge with your team. Students will race through riddles and team challenges all while learning about opportunities with the Society of Women Engineers and exploring campus. The winning team will receive a prize!
Join the Autism at Rensselaer Club for board games and card games, and a relaxed tour around campus.
Join the Inter Fraternal Council from Fraternity and Sorority Commons for basketball and a barbecue! This is a great opportunity to connect and compete while getting to know more about Fraternity and Sorority Commons at RPI!
Do you have an interest in volunteer work and helping others? Are you looking for a new and exciting activity to pursue at RPI? This program will teach some basic EMT skills, and you will get to tour our ambulance and emergency vehicles. Participants will learn the ins and outs of emergency medical equipment and patient care that is performed by EMTs every day. Beyond the Siren - Meet RPI Ambulance will be a unique experience and leave participants with useful knowledge they can use in everyday life.
Join us to play some board games with friends! We will have a wide variety of games available to play. There will be party games such as Chameleon or Coup, and some longer games like Ticket to Ride or Sushi Go Party. If you want to play some laid-back board games or some exciting party games, make sure to come!
Come experience RPI TV! Try your luck at our escape room and tour our professional broadcast facilities! Get hands-on experience with our professional-grade equipment as we walk you through a typical production for our club. We hope to see you there! Food will be provided.
Join Club Field Hockey for a fun day on the turf! You'll meet the team, play some games, and scrimmage with us! Equipment and water will be provided. New and experienced players are welcome (we will teach you if you want to learn)!
Club Softball is hosting a home run derby! Come meet the team, do some drills, and try your hand at hitting some home runs! No experience is necessary, in fact beginners are encouraged! We will provide gloves, bats, and balls, so don’t worry about equipment. There will also be prizes, some come play some ball and have a great time.
Come learn how to make empanadas with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at the Cocinando con SHPE adventure block! This is a great chance to explore Hispanic culture, meet new people, and find out more about SHPE on campus. Don't miss out on this hands-on experience!
Come experience College Radio with WRPI Troy and get involved with radio broadcasting, live production, and the technology that brings it all together! With this program, incoming students have the opportunity to explore a decades-old station with high-quality equipment, over 60,000 vinyl records, couches, and a diverse, social community connected by a general love for music.
Participants will have the opportunity to get involved with the many departments that make college radio happen. Whether it's getting hands-on technical experience with producing and mixing live music, getting first-hand experience on-air as a DJ, or exploring the ins and outs of the technology it takes to output 10,000 watts of pure college radio, WRPI provides a fun, social environment for people with music interests of all kinds.
Join the Rensselaer Competitive Programming Club for a fast-paced, team-based coding and logic challenge! Students will be paired with club members to compete in Knockout Bingo, where teams race to complete a shared bingo card filled with programming, creative non-programming, and other random tasks. Each round lasts around 30 minutes, and teams will rotate between rounds—giving everyone the chance to meet new people with shared interests, and collaborate in a fun, low-pressure environment. No laptop or prior coding experience is required—just bring your problem-solving skills and competitive spirit!
Are you nervous about leaving home? Worried you'll miss your family's cooking when you go to college? Are you Filipino?
If you said yes to any of these questions, join RPI's Philippine American League's NRB block! With us, you'll meet some of our current members, learn to cook Lumpia and Turon, and get to know one another. We are open to everyone and anyone, no prior cooking knowledge needed here! Even if you're not Filipino don't worry, we'll teach you everything you need to know!
Learn about Engineers Without Borders’ (EWB) three projects that provide sustainable infrastructure solutions to communities in need worldwide, and then replicate them by making miniature shelters, solar panels, and irrigation networks! This fun hands-on activity will introduce you to our team members and our mission of making the world a better place through engineering. All majors are welcome!
A real world take on a classic engineering challenge! Work with a small team of peers to design a creative solution using limited resources to protect your egg! You'll also meet members of both organizations and get a preview of what these clubs do, from making a space-bound CubeSat and a rocket engine with SFS to science outreach and bowling with SPS. All majors are welcome!
Join us for an electrifying K-Pop Dance Workshop hosted by Eighth Wonder! Whether you're a K-Pop fan or just love to dance, this workshop is the perfect chance to learn iconic choreography from your favorite K-Pop groups. We will be teaching at a beginner level, so all are welcome!
Join the RPI Engineering Ambassadors on a scavenger hunt around campus to identify some key spots and complete a few challenges with us. You'll learn more about campus and our outreach program!
Embark on a dynamic exploration of Indian dance with RPI Rudras, Rounak, and Bhangra! Incoming first years are invited to delve into the diverse world of Indian dance by learning the graceful movements of Indian classical dance, the high-energy choreography of Bollywood, and the infectious rhythms of Bhangra. Through immersive experiences, students will discover the rich cultural heritage of each dance form and foster a deeper sense of inclusivity and appreciation for RPI's vibrant dance community. Join us for an exhilarating journey of rhythm, expression, and cultural celebration!
What's black and white and re(a)d all over? The Polytechnic, RPI's student-run newspaper! Join our staff in getting the inside scoop on clubs, sports, and exciting events on campus. During this block, you'll be traveling across campus, interviewing, and photographing NRB with donuts and coffee (or hot chocolate) in tow!
Fish Tank: You are an entrepreneur trying to find funding for your newest invention; prototype and pitch your idea to a panel of wealthy (college student) investors, known as the "Fishes." Rise to the challenge or swim with the fishes. All students of any major are welcome! Are you up to the challenge?
This session will provide an overview of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) in the Lichtenauer tradition, covering both the history and the basic techniques. Participants will get hands-on experience with basic footwork, guards, and drills, with the opportunity for light sparring at the end. No prior experience is required.
Win prizes at HackRPI's Ideathon! Team up with new friends to tackle an exciting design challenge that involves technology from retro and modern eras. Join us for snacks, swag, and the chance to win prizes! Start brainstorming project ideas and learn about our 12th annual hackathon coming up in November! No experience necessary!
Practice improvisational acting with RPI's best and only improv troupe! We will focus on skills such as characterization, content generation, dramatic storytelling, and comedic timing while building on everyday things like self-confidence and public speaking. If you think you're funny (or want to be) let's see it!
Ever wanted to try rock climbing? If so, you should join the Outing Club at our school's indoor bouldering gym! Bouldering is a form of rock climbing where routes are shorter, and climbers fall onto mats for protection. No ropes or harnesses needed! Climbing shoes and chalk are not required as we provide them free of charge. Dress to stay cool and bring water as the gym can get hot during the summer!
Welcome to the RPI Dance Club NRB program! All are welcome to join us in a student choreography exercise, a dance combination led by one of our beloved teachers, and much more! Dance Club encourages dancers of all levels and backgrounds to participate in this active, and social program. We hope to see you there!
Looking for a martial arts group at RPI? Try out Kendo! In this 2 hour session, we will be teaching the very basics of sword strikes, footwork, and etiquette.
About: Kendo (“Way of the Sword”) is a modern Japanese martial art descended from traditional Japanese sword-fighting. It utilizes bamboo swords (shinai) to strike at an opponent in armor (Bōgu).
Please be sure to wear comfortable exercise clothes and bring water!
Come to learn and have fun with the Black Organizations here on campus! Join us for an adventure block filled with community, culture, and learning. From breakfast to games and thought provoking activities, this event is designed to help incoming minority students integrate well into RPI and to learn the missions of our clubs.
Come hang out with KSA and learn how to make your own kimbap (rice rolls) from scratch! It's one of Korea's most popular snacks - kind of like sushi, but with a Korean twist. We'll show you how to prepare the bap (rice), lay out the fillings, and roll everything up in gim (seaweed). No experience needed, just bring yourself, your appetite, and maybe a friend or two! We'll provide all the ingredients, good vibes, and a fun intro to Korean food and culture.
Come learn to play Chinese games including Mahjong or Big 2 with the Chinese American Student Association.
Join the Rensselaer Rocket Society for a hands-on intro to rocketry! Build and launch your own Estes rocket while learning the basics of stability, propulsion, and flight safety. No experience needed and open to all majors. Just bring your curiosity and excitement for liftoff!
Ever wondered what it takes to run the lights and sound for a killer show? We are RPI Union Show Techs, the team that provides paid lighting and sound technicians to RPI Clubs funded by the Student Union. Now's your chance to step behind the scenes and see how the magic happens!
At this event, you'll get hands-on experience with live sound engineering and dynamic lighting control. We're talking:
- A Yamaha QL1 digital mixer powering a concert-level audio system
- Industry-standard microphones for crisp, professional sound
- An array of moving and static lighting fixtures controlled by a GrandMA3 board
No experience? No problem! We'll teach you everything you need to know. If you've ever been curious about the tech behind live events, this is your chance to dive in. Come check out what we do, meet the team, and see if this world is for you!
Participants will engage in fun low ropes activities on RPI's new challenge course. This will be an opportunity for participants to make new friends, bond with classmates, and challenge themselves.
Join us for a mini version of our 48-hour Game Jams! Whereas in the full version you make a full game from scratch, here we'd only be fleshing out the concept, and playing with our club's arcade cabinet with any extra time!
Join Cru for some outdoor games and community. We are a community of bible believing Christians who intentionally pursue and share the gospel in truth and love.
Come join the Women's Club basketball team for some fun games of pickup basketball! We will be doing some team drills, shooting, and ending with scrimmages. Basketballs will be provided but please bring athletic apparel, sneakers, and a water bottle. All skill levels welcome!
Join Girls Who Code for a laid-back, creative atmosphere, complete with snacks and canvases! This event will feature a thrilling team-building activity. Participants will divide into teams and collaborate to create artwork based on a surprise theme revealed on the spot. The winning team will receive a prize!
In this program, students will get to explore the Forge Makerspace, using our BN-20 vinyl cutter to make custom printed and cut stickers, and will get to use our 130W CO2 Laser Cutter to engrave images. Students will also have the chance to learn more about the Makerspace at this event and ask any questions about our space and the services we offer.
Come relax and work on some Puzzles with your fellow students. This is a great way to get to know others and connect with members of our club. Snacks will be provided.
Meet your fellow classmates by playing some pickup basketball!
Come play Dance Dance Revolution! An arcade rhythm game where you step with your feet to the beat! We will help new players learn the ropes and then play from our expansive library of songs.
Where does rock painting and escape rooms overlap? At the Rensselaer Pride Alliance! If you like one, or both, or neither, there's a place for you here! Come to learn about the LGBTQ+ resources available for students on- and off-campus.
Do you want to learn to dance as seen on Dancing with the Stars? Are you interested in partner dancing? Do you want to try something new? Or maybe you already enjoy ballroom dancing and want to get to know RPI's ballroom community.
If you said yes to any of these questions, Ballroom Blitz is for you! Learn and enjoy a growing sport that has practitioners from all around the world. We'll teach you the spicy Salsa, the intense and passionate Tango, the jumpy Jitterbug, and last but not least, a variety of modern forms of Ballroom dances. If you're new, come out and try something different. If you're a dancer, come meet RPI's ballroom community! If not, come anyway. No prior dance experience or partner necessary.
As one of the largest clubs on campus, and one of the biggest competitive teams on the East Coast, we'd love to have you for the day!
Do you enjoy swimming? Are you looking for a workout? Come join RPI Club Swim for a few hours of fun, there will be a short practice set followed by some games! We welcome both competitive and recreational swimmers, and ask that you come prepared with a swimsuit, googles, and a cap (if you want). We provide any other needed equipment.
Come learn a combo and see what practice is like on the RPI Dance Team! We perform Pom, Hip Hop and Jazz routines at RPI home football and basketball games and compete at NDA Nationals. Whether you have previous experience in dance, cheer, gymnastics or something similar, this is a great opportunity for students to be able to get a taste of what the RPI Dance Team does! We will be learning dance team choreography, followed by an info session at the end! Be sure to wear athletic clothes and bring water. We can't wait to see you there!
The RPI Players are hosting a variety of workshops covering most aspects of theatrical production including acting, lighting, costumes, props and more. Come have fun and learn more about RPI's nearly 100 year old theater company.
Welcome to RPI Quadball! Quadball is a mixture of dodgeball, basketball, and rugby and it is a full contact, all-gender club sport here at RPI! Join us at NRB to learn the basics of the game and then get to scrimmage with our returning team members! We are a nationally recognized team within the US Quadball league, competing at the D1 level for college and getting to travel for our regional and national competitions. No experience is required to participate, and we would love to see you there!
Come play Spikeball with the RPI Roundnet Club! All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to join. If you want to learn more about the sport or just enjoy playing, we would love to meet you and play. Wear something athletic and water will be included!
Dive into the action with our exciting and intensive Water Polo Club! Designed for athletes of all skill levels, this event focuses on fundamental techniques, game strategies, and team development. We will run some drills but are planning on keeping it light and fun. Please bring a swimsuit.
Join the RPI Rugby Club for an exciting introduction to the fast-growing sport of college rugby! Participants will learn basic skills, concepts, and strategies of rugby. Participants' time learning at each of the stations will be followed by a co-ed touch tournament and a chance to show off their newly gained skills! No prior experience is needed, however do not shy away if you have prior experience! Athletic wear and running shoes are a must. The women's team will also be present!
A self-defense focused application of the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. Learning the basics of avoiding a fight and finishing one if need be. Participants will learn some basic martial arts moves and then break a board at the end.
Join the Women at Rensselaer Mentoring Program (WMP) for a colorful kickoff to your first year at Tie-Dye & Talk! Grab a bandana, get creative with vibrant tie-dye designs, meet new friends through a game of bingo, and enjoy refreshments. It's the perfect chance to connect, unwind, and start your college journey with a splash of color!
Come meet some of the frisbee team and other new students. We will teach some basics of frisbee including throwing and catching and then transition into a quick drill to help you put it all together. Next, we will play galaxy wars, which is a multi-team game. Finally, we will go over some quick rules and then play a couple of scrimmages.
Come out and play volleyball with the RPI Volleyball Club! Join us on the field to learn more about the RPI Volleyball Club and play different volleyball games!
An arts and crafts program with a focus on creating a vision goal board to set goals for the upcoming semester with the sisters of Alpha Omega Epsilon, a professional and social sorority on RPI's campus.