New Adventures
New Adventures
New Adventures
Welcome, Ohio Bobcat Class of 2017!
“Starting off my college experience with this trip under my belt, I feel as though I can do anything I want to in college because I know I am able to succeed.” - New Adventures participant
Experience one more trip before your classes start with New Adventures - Ohio University’s adventure orientation program for first year students. Coming to college can be a daunting experience filled with uncertainty, excitement, and new challenges. One of the best ways to prepare for your college adventure is to come with us on New Adventures! Participating in an outdoor orientation program helps new students to develop leadership skills, see amazing places, and form lasting friendships that make your transition into college smooth and enjoyable. You also get to know about college life from upperclassmen before classes even start, and can even earn credits before the first day of class.
Since the first outdoor orientation program held at Dartmouth College over 80 years ago, generations of college freshman have participated in programs at universities all over the country. Now, you can be part of this tradition at Ohio University. New Adventures offers three trip options: the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness paddling expedition, backpacking in the Dolly Sods wilderness area of West Virginia, and Rock Climbing in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. Whichever trip you choose, be ready for an amazing experience that you will not soon forget!
“I would highly recommend this program to any freshman coming to OU, it could simply be a good chance to get away, or for some it could be life changing.” -Class of 2014 participant
Goals of New Adventures
1. Form strong friendships and create a supportive community of peers.
2. Grow through new personal challenges that can help you to succeed at Ohio U.
3. Be exposed to community issues such as teamwork, group dynamics, and leadership.
4. Learn life-long outdoor travel skills and low-impact outdoor recreation ethics.
New Adventures Trips 2013
Boundary Waters Wilderness Area Canoe
Trip Dates: August 12 – 23, 2013Destination: Ely, Minnesota You can earn 3 credits by participating in this trip! |
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) together with Canada’s Quetico Provincial Park is one of the few remaining unspoiled wilderness areas in the United States, covering more than 2 million acres between northern Minnesota and southern Canada. This trip begins with a half day orientation at Ohio University on August 12th, 2013. The trip will leave on August 13th and head for Superior National Forest, Minnesota. During the seven day expedition, participants will travel by canoe, portage between lakes, and camp at isolated campsites. Late summer sunsets will highlight daily discussions about wilderness skills, the day’s events, and campus life. Participants will travel in groups of nine, consisting of seven peers and two Ohio University trip leaders.
Rock Climbing in the Red River Gorge
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Trip Dates: August 17- 23, 2013Destination: Red River Gorge, KentuckyTrip and Transportation Fee: $350 Available Spaces: 12 Skill Level: Beginner You can earn 3 credits by participating in this trip!
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The Red River Gorge is a unique and scenic natural area within the Daniel Boone Natural Forest of Kentucky. The Gorge is well known for its abundant natural stone arches, unusual rock formations, and spectacular sandstone cliffs. After an afternoon on our own high ropes course, we will head to the “Red” to explore the area from the spectacular views you will have as you enjoy four days of rock climbing on some of the hundreds of routes at the Gorge, and on numerous day hikes during the week. Prior climbing experience is helpful but not necessary – we’ll provide basic and more advanced instruction as needed. Every day will end at camp where we will enjoy back country meals and a well-earned campfire to rest by. Camping will take place at Natural Bridges State Park.
Dolly Sods Wilderness Backpack
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Trip Dates: August 18-23, 2013Destination: Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, West VirginiaTrip and Transportation Fee: $250 Available Spaces: 8 Skill Level: Beginner Trip Itinerary You can earn 3 credits by participating in this trip! |
The Dolly Sods Wilderness has all of the sights and challenge of the Rockies but is just four hours' drive from Ohio University. We'll spend our first day on campus at the Outdoor Pursuits ropes course followed by an evening clinic on backcountry camping and a chance to test your moves on the indoor climbing wall. The next four days we'll spend in the mountains of Dolly Sods trekking on paths used by settlers to take us past secluded forest groves, boulder filled rivers, and jaw dropping ridgeline views of the Appalachian mountain landscape. At the end of each day you'll take charge of setting up your own campsite and making meals, followed by fireside talks about the experiences of the day while you soak in the night sky. Our final day will wrap up with a stop at the Ohio University zip line for a thrilling ending to an adventure packed week. Prior backpacking experience is helpful but not necessary; the Outdoor Pursuits trip leaders will guide you as you develop the skills needed for success on your New Adventure into Dolly Sods.
Registration Information
PLEASE NOTE: You must submit BOTH your Registration Form AND payment to reserve your place
on a New Adventures trip. Payment can be made online below, or by telephone.
Registration begins on May 5th and closes July 31st, 2013. Space is limited on each trip so if you
are interested, apply soon as registration begins. Trips will be filled on a first come, first served basis
determined by the date and time of receiving your completed registration form and payment.
You can register by telephone or e-mail but you will not be added to the trip roster until full
payment for you trip is received. Payment can be made using credit / debit card by telephone or
the online payment link on this website. After you are registered, you will receive a confirmation
within 48 hours by e-mail, and additional information to help you to prepare for your trip. You
can contact Outdoor Pursuits at any time if you have additional questions.
Cancellations
Registration cancellations made by July 31st will receive a 50% refund of trip fees; cancellations after August 1st will receive no refund of trip fees except in the case of unforeseen circumstances such as injury, illness, or other immediate family emergency.





