First Year Outdoor Orientation Programs

Our trips are designed to accommodate students who are just beginning to enjoy outdoor recreation activities. There will be participants with all levels of experience, and the trip team members will help each other out every day to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe experience. All trips are physically challenging, and we ask that all students prepare by engaging in vigorous cardio exercise at least three times a week.

No. The only money you will need over and above the trip fee is for meals or snacks while traveling on the road to and from the trip location. Some required gear is available through Outdoor Pursuits, and that cost is included in your trip fee. A packing list is included in the welcome packet which will provide information on what is and is not included.

For folks interested in fishing in the Boundary Waters, a Minnesota non-resident weeklong fishing license is required. Fishing permits can be purchased, and fishing gear can be rented at the outfitter in Ely, MN. Participants will not be allowed to fish without a license, however, fishing is optional.

Possibly, but most likely not. One of the biggest benefits of an outdoor orientation program are that you have the chance to meet new people and learn to work as a team. We purposefully separate students who enroll together because we have found that students are much more engaged and have more success meeting the program goals when they approach the experience as an individual. What seems like a negative of not traveling with your friends usually ends up being a very fun experience and valuable opportunity for growth.

All groups will comprise of seven participants and two trip leaders.

All participants will meet at Ping Recreation Center on South Green Drive to check in and meet the staff and other trip members. Look for signs directing you to the meeting location.

Yes, bring everything on the equipment list. While you may not think you need all those warm clothes, the weather in the mountains of Virginia or the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota can do anything in the summer. Not having proper and necessary equipment may result in injuries and/or evacuation from these wilderness areas. Our experience over the years has shown that the equipment on the list is necessary to keep you safe and comfortable.

We have sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and backpacks available at no additional cost if you need them. Some items not available for rent can often be found for very affordable prices, and if you invest in good equipment, it will last you for many more years of outdoor adventure. If your budget is limited, consider the local thrift store or a friend’s closet as an option.

Spending a week in the wilderness is physically demanding. To prepare, you need to engage in cardiovascular exercise (running, cycling, swimming) a minimum of three times a week before your trip. Stretching is also important as well as having a healthy diet that keeps your body in good working order. Like college, New Adventures is something that you get more out of if you prepare for it.

Backpacking trips will cover an average of 7-10 miles a day. The canoe trip usually averages 7-15 miles per day mixed between paddling and portaging.

All trips are led by staff trained through the Outdoor Pursuits program at Ohio University. Most trip leaders are current undergraduate students, and some have participated in this program as incoming freshman. We also have graduate assistants lead trips. All leaders can relate to what it is like to start college and want to help New Adventures participants to get the most out of their experience.

All participants will be asked to leave their phones behind while on trip. However, trip leaders will have a satellite phones for outgoing calls in case of an emergency. If there is a need to contact any of the participants in an emergency, the Director of Outdoor Pursuits can provide the best information and means of communication and should be contacted first.

On the arrival and return days of each trip participants will be camping at the Challenge Course located at The Ridges. While traveling to each trip location and while on trips we will be tent camping at established campgrounds and at designated wilderness campsites.

Small non-essential personal belongings can be left in a secured area in the Ping Recreation Center during the trip. For Boundary Waters participants, large personal belongings that will be moved into your dorm upon your return from the trip can be stored in a secured area inside of a University Well-Being & Recreation facility and can be re-claimed on the day that your trip returns (more information below). Items used during travel (travel clothes, phones, etc.) will be locked in a secured location while crews are in the field.

Yes. All the Boundary Waters trips returns on the Thursday before classes start. The trip does not overlap with pre-college activities. Outdoor Pursuits staff will assist you in getting your belongings to your residence hall in time to participate in all the move-in weekend events.
 

As far as moving goes, participants have a few options:

1. You may bring your college belongings with you at the start of the trip and the items will be locked in a secure area while we are away. New Adventures staff members will then help you to move into your dorm when we arrive back in Athens.

2. Parents/ guardians may bring your college belongings to campus when you return from the trip. New Adventures staff members will still help you move in as long as it’s during the same time as we’re moving everybody else.

3. Many students decide to do both, bringing some belongings before the trip and then having parents/ guardians bring the remainder after the trip. Please pick whichever option best fits your needs. You will be assigned a move in date from Housing and Residential Life; we have secured approval for all New Adventures participants to move in on Thursday, August 24th regardless of dates are provided to you by communication from Housing.

All trips have vegetarian meal options. We can accommodate many dietary restrictions if we know in advance what your needs are. For serious or severe restrictions (gluten, dairy, etc.) we advise that participants plan on providing their own essential dietary items. In any case, you should contact us to discuss your specific needs.

Due to the intensive planning and various expenses associated with each adventure trip and program, no refunds will be given for cancellations made within fourteen days of the trip or program date, unless the trip or program is canceled by Outdoor Pursuits.