POAP was an amazing way to start my college experience because I met a friendly and supportive group of kids who were as excited as I was to be backpacking and meeting new people. Some of the students on my trip are my best friends today. The trip was well planned and my leaders were funny and knowledgeable. I would do it all over again if I could! ~Hannah Halbreich '11
I think this program was a fun, challenging and intimate way to get to know fellow first years as well as upper-class students before the actual semester started. Being outdoors was an organic way of getting to know people apart from worldly materialism. The daily hikes were personally challenging, but doing it with other people was encouraging. Our group came up with trail names for everyone, and there was not a night that went by without our stomachs hurting from laughing so hard. There were times when we got very serious, and we found ourselves sharing very personal things with each other. I actually gained one of my new best friends from the trip, and several other friendly acquaintances. I wouldn't have wanted to start my first year at HWS any other way! ~Shanelle France '11
Venturing into my first year of college I had a lot on my mind and I really wanted to collect my thoughts before I suddenly found myself back in class doing work again. Participating in POAP allowed me to get away from everything for a few days and relax and unwind while challenge myself at the same time. While on POAP I met a great group of kids who were also incoming first years, most of whom I still talk to on a regular basis. The POAP guides were great people who not only facilitated the entire trip but have also become some of my closest friends. Coming into Orientation not only knowing kids my own year but people in the grades above me definitely put me in a good position socially and it made the assimilation to the college life a lot easier. ~Tim Robbins '11
If you have questions or concerns about the Pre-Orientation Adventure Program, feel free to contact Assistant Dean of Hobart David Mapstone '93 via e-mail or phone (at 315-781-3300)
