The Finger Lakes National Forest, located on the southeastern end of Seneca Lake, is the only National Forest in New York State. The Forest’s 16,212 acres are nestled on a high ridge overlooking Seneca Lake. The Forest has more than 30 miles of interconnecting trails that traverse gorges, ravines, pastures and woodlands. POAPers can expect to hike about 6 miles into a main campsite and explore the rest of the Forest via day hikes. Guides are well trained in first aid and general backpacking/camping protocol. This trip is designed for students who have very little experience in backpacking and camping. Backpacking is an all-weather affair; preparation is crucial. The possibility exists that participants of the trip will experience inclement weather. The experience of the guides and the close proximity to campus will make this an ideal opportunity to meet new people in a fairly low-risk environment.
The Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected wilderness area in the contiguous United States and boasts more than 3,000 lakes and ponds and 30,000 miles of streams and rivers. Along with one of the largest networks of hiking trails in the country, the Adirondacks serve as the perfect environment to backpack. Students on this trip will backpack through the vast tracts of old growth forests, mountain meadows and bogs, while leaving adequate time for day trips to a mountain top or cool off in the pool of a mountain stream. Guides are well trained in both water safety and standard backpacking protocol. This is a trip designed for students who are willing to physically challenge themselves with an ambitious backpacking adventure. Backpacking is an all-weather affair; preparation is crucial. The possibility exists that participants of the trip will experience inclement weather. The experience of the guides and the preparation of trip participants will make it an experience to remember.
The Finger Lakes Region is one of those places with something for everyone. This trip will capture the spirit of the Finger Lakes and bolster your sense of place. The POAPers will experience the waterfalls and gorges found throughout the region, a feature known to all who come here. The beautiful forests of the southern Finger Lakes will capture your attention for the next four years. The Finger Lakes Trail and its appendages cover almost 850 miles throughout New York State. Segments of the trail are part of the North Country Scenic Trail (which runs 4,500 miles from New York to North Dakota), connect to the Appalachian Trail and provide an incredible backpacking adventure. Students will explore the southern end of Cayuga Lake, where vineyards, water, wind and views combine in an idyllic panorama. Backpacking is an all-weather affair; preparation is crucial. The possibility exists that participants of the trip will experience inclement weather. The experience of the guides and the preparation of trip participants will make it an experience to remember.
The Adirondack Park is the largest publicly protected wilderness area in the contiguous United States and boasts more than 3,000 lakes and ponds and 30,000 miles of streams and rivers. Along with one of the largest networks of hiking trails in the country, the Adirondacks serve as the perfect environment to backpack and kayak. Students on this trip will spend half of their time in kayaks paddling the pristine waters of the Adirondacks while spending the remaining time backpacking through the vast tracts of old growth forests, mountain meadows and bogs. Guides are well trained in both water safety and standard backpacking protocol. This is a trip designed for students who are very comfortable in the water and willing to physically challenge themselves with an ambitious backpacking adventure. Backpacking and kayaking are all-weather affairs; preparation is crucial. The possibility exists that participants of the trip will experience inclement weather. The experience of the guides and the preparation of trip participants will make it an experience to remember.
Become better acquainted with the heart and soul of the region as you spend the days paddling the pristine waters of the Finger Lakes. Kayak the cool, deep waters of Seneca Lake, the cattail marshes of Canandaigua Lake, and the historic Erie Canal and Seneca River on this 4 day adventure. Participants will partake in a series of day trips on area waters as a way to explore the local region. Guides are well trained in both water safety and techniques of kayaking. This trip is designed for students who are very comfortable in the water and willing to physically challenge themselves. Kayaking is an all-weather affair; preparation is crucial. The possibility exists that participants of the trip will experience inclement weather. The experience of the guides and the preparation of the trip participants will make it an experience to remember.
In the High Peaks of upstate New York, students will have the opportunity to conquer a mountain from base to summit each day. By establishing a base camp and hiking a new trail and mountain daily, students will gain experience in outdoor skills such as leaving no trace, back country cooking, bear bagging, and wilderness safety and survival. Students can expect new challenges each day with the reward of spectacular views and the accomplished feeling of reaching the summit. Backpacking is an all-weather affair; preparation is crucial. The possibility exists that participants of the trip will experience inclement weather. Guides on this trip are well trained in backcountry safety, protocol and emergency medicine. This is a trip designed for students who are willing to physically challenge themselves and for those who have an ambition for hiking and backpacking adventure.
This trip is for students interested in engaging with the Geneva community through service and volunteerism. The trip seeks to orient students to the City of Geneva and surrounding communities, as well as help establish a foundation for continued volunteer service and civic engagement during the next four years. Students will bunk on campus or in a local church basement and volunteer daily on site at the nearby Habitat For Humanity house. The group will cook and prepare meals together. Upper class trip guides will lead daily reflection exercises. This trip provides students the opportunity to complete hands-on service work together, learn more about their new Geneva community and the issues it faces, and reflect more deeply on their own experiences. The trip is offered in conjunction with the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning.
To apply for this program after being accepted to Hobart and William Smith Colleges, login to the Orientation website and complete the Pre-Orientation Adventure Program task (available in early May). There is a limited amount of financial aid available for the program, so please indicate on the application if you would like to be considered for a scholarship. You will be notified in June regarding your acceptance to the program. If you are accepted, you then must fill out the Liability Waiver and Statement of Responsibility. In addition, if you need equipment for the program, please fill out the Equipment Request form.
Check out our pack list to find out what to bring!
