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 backpack through the vast tracts of old growth forests, mountain meadows, bogs, while leaving adequate time for day trips to bag a mountain top or to 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 very comfortable in the water and willing to physically challenge themselves with an ambitious backpacking adventure. Backpacking and Kayaking are 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 FLT trip will experience the waterfalls and gorges found throughout the region, a feature known to all who come to 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 NY to ND), connect to the Appalachian Trail and provide an incredible backpacking adventure. These two trips 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 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 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 trip is designed for students interested in engaging in the Geneva community through service and volunteerism acting as "Geneva Partners." The trip will help orient students to the City of Geneva and the surrounding rural communities, as well as to help to establish a foundation for continued volunteer service during the next four years. Students will camp in tents on campus and volunteer daily on-site at the "HWS Build" Habitat for Humanity house which is scheduled to be done in September. The group will cook and prepare meals together. Daily reflection exercises will be lead by the trip leaders. This trip provides the opportunity for students to do service work together, and reflect more deeply on themselves and some of the issues faced by members of the Geneva community. This 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 Web site and fill out the Pre Orientation Adventure Program online application (available in early April). 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.
Remember: you must carry everything that you take on the trail plus group equipment and food!! It all adds up, so try to pack the lightest things you have and as little as possible!!
The HWS Outdoor Recreation and Adventure Program (ORAP) will be able to provide a limited number of students with backpacks, sleeping bags, 2 person tents. Equipment will be provided on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to indicate on your application any equipment needs!
