Wilderness Adventure (WA) is an ideal way to begin your Colgate experience! Join other incoming Colgate first-years on a one-week wilderness trip filled with adventure, friendships, and unforgettable memories. No matter what your previous outdoor experience is, you will be on a trip with fellow classmates who share the desire to have a great time and make friends in the outdoors.
Led by two highly trained Colgate students, you will bond with fellow first-years before entering orientation and the academic semester. Our trip options include backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, caving, rock climbing, mountain biking, local Hamilton adventuring and a schooner trip (sailing). Groups work together to accomplish daily tasks of wilderness living and become a self-sufficient community throughout the week.
The thousands of incoming students who have gone on WA trips during the last 19 years can attest that WA eases the transition into college life and becomes a memorable part of the Colgate experience.
Wilderness Adventure takes place during the month of August prior to on-campus orientation. Two sessions are offered except for sailing and Bull Thistle:
Session dates
Schooner Trip- August 11-15 (leaving from and returning to Boston, MA)
Bull Thistle- August 22-27 (A less rustic Wilderness Adventure experience)
Session I- August 8-15
Session II- August 20-27
Of course WA will be fun, by why else should I sign up?
* Build lasting friendships with other first years and upperclassmen
* Gain a sense of personal accomplishment
* Learn about life at Colgate
* Once in a life time chance at adventure with other Colgate first years
* Learn basic skills of backcountry or ocean travel and living
* Practice Leave No Trace skills to reduce impact on the land
* Learn about the natural and cultural history of your trip area
* Enjoy a week immersed in nature
Registration
We have finished accepting applications for Early Decision students. General application will begin May 15th, at which time a mailing will be sent to students and the registration form will be available online. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis according to the postmark date on the completed registration form. Space is limited. See “Important Dates” for due dates. Please review trip options on this web site and complete the registration form when it becomes available. Due to travel restrictions, students living further than a day's drive from campus will be given priority for Session II.
Fill out the application form and send it, along with your $100 deposit, to:
Colgate University
Outdoor Education
13 Oak Drive
Hamilton, NY 13346
The links below offer more details about this exciting program. Please call (315) 228-6499 or e-mail wildernessadv@mail.colgate.edu if you need more information.
Trip options
Costs (scholarships are available!)
Important dates
What gear do I need?
What can I expect on my trip?
Frequently asked questions
Wilderness Adventure is a program of:
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