Pre-Orientation Wilderness Adventure Program
Introduction
At the conclusion of each summer Franklin Pierce hosts first-year students for a backcountry adventure in the Monadnock Region and beyond. Incoming students can choose to go on either a multi-day backpacking trip or a multi-day kayaking trip. No experience is necessary to join, but participants should be ready for a physically demanding outing.
This trip is about having fun, getting to know your fellow student, challenging yourself and coming away with a positive experience. Participants get a great jumpstart on establishing peer groups and meeting new friends. The four days in the backcountry will be spent teaching new skills and familiarizing students to the local environment.
What to expect
These trips are multi-day adventures led by well-trained and Wilderness First Aid certified student leaders. The typical ratio will be 1:8 trip leaders to participants. Groups are self-supported and will carry in all necessary group gear, personal gear and food. Water is filtered while in the field in one of three ways: mechanical filtration, boiling or using potable aqua tablets.
Student trip leaders will be sure to let each participant know where they are headed for the day and will be honing hard skills while encouraging enjoyment of the surrounding environment. The responsibility of the participant is to keep a positive attitude while learning from his or her respective choices and the choices of others. This program also adopts Leave No Trace principles as a code of ethics while in the backcountry.
Trip leaders
Each year, trip leader candidates are evaluated based their backcountry experiences. Usually they have participated in many of our Adventure Recreation programs or have had previous leadership experience. A resume along with a trip log are required to apply for a trip leader position. Training commences two weeks prior to the first Pre-Orientation trip where the leaders-in-training first receive professional Wilderness First Aid certifications. To follow the training emphasizes hard skills, risk management and scenario based exercises. Trip leaders are competent and responsible individuals who are there to support the group, lead by example and put the needs of the participants first.
How students should get ready for the program
Wilderness travel is incredibly rewarding but not without its challenges. Weather can change quickly and hours of hiking or paddling will leave you tired and sometimes sore. Prepare yourself physically by getting outside regularly on a bike, a hike, a swim or a run. Mentally prepare yourself by coming to Franklin Pierce ready for new experiences and excited to learn.
It is also important to take in the important information provided on this website. Read through the gear list and plan your equipment needs out far in advance. A new pair of hiking boots will spell disaster after a couple days spent breaking them in while in the field! If buying from a backcountry retailer be sure to ask if the gear is appropriate for our program. As a general rule, cotton clothing is not a good choice when out in the elements. Better materials are polypropylene, polyester and fleece. Wool is also suitable but is heavy when wet. Contact program Director Doug Carty for tips on buying gear.
Food
While on your trip you will be eating mostly a vegetarian diet, since we don't camp with coolers. If you're used to meat with every meal, don't worry. There will plenty of food (including protein) to rebuild your muscles and keep you energized throughout the trip. Examples of meals are - pasta with cheese or marinara; rice and beans; chili and burritos; granola or oats. You're welcome to bring vitamins, special snacks, tea or coffee but remember, your trip will leave with plenty of food for the week and you will be asked to carry anything extra that you have brought along. If you have special dietary needs outside of vegetarianism, be sure to communicate those with the program staff.
Gear
Gear list included in this PDF document includes everything you need to stay dry and warm. Sleeping bags, sleeping pads, boats, tents, stoves and backpacks will be provided by Franklin Pierce. If you have questions about your gear, feel free to call us. Eastern Mountain Sports, nearby in Peterborough can be a helpful place if you choose retail items. But, remember that much of what you need can be borrowed or found at second-hand shops for a much more affordable price. Function, not fashion, is always most important in the outdoors, and that old, ratty wool sweater will still keep you warm.
Backpackers, make sure you have appropriate boots that provide ankle support, lacing above the ankle bone.
Gear resources:
- www.sierratradingpost.com
- www.campmor.com
- www.altrec.com
- www.ems.com
- www.steepandcheap.com
- www.backcountry.com
Medical matters
Because there is possibility of injury or illness while in the backcountry, it is essential that all participants have been cleared for participation by the Health Center. They ask for your medical records by August 1st, and these are necessary for participation. Each trip has student leaders with certifications in Wilderness First Aid and CPR. On arrival, if you have any allergies or injuries that we should know about, please share these during participant check-in.
Please do not bring
You will be unable to take cell phones, ipods, computers or Discmans on your trip. The leaders will carry cell phones for emergencies. Do not bring any alcohol or illegal drugs. The discovery of either will instigate an immediate dismissal from the trip and will entail an evacuation from the course.
We’re excited to welcome you to campus and send you off on a fantastic adventure! See you soon,
For more information, contact:
Doug Carty
Director, Campus Recreation/Pre-Orientation Wilderness Adventure Program
