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Outdoor Adventure Pre-Fall Program

“The trip was a wonderful adventure that gave me 13 new friends. It was the best thing to do before school starts.â€

What is the Outdoor Adventure Pre-Fall?

  • A multi-day wilderness experience for incoming first-year students.
  • You will spend 5 days and 4 nights camping and participating in 1 of the 5 activities offered.
  • You will develop lasting friendships, ease the transition to college, and have fun.
  • Each trip is led by student leaders who receive over 500 hours of training per year.

Why Pre-Fall?

  • To ease the transition to college life.
  • Ask questions and have discussions on the issues and apprehensions (both academic and social) about college.
  • Learn a new outdoor skill.
  • Learn about campus services, clubs, and ways to get involved.

Activities

You will participate in 1 of the following activities while on your trip:

Backpacking

Traversing 40 miles along the entire Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail. You will be carrying all of your supplies for the 5 days in your backpack (around 30-40 lbs total). Sleeping at back-country primitive campsites with pit toilets along the way!

Canoeing

Sleeping at one location for entire trip with various length day paddles. Camping is primitive with no modern facilities (pit toilet, no running water). Possibility for short hikes in between paddling.

Rock Climbing

Sleeping at one location for entire trip with a short hike to climbing each day. Camping is primitive with rustic bathroom facilities (toilets and sink, no showers).

Sea Kayaking

Sleeping at one location for entire trip with various length day paddles. Camping is primitive with no modern facilities (pit toilet, no running water). Possibility for short hikes in between paddling.

Stand Up Paddleboarding

Sleeping at one location for entire trip with various length day paddles. Camping is primitive with rustic bathroom facilities (toilets and sink, no showers). 

Each group will also:

  • Engage in both casual and facilitated conversations
  • Learn new, fun games and initiatives
  • Reflect on each day's events 

Videos:

Group Size

  • You will be placed in a group with 8 to 12 first-year students.
  • This small group size allows you to:
    • get to know the other participants on your trip
    • create a bond that you will carry with you through your time at Loyola

No Experience Necessary

We realize that, for many students, this will be your first time in the outdoors. Therefore, each trip is designed to explore the parallels between this new experience and the one awaiting you at Loyola.

Contact

  • Phone: 410-617-2270
  • Email: OAE@loyola.edu
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