The First-Year Summer Outdoor Experience is a great opportunity to prepare for college! The Summer Outdoor Experience is designed to help incoming students feel more confident and prepared for entering Washington & Jefferson College. The Summer Outdoor Experience embraces the College's commitment to experiential learning and uses this guiding philosophy to help students develop self-awareness, enhance relationships, and define community in preparation for their arrival on campus in the fall.
The Summer Outdoor Experience is a five-day adventure led by W&J upperclass students, faculty, and staff that enables participants to build new friendships while developing teamwork and leadership skills through an outdoor experience and fun with other members of the Class of 2017. The Summer Outdoor Experience is designed for participants from beginner to seasoned camper. The program begins by familiarizing participants with campus and then moves to the outdoors of Southwestern Pennsylvania, where new friendships begin and outdoor skills are developed. During the Summer Outdoor Experience, participants will hike in Ohiopyle's rocky forests, explore the underground world of Laurel Caverns, test your skills at whitewater rafting the Yough, and see a national treasure in one of Frank Lloyd Wright's homes.
Schedule
The Summer Outdoor Experience runs June 23-27, 2013. Check in for the Summer Outdoor Experience is between 2-4pm at Rossin Campus Center on Sunday, June 23. The Experience gets started with our first group meeting at 4pm. We will return to campus on Thursday, June 27, by 11am.
*As a note, students can attend any LAUNCH date and attend the Summer Outdoor Experience, however students might find it most convenient for travel to attend LAUNCH on Sunday, June 23 as the Summer Outdoor Experience will commence right after the conclusion of LAUNCH on Sunday, June 23. If you attend a different LAUNCH, you should arrive to campus between 2pm-4pm on Sunday, June 23, at the Rossin Campus Center.
How to Apply
Complete the online application by May 15, 2013 (survey opens March 15) and students are selected based on the quality of their application. Participation is limited and selective. Up to 15 participants will be chosen to participate in the Summer Outdoor Experience. Chosen participants will be notified by May 22, 2013. If you have any questions contact Steve Anderson at 724-229-5120 or sanderson@washjeff.edu.
Fees
The Summer Outdoor Experience costs $150 for the entire trip and this is added to your fall statement. Pell Grant recipients who participate may have their fees waived. Once a student is chosen and has accepted, s/he is responsible for the $150 fee if s/he does not participate. This is due to reservation fees and costs associated with setting up the program.
