Adventure Orientation Programs

LGBTQ+ Backpack Three Ridges
Dates: Friday, July 28 - Sunday, July 30
Time: The program will begin at 9 AM on the first day and finish at 4 PM on the final day
Location:  Waynesboro, VA
Cost:  $100 (transportation, meals, and equipment rental included)

Enjoy beautiful views, wildlife, and getting to know fellow incoming Terps as you backpack and camp along the Appalachian and Mau-Har Trails in Three Ridges Wilderness.  On this three-day, two-night backpacking experience we will explore not just the backcountry, but our own unique identities with a focus on transition to college, community, self-expression, and vulnerability.  No experience is necessary- we’ll teach you all you need to know about backpacking and backcountry camping.

Backpack the Appalachian Trail
Dates: Monday, August 7-Friday, August 11
Time: The program will begin at 9 AM on the first day and finish at 4 PM on the final day
Location: Pennsylvania
Cost: $225  (transportation, meals, and equipment rental included)

The Appalachian Trail stretches approximately 2,180 miles along the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine and passes through 14 states, including Maryland. Join the Adventure Program as we attempt to section hike the entire Appalachian Trail. This summer, we will be backpacking through the middle of Pennsylvania! Spend five days and four nights traversing the historic trail while enjoying beautiful scenery, challenging terrain, starry nights and great company with fellow incoming Terps.  No experience is necessary- we’ll teach you the ins and outs of backpacking and backcountry camping.

Canoe the Delaware Water Gap
Dates:  Monday, August 14- Friday, August 18
Time: The program will begin at 9 AM on the first day and finish at 4 PM on the final day
Location: Bushkill, PA
Cost:   $225  (transportation, meals, and equipment rental included)

Join us on a five day, four night paddling trip through the scenic Delaware Water Gap. We will spend the week canoeing over 30 miles of the Delaware River. Each day you’ll paddle as a team through small riffles and quiet pools all while enjoying breathtaking views. Each night will be spent enjoying campfires, bonding with fellow incoming Terps, and camping along the banks of the river under the stars. Along the way, a diversity of wildlife may be spotted including osprey, river otters, black bears, and bald eagles. No experience is necessary- we’ll teach you the paddling strokes, river navigation, and leadership skills needed to become a successful paddling team.

Veteran Adventure Orientation Program
Dates:  Saturday, August 12- Sunday, August 13
Time: The program will begin at 1 PM on the first day and finish at 5 PM on the final day
Location: Potomac, MD
Cost:   Free thanks to generous support from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs  (transportation, meals, and equipment rental included)

This adventure experience is designed exclusively for new veteran students.  Spend two days learning the basics and experiencing the thrill of whitewater kayaking.  Throughout this experience you will be exposed to basic outdoor skills such as whitewater kayaking, camping techniques, and outdoor cooking.  In addition to outdoor skills, you will learn about campus resources available to veterans.  Additionally time will be set aside to answer any questions you might have about the University of Maryland.  This experience is unique and different from any other you may have as a college student, and it will be your first opportunity to meet other veterans while also experiencing personal growth through opportunities presented in an adventure setting. Register at https://go.umd.edu/vaopkayak.

Multi-Sport Adventure
Dates: Thursday, June 8-Sunday, June 11
Time: The program will begin at 2:30 PM (following orientation) on the first day and finish at 4 PM on the final day   
Location:  Potomac, MD 
Cost: $150 (Includes transportation, equipment rental and meals)

Get ready for an action packed four days of adventure surrounding the DC Beltway!  This trip is a sampler of a variety of adventure activities and will allow you to experience the thrill of mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, and rock climbing.  When you are not adventuring with new friends, you’ll spend your evenings camped camp along the C & O Canal Towpath.

Backpack the Appalachian Trail
Dates:

• Thursday, June 8-Sunday, June 11
• Thursday, July 13-Sunday, July 16

Time: The program will begin at 2:30 PM (following orientation) on the first day and finish at 4 PM on the final day   
Location:  Appalachian Trail, MD 
Cost: $150 (Includes transportation, equipment rental and meals)

The famous Appalachian Trail stretches approximately 2,180 miles along the Appalachian Mountains from Georgia to Maine and passes through 14 states, including Maryland.  You’ll backpack a portion of the Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail while enjoying beautiful scenery, trying your hand at backcountry cooking, and making new friends.  

Canoeing the Shenandoah River 
Dates:

• Thursday, June 8-Sunday, June 11
• Thursday, July 13-Sunday, July 16

Time: The program will begin at 2:30 PM (following orientation) on the first day and finish at 4 PM on the final day   
Location: Front Royal, VA 
Cost: $150 (Includes transportation, equipment rental and meals)

You’ll spend three days paddling a section of the beautiful South Fork of the Shenandoah River while enjoying the scenery, splashing through rapids and ripples, and making new friends.  After a day of paddling, you’ll make camp on the banks of the river in George Washington National Forest where you’ll enjoy the comforts of a campfire.

Kayak the Potomac River & Wye Island
Dates: Thursday, July 13-Sunday, July 16
Time: The program will begin at 2:30 PM (following orientation) on the first day and finish at 4 PM on the final day   
Location:  Wye Mills, MD 
Cost: $150 (Includes transportation, equipment rental and meals)

You’ll spend one day kayaking on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. where you’ll get a unique view of the monuments from the water.  You’ll spend the next two days circumnavigating Wye Island in the Chesapeake Bay while enjoying beautiful scenery, viewing wildlife, and making new friends.  Once night falls you’ll be in awe of the star filled sky.