WELCOME TO FIRST-YEAR TRIPS 2024!
This is a listing and description of every First-Year Trip type offered in 2024, with information about activities, theme, physical intensity, and facilities. Most trip types are offered multiple times in different locations, so there is some variation within each type of physical intensity and facility.
There are many different types of trips which span a wide spectrum of themes, setting, physical activity, and time in the outdoors. We are confident that everyone can have a Trips experience that they are excited for, feel comfortable with, and can thrive in. If you are unsure about a trip type, have questions, are feeling nervous, or have any other concerns, please reach out to us at First-Year.Trips@dartmouth.edu or by phone at 603-646-3996.
We also recognize that some students may need additional adjustments or accommodations related to religious practices, ability, dietary concerns, allergies, and/or other needs. First-Year Trips is excited to work with participants with concerns about accessibility and sleeping in shared spaces. We are committed to doing everything possible to help all students participate in the Trips program to the extent they feel comfortable. Please share any needs in the registration form (see “relevant Medical Information and Descriptions of Ability” section of the registration form).
As you consider your preferences, we encourage you to read through this list fully and carefully!
Trips types can be divided into three categories:
These Trip types camp in the great outdoors, and can be a great introduction to sleeping outside. Unless otherwise noted, they stay under tarps and have access to primitive bathroom facilities and no running water or electricity.
These Trip types are based in cabins or bunkhouses owned by Dartmouth (or a partner organization) across New Hampshire. Unless otherwise noted, these trip types sleep indoors, use out-house style toilets, and do not have access to electricity.
These Trip types are based on or around Dartmouth’s campus – they sleep indoors and have access to running water and electricity. Trips have a home base where they can socialize, cook and sleep sleepover style. Participants on these trips have the option to sleep in their residence halls for comfort or need.
These Trip types are based in cabins or bunkhouses owned by Dartmouth (or a partner organization) across New Hampshire. Unless otherwise noted, these trip types sleep indoors in shared rooms, use out-house style toilets, and do not have access to electricity.
Cabin Camping
Cabin Camping trips offer the opportunity to experience beautiful New Hampshire nature in a relaxed, comfortable setting. You will carry a pack or duffel bag while hiking a relatively short distance (about 30 to 45 minutes or less) to your cabin. Cabin Camping is a great introduction to the outdoors surrounding Dartmouth, and these trips are enjoyable regardless of your past outdoor experience. Any day hikes are optional, and these trips can be as relaxing or physically active as you like.
Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles walking per day on gentle to mixed terrain, flexible.
Please note, this description of physical activities and facilities for Cabin Camping apply to all variations of Cabin Camping. Depending on the location of each particular trip, the distance to the cabin and the specific facilities may vary. If you have concerns, please contact us directly or note this on your registration form, and we’ll work with you to ensure your needs are met!
Cabin Camping and Lake
In addition to the relaxed setting of a general Cabin Camping trip, you have access to a lake! You may have access to canoes, paddleboards, a swim dock, and/or a beach area.
Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain, comfort in and around water. Swimming ability required.
Cabin Camping and Meditation
In addition to the relaxed setting of a general Cabin Camping trip, a portion of your programming will include guided and independent meditation. Instruction will be beginner-friendly and the remainder of the trip will be spent doing whatever you and the rest of your trip choose.
Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.
Cabin Camping and Nature Literature
In addition to the relaxed setting of a general Cabin Camping trip, you will spend part of your trip reading short passages of literature related to nature, people, and their connections, then discussing them. The readings and discussions will be accessible to all and the remainder of the Cabin Camping trip will be spent doing whatever you and the rest of your trip choose.
Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.
Cabin Camping and Nature Photography
In addition to the relaxed setting of a general Cabin Camping trip, you will explore and photograph the area around the cabin at which you will be staying. Cameras will be provided, or you can bring your own if you would like.
Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.
Cabin Camping with Nature Writing and Art
In addition to the relaxed setting of a general Cabin Camping trip, this trip will enjoy the beauty of the outdoors through art and writing. Using nature as inspiration for expression and creation, you will take time to write, paint, discuss, and share. The remainder of your trip will be spent doing whatever you and the rest of your trip choose.
Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.
Cabin Camping and Yoga
In addition to the relaxed setting of a general Cabin Camping trip, a portion of your programming on this trip will include guided and self-guided yoga. Instruction will be beginner-friendly and the remainder of the trip will be spent doing whatever you and the rest of your trip choose. Yoga mats provided!
Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.
Cabin Camping and Jamming
Cabin Camping and Jamming is a great opportunity to spend time relaxing in the beautiful New Hampshire outdoors and make some music with your fellow participants. There's no formal musical programming associated with this trip, but plenty of time to jam. Expect a short hike to your cabin, and any other day hikes will be optional. This trip can be as physically active as you would like it to be. Bring instruments that you’re excited about playing!
Physical Requirements: 1-2 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.
Cabin Camping and Cooking
In addition to the relaxed setting of a general Cabin Camping trip, this trip involves access to a kitchen and the ability to work together with others on your trip to plan and cook meals. This is a great opportunity to relax and learn or practice skills in the kitchen.
This trip has access to electricity and running water.
Physical Requirements: None!
Frisbee and Field-Day
The Frisbee and Field-Day trip will spend time outside hanging out and playing games and ultimate frisbee. This trip is go-at-your-own-pace, whether it’s lying in a hammock or playing a pickup game of ultimate frisbee. You will have access to a field, frisbees, and other games such as corn hole, can jam, and spikeball. This trip can involve as much physical activity as you choose, or can be as relaxed as you’d like.
This trip has access to electricity and running water
Physical Requirements: 1-2 Miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.
Nature Exploration and Ecology
The Nature Exploration and Ecology trip is an opportunity to observe and familiarize yourself with the natural spaces of New Hampshire. The first part of this trip is largely unstructured, with space and time for relaxing in the outdoors or in your cabin, or going on an optional day hike. The second part of this trip is partially facilitated by a Dartmouth professor and/or graduate student – you will observe and participate in ecological field research projects at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest. No experience with ecology is required!
This trip has access to electricity and running water
Physical Requirements: 2-3 miles of walking on gentle to mixed terrain.
Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing trips take place in the Dartmouth Second College Grant, a protected natural area in northern New Hampshire. The Grant provides ample opportunity for hiking and nature exploration in addition to fishing. This means that there is plenty of time for you to enjoy a variety of outdoors activities at any level of comfort! Fly fishing gear will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own.
Physical Requirements: 2-3 miles of walking on gentle or mixed terrain, comfort in and around water. Swimming ability required.
Grant Exploration
This is a version of a Cabin Camping trip that takes place in the Second College Grant — a forested piece of land in northern New Hampshire. You will have time to explore the beauty of the Grant, making use of the different trails and rivers that pass nearby your cabin.
Physical Requirements: 2-3 miles of walking on uneven terrain, comfort in and around water. Swimming ability required.
Bushcraft and Survivor
Ready to channel the experience of a Survivor superfan? The first day of this trip will be spent learning wilderness survival skills such as firebuilding, water purification, building shelter, knots, and navigation. On the second day, trip leaders will act as team leaders for a day of Survivor-inspired challenges, either breaking into teams or competing against another trip. The remainder of your time will be unstructured, giving you the chance to hang out and bond with your classmates.
This trip has access to electricity and running water.
Physical Requirements: Ability to walk 4-5 miles per day on mixed terrain.
These Trip types camp in the great outdoors, and can be a great introduction to sleeping outside. Unless otherwise noted, they stay under tarps and have access to primitive bathroom facilities (outhouses or the woods) and no running water or electricity.
Canoeing
Canoeing trips take place on gorgeous, flatwater rivers around New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. Canoes, life jackets/personal flotation devices (PFDs), and paddles will be provided. Expect one short day of 3-5 hours and one longer day of 5-7 hours of upper-body exertion as you paddle down the rivers. We will provide you with water-proof bags (dry bags) to pack your things into while on your canoe trip!
Physical Requirements: Ability to sit upright in a canoe and paddle for several hours a day. Swimming ability required.
Flatwater Kayaking
Flatwater Kayaking trips provide a time to enjoy paddling kayaks along the Connecticut River (which forms the border between NH and Vermont!). These trips will be moderately strenuous, involving up to 6 hours of sustained upper body exertion per day as you paddle along the Connecticut River. No prior kayaking or paddling experience is necessary to enjoy this trip! You will get to see the outdoors while learning basic flatwater kayaking skills and we provide all kayaking equipment.
Physical Requirements: Ability to sit upright in a kayak and paddle for several hours a day. Swimming ability required.
Whitewater Canoeing
Whitewater canoeing trips give participants the opportunity to experience the thrills and skills of navigating an open canoe through white-water rapids on rivers. The trip will begin with basic instruction on canoeing, including strokes and basic boat movement. Afterwards, participants will practice on small rapids. Each day involves around 4-5 hours of activity on the water and more unstructured time in the evening. No prior canoeing experience is necessary or expected to go on this trip, but you must be a strong swimmer. You will get to see the outdoors while learning basic whitewater canoeing skills and we provide all canoeing equipment.
Physical Requirements: Ability to sit upright in a canoe and paddle for several hours a day. Swimming ability required.
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding trips will spend a few days on and around the Connecticut River paddling and camping. These trips allow for unstructured time to relax and explore the natural areas around Dartmouth. You will transport yourself via paddleboard which involves balancing on a board and light upper-body exertion. Experience paddleboarding is not required!
Physical Requirements: Ability to sit/stand upright on a paddleboard and paddle for several hours a day. Swimming ability required.
Climb and Hike
Climb and Hike trips offer the opportunity to try out two different outdoor activities: hiking and introductory rock climbing (no prior climbing experience needed). The first part of this trip involves a moderately strenuous hike up to a campsite where you sleep outdoors. This day of hiking will consist of 4-5 hours of walking up and down somewhat steep slopes while carrying a hiking backpack. You will spend the second part of your trip learning to rock climb at a local beginner area. This trip is ideal for folks who enjoy hiking and wish to be introduced to the world of rock climbing. Physical Requirements: 7-10 miles of hiking per day, comfort with heights, ability to consistently maintain a firm grasp on rope and wear a harness around hips.
Hike and Yoga
Hike and Yoga trips will offer the opportunity to experience the beautiful New Hampshire outdoors with a focus on yoga and reflection. You should expect to hike around 2-6 miles per day with moderate elevation gain. You will also spend part of your trip participating in guided beginner-friendly yoga and mindfulness activities. Both seasoned yoga experts and those who are simply interested are welcome.
Physical Requirements: 2-6 Miles of walking per day on mixed terrain with packs.
Hiking (Less Strenuous)
These trips involve hiking small stretches of trail in less rugged, less mountainous regions of New Hampshire with beautiful views and scenery. You can expect to hike 2-5 miles (around 3-5 hours) each day with some (500-1000 ft) elevation gain and added weight from a hiking backpack.
This trip is a great introduction to hiking and backpacking! You do not need previous experience to excel on this trip, but you do need a willingness to carry a full hiking backpack and sleep outside!
Physical Requirements: 2-6 Miles of walking per day on mixed terrain with packs.
Hiking (Moderately Strenuous)
These trips involve hiking stretches of trail in moderately mountainous regions of New Hampshire with beautiful views and scenery. You can expect to hike 5-10 miles (around 6 hours) each day on moderately challenging terrain (elevation gains between 500-2000 ft) with added weight from a hiking backpack. Absolutely no prior hiking experience is necessary, but you should feel comfortable with moderate to strenuous physical activity as the terrain is somewhat rugged and you will be carrying a full backpack.
Physical Requirements: 5-10 Miles of walking on mixed terrain with packs
Hiking (More Strenuous)
These trips involve hiking stretches of trail in rugged, mountainous regions of New Hampshire with beautiful views and scenery. These trips are a great opportunity for folks with hiking experience and/or those who are excited for a physical challenge. You can expect to hike up to 12 miles (around 6-9 hours) each day on strenuous terrain (elevation gains between 2000-5000 ft) with added weight from a hiking backpack. This is a trip for people with previous hiking experience or people who are comfortable with extended periods of heavy exertion.
Physical Requirements: 8-12 Miles of walking on mixed terrain with packs.
Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking trips will explore the extensive mountain biking trail network near Dartmouth's campus! This trip is intended for new or beginner mountain bikers. Introductory instruction will be provided throughout your trip – and there’s lots of room to choose an intensity that works well for you! You should feel comfortable walking at least 2.5 miles per day and engaging in a few hours of moderate to strenuous physical activity per day. You must know how to ride a bike to go on this trip.
Physical Requirements: Ability to ride a bike for 1-2 hours, hike for 1-2 miles per day on mixed terrain.
Organic Farming
Organic Farming trips take place on local organic farms near Dartmouth. You will learn the basics of organic farming and connect to the agricultural systems that support the local ecology and economy while helping out with chores and various projects. You may also get to make food using the farm-fresh produce! This trip is go-at-your-own-pace, but can involve strenuous activity if desired.
Physical Requirements: Ability to hike for 1-2 miles per day on mixed terrain, work with your hands.
Farm Hopping
Farm Hopping trips take place on local farms near Dartmouth. You will learn the basics of farming while helping out with chores and various projects at multiple different farms. You may also get to make food using the farm produce. This trip is go-at-your-own-pace, but can involve strenuous activity if desired. You will learn about different farm types that exist in the Upper Valley, and may be walking between these farms. You will have access to bathroom facilities, though not electricity.
Physical Requirements: Ability to hike for 2-3 miles per day on mixed terrain, work with your hands.
Social Impact
Social Impact trips are an opportunity to explore and learn more about Dartmouth and the Upper Valley by engaging with the local community. Part of this trip will involve exploring a local recreation area with easy and optional hiking or game activities. The second part of this trip will involve participation in a local service project guided by the Dartmouth Center for Social Impact. This trip offers lots of opportunities to bond with other incoming students on your trip and engage with people and places around Dartmouth's campus
Physical Requirements: ~2 miles of walking on pavement daily.
These Trip types are based on or around Dartmouth’s campus – they sleep indoors and have access to running water and electricity. Each Trip has a home base where the group can socialize and sleep sleepover style. Participants on these trips have the option to sleep in their residence halls for comfort or need.
Museum Exploration
The Museum Exploration trip is a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the cultural resources near Dartmouth. Students on these trips will spend part of their day exploring and collaborating with local museums. Much of the rest of your time will be unprogrammed and offer ample opportunities to hang out and do activities at your leisure. You will do a small amount of walking to access the different museums (up to 1.5 miles). This is a laid-back and interesting way to get to know the spaces around Hanover and each other! This trip will stay at an on-campus, indoor location with access to bathrooms and running water. This is a fully accessible trip with accommodations available for students with concerns about accessibility and sleeping in shared spaces.
Physical Requirements: up to 1.5 miles of walking on pavement per day, flexible.
Geocaching
Explore the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont through treasure hunting and geocaching! Geocaching is a worldwide treasure hunt where people use GPS devices or smartphones to find containers, called geocaches, hidden in different locations. Using the local transit system and walking paths (up to 4 miles a day), you and your leaders will solve a multi-day scavenger-hunt riddle and explore destinations near campus.
Physical Requirements: 3-4 Miles of walking on mixed terrain with light backpacks.
Fashion and Sustainable Design
Fashion and sustainable design gives participants the opportunity to learn more about the process of upcycling clothing while engaging their creative side. You’ll spend your time in the Cable Maker Space on campus and work to create your own fashion masterpieces. You’ll be provided with instruction on how to use sewing machines and clothes/fabric to practice with, and you’ll leave with your own upcycled clothing! No sewing/fashion experience required. This is a fully accessible trip.
Physical Requirements: ~1 mile walking per day on paved terrain (flexible)
Day-Hiking
Day hiking gives trippees the opportunity to explore hikes around the Upper Valley of New Hampshire and Vermont while returning to campus in the evening. You will spend two days hiking in two different locations (3-4 hours daily, or 3-5 miles with less than 1500’ of elevation gain) and return to Hanover in the afternoon/evening.
Physical Requirements: 3-5 miles of walking on unpaved trails with moderate elevation gain.
Day-Paddling
Day paddling gives trippees the opportunity to try out canoeing, kayaking, and/or paddleboarding while returning to campus in the evening. You will spend two days paddling on the waters of the Connecticut River - which we access from Dartmouth’s campus - and bonding with the other people on your trip!
Physical Requirements: Ability to sit upright in a kayak/canoe/paddleboard and paddle. Swimming ability required.
