Training

There is no required experience to apply for Trips, outdoor or otherwise! Trips training is rigorous and provides you with the skills necessary for successfully and confidently completing your role; you are not expected to have any specific skills when applying. More than a task to complete, we aim for Trips training to provide you connections to a community of leaders, space for thoughtful and reflective discussion of your experiences, and development of your own personal leadership style. 

ALL First-Year Trips leaders and croolings are required to have a valid First Aid and CPR certification by the start of First-Year Trips. This can be completed through any provider, such as the American Red Cross online courses or on-campus with Dartmouth EMS.

Training for Trip Leaders

By the start of the First-Year Trips program, all leaders will have completed:

First-Year Trips Specific Training:

• Outdoor Practical Training (6 hours):Gain the technical outdoor skills needed for your role. These trainings will be customized to your trip type, to allow focus on the unique skills you will need. This session will focus on practicing and performing the skills directly — going on a “mini-trip” to practice these skills. 
• Active Facilitation and Interpersonal Skill Training (3 Hours): Learn about the key moments of facilitation and group-building you will lead on your First-Year Trip. You will practice different group games and discussion topics, check-in activities, and learn about best leadership practices to keep your trip inclusive and welcoming to students of all backgrounds.
• FYT Training Overnight (Day Zero) immediately before Trips: Shortly before your Trip, you will come to Hanover to spend a day reviewing these skills and preparing for your trip. You will bond with the fellow leaders of your section and prepare to meet your trip! For many people, this can be one of the most fun parts of their trip.

All peer leaders involved in Orientation Programs will receive the following training to ensure we're presenting an equitible and consistent welcome to Dartmouth:

• Peer-Leader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Training (2-3 Hours)
• Obligations of a Student Peer Leader (2-3 Hours, asynchronous)

Additionally, first-time leaders/croolings attend 

• First-Year Trips Leadership Intro Session (1.5 hours): Over dinner (or another meal), learn the basics of what it means to be a Trip Leader or Crooling, and reflect on your own transition to Dartmouth.
• Outdoor Programs Office seminars on Risk Management, Group Dynamics, and Mental Health (5 Hours) These sessions will introduce you to the basics of outdoor leadership and include practical, scenario-based discussions around managing risk, group dynamics, and mental health in the outdoors.

All training components are regularly offered on campus during the spring and summer terms. For those off-campus in the spring and summer, there will be an “all-in-one” training immediately before the start of Trips.

Croo Training

Each croo will arrange their own training, led by Croo Captains, during the Spring and Summer. Croolings arrive several days ahead of incoming students (and Trip Leaders) for further training and development, including some activities for members of all Croos.

First-Year Trips Specific Training:

• First-Year Trips Logistical Management and Self-Advocacy Training (2 Hours): Discuss the common expectations, tasks, and working responsibilities of being a croolings. You’ll review our practices on self-advocacy and our structure for making your role positive and sustainable. 
• Croo-specific Facilitation and Activity Training (varies): Learn about the specific facilitations and activities of your croo and how those relate to the overall mission of First-Year Trips. This session will be led by your Croo Captain.

All peer leaders involved in Orientation Programs will receive the following training to ensure we're presenting an equitible and consistent welcome to Dartmouth:

• Peer-Leader Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity Training (2-3 Hours)
• Obligations of a Student Peer Leader (2-3 Hours, asynchronous)

First-time croolings/leaders attend:

• First-Year Trips Leadership Intro Session (1.5 hours): Over dinner (or another meal), learn the basics of what it means to be a Trip Leader or Crooling, and reflect on your own transition to Dartmouth.
• Outdoor Programs Office seminars on Risk Management, Group Dynamics, and Mental Health (5 Hours) These sessions will introduce you to the basics of outdoor leadership and include practical, scenario-based discussions around managing risk, group dynamics, and mental health in the outdoors.