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First-Year Trips

For Current Students

For Incoming Students

 

Descriptions of 2023 Trip Types

The following are a description of the types of Trips offered on First-Year Trips 2023 -- we leave them here as reference only as the particular types of trips offered vary each year.

This is a listing and description of every type of First-Year Trip offered in 2023, 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.


No experience in any sort of activity or with the outdoors is required to go on First-Year Trips. In fact, most trips don’t require any past outdoors experience. 


Trips will offer accommodations for participants with concerns about accessibility and sleeping in shared spaces. More information can be found on the Registration Form which you received via email. If you would like to talk about more specific information, please reach out to us either by email (First-Year.Trips@dartmouth.edu) or phone (603-646-3996) and we'd be happy to chat!

Trips types can be divided into three categories:

Trips that Sleep Outside

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.

Trips that Sleep in Cabins

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.

Trips That Sleep On Campus

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.

List of Trip Types

Trips that Sleep in Cabins

  • Cabin Camping
  • Cabin Camping and Lake
  • Cabin Camping and Meditation
  • Cabin Camping and Nature Literature
  • Cabin Camping and Nature Photography
  • Cabin Camping with Nature Writing and Art
  • Cabin Camping and Yoga
  • Cabin Camping and Jamming
  • Cabin Camping and Cooking
  • Frisbee and Field-Day
  • Nature Exploration and Ecology
  • Fly Fishing

Trips that Sleep Outside

  • Canoeing
  • Flatwater Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Climb and Hike
  • Hike and Yoga
  • Hiking (Less Strenuous)
  • Hiking (Moderately Strenuous)
  • Hiking (More Strenuous)
  • Mountain Biking
  • Organic Farming
  • Rod and Reel Fishing
  • Social Impact
  • Timbersports

Trips That Sleep On Campus

  • Museum Exploration
  • Dartmouth as a Sacred Space
  • Explore the Upper Valley

Trips that Sleep in Cabins


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.

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.

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.

Cabin Camping and Meditation
In addition to the relaxed setting of a general Cabin Camping trip, a portion of your programming will include guided meditation. If you're not super into meditation or have never tried it, don't worry; the 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 and its impact on humans and the world, 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 yoga. If you're not super into yoga or have never tried it, don't worry - the 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 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. 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. If you want to play an instrument, please bring your own.

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. You may notice this is also listed under “Trips that Sleep on Campus”, that is not a mistake as we have two locations where this trip runs.

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. You will be sleeping in bunkhouses with access to indoor toilets and electricity.

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 led 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! You will sleep in a furnished cabin with access to bathrooms and electricity.

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, regardless of your past outdoor experience. You should be comfortable in and around water and will take a water comfort assessment when in Hanover. Fishing gear will be provided, or you can bring your own if you would like.

Physical Requirements: 2-3 Miles of walking on gentle or mixed terrain, comfort in and around water.

 
Trips that Sleep Outside


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.

Canoeing
Canoeing trips take place on gorgeous, flatwater rivers. 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. You will bring your packs/duffel bags on the canoe with you. 

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.

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 little 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 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 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 in good physical shape and comfortable with extended periods of exertion.

Physical Requirements: 8-12 Miles of walking on mixed terrain with packs.

Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking trips will explore mountain biking trails near Hanover. This trip has opportunities for lots of beginner-level mountain biking. This trip is intended for those comfortable on a bike, but new to mountain biking. 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 while helping out with chores and various projects. 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.

Physical Requirements: Ability to hike for 1-2 miles per day on mixed terrain, work with your hands.

Rod and Reel Fishing 
Rod and Reel Fishing trips take place in natural areas in New Hampshire. In addition to fishing, you will have ample opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. This means that there is plenty of time for you to enjoy a variety of outdoors activities, regardless of your past level of outdoor experience. Fishing gear 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. Swimming ability required.

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.

Timbersports
The Timbersports trip will be led by members of the Dartmouth Timber Team and allows you to try out the basics of the sport: ax-throwing, wood-chopping, tree climbing, and everything in-between! No prior experience is required. This trip can be as physically intensive (or not!) as you would like and involves a variety of activities. Activities on this trip are entirely at your own pace, but you should feel comfortable on mixed terrain and working with your hands. 

Physical Requirements: Hike 2-3 miles over physical terrain. Comfort and confidence handling sharp objects and working with your hands.

Trips That Sleep On Campus

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.


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, indoors location with access to bathrooms and running water. This is an accessible trip with accommodations available for students with concerns about accessibility and sleeping in shared spaces.

Physical Requirements: ~1 mile of walking on pavement per day, flexible.

Dartmouth as a Sacred Space
This trip partners with Dartmouth’s Tucker Center to explore Dartmouth’s role as an Interfaith and Sacred space – a place of significance, connection and impact. This trip focuses on both personal exploration, impact of spaces on individuals, and explorations of houses of worship on campus. This trip offers lots of opportunities to bond with other students on your trip and engage with people and places around Dartmouth's campus who are from a variety of worldviews (religious, spiritual, or intentionally secular) backgrounds. This trip will stay at an on-campus, indoors location with access to bathrooms and running water. This is an accessible trip with accommodations available for students with concerns about accessibility and sleeping in shared spaces.

Physical Requirements: ~1 mile of walking on pavement per day, flexible.

Explore the Upper Valley
The Explore the Upper Valley trip provides an opportunity to explore the Upper Valley communities that surround Dartmouth by traveling to iconic places in the area. Trips will spend time checking out diners, local museums, farms, and more. This trip is a great introduction to the Upper Valley, and does not require any previous outdoors experience! This trip will stay at an on-campus, indoors location with access to bathrooms and running water. This is an accessible trip with accommodations available for students with concerns about accessibility and sleeping in shared spaces.

Physical Requirements: ~1 mile of walking on pavement per day, flexible.

 

 

Last Updated: 11/6/23