A record number of 225 incoming first-year Hamilton students (about 45 percent of the incoming class) are participating this week in Adirondack Adventure, an outdoor orientation program for new students. The students arrived on August 15, a week before regular orientation, for eight days of games, hiking, canoeing and service projects.
This year's Adirondack Adventure includes a hiking trip based in the Ausable Valley in the High Peaks, and a Basecamp program for students who want a less rugged experience. They stay at an outdoor education center and do day trips such as hiking and canoeing.
Coordinated by Andrew Jillings, director of adventure program, Adirondack Adventure (AA) offers 25 different expeditions. Adirondack Adventure trips are available for everyone from novice to experienced outdoorsmen. All trips are led by trained faculty members, students and staff who help navigate the adventure and motivate students during the sometimes physically rigorous excursions.
After completing their trip, students will convene at an Outdoor Education Center, where they will clean-up and meet other AA participants. At the Education Center, students will also participate in a high ropes course challenge and other activities that emphasize cooperation, team-building, and overcoming personal fear.
