Program Dates for 2013: September 5 to September 7
Outdoor Program sign-ups will open June 1.
Outdoor Experience is an adventure-based program with three difference levels of wilderness exposure. Join over 100 of your classmates as you begin your college experience at Silver Bay in the Adirondacks. Because of our three-tiered approach, we offer a menu of choices tailoring the intensity of the trip to your desired level. This trips is sure to be both challenging and rewarding, one you are sure to remember fondly!
Please choose one of the three following programs when signing up.
Into the Wild (main program)
Well balanced and exciting, arrive at Silver Bay and hit the ground running: low-ropes, high-ropes, boating, swimming, archery, day and night hikes, with plenty of time to just hang out, relax, and get to know everyone. This program is for those who want to be outside having fun, hike a little, but don't want to spend two days in the woods!
Iron Man (camping intensive)
Spend two days and two nights sidewinding you way over 15 miles of trails on Tongue Mountain. Two hours after arriving at Silver Bay, you will head into the woods with your small hiking group, spend the night, the day and the following night on the mountain, only to emerge just in time for a breather before departure back to Union. No camping experience (or equipment) required, but this is a demanding experience that requires moderate physical exertion for two days straight. Only 24 spots open!
Choose Your Own
This program is the least physically demanding, the same as Into the Wild, but instead of going on short hikes, you have the option to choose your own activity. If you don't want to hike, this is the program for you.
Packing
Please prepare for an outdoor setting.
Suggested Packing List
Hat, Shorts, Long Pants, Socks and Undergarments, Sneakers, Hiking Boots, T-shirts, Long Sleeved Shirt, Sweater or Sweatshirt, Raincoat, Back Pack, Water Bottle, Swimsuit, Towel, Bug Repellent, Sun Screen, Sleeping Bag, Toiletries, and Flashlight (bedding and pillow provided provided for the into the wild and choose your own programs). If participating in the camping trip, camping equipment is provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. Also, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag.
Cost and Payment
The charge (300 USD) is applied directly to your tuition, and covers all transportation, meals, lodgings, and activities over the three days, as well as three meals at Union. Charges are applied after the program date and cancellations are allowed up to August 16th 2012. All charges are NON-refundable after the 16th of August 2013 due to YMCA contracts, cancellations must occur before that date or charges will be applied.
Please direct all questions to Dean Tom McEvoy in the Minerva Programs Office.
