Aerial view of campus with Williamsport, the Susquehanna River and Bald Eagle Mountain as a backdrop

First Year Outdoor Experience

Can’t wait to start college? Get started early with Lycoming College’s First Year Outdoor Experience. Join OLE for a week of beautiful vistas, rugged trails and scenic rivers for a hiking and paddling adventure.

First Year Outdoor Experience - August 19-23, 2022

Go exploring in the beautiful outdoor landscapes surrounding Lycoming College. Students will be permitted to move onto campus and each day will set off on a new adventure including hiking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. After each experience, we will return to campus for students to relax and prepare for the next adventure. OLE will provide all required equipment and food during this program.

Jae Ellison, the College’s director of Outdoor Leadership and Education, and a trained student instructor will guide students through each experience, suitable for outdoor adventurers of all levels. Ellison is a certified Wilderness EMT and has extensive experience guiding in wilderness settings.

The number of participants is limited to 10 for this program. Participants will be selected from applicants who submit an application.

Selected participants will be sent via email:

  • An information sheet including location and contact information
  • Suggested personal packing list
  • Medical form link
  • Informed consent and assumption of risk form link

Program Cost

First Year Outdoor Experience: $50.00

Fee includes all food and industry-leading equipment including:

  • Healthy, energy-filled food, with care taken for dietary restrictions
  • Rain gear (if needed)
  • Kayaks
  • Safety equipment

Participants will be required to bring clothing appropriate for the weather, personal toiletries and proper footwear. A light-weight but sturdy hiking boot is recommended; students arriving without proper footwear will not be allowed to participate.

Application Form