Orientation 2008

Outdoor Odyssey Information

Reed’s outdoor odysseys offer you a chance to meet other new students, see some of the spectacular areas just outside of Portland, and learn about the Reed culture from a current student. Enjoy the days before classes in the outdoors, meet new friends, and have tons of fun!

Odyssey descriptions
Odyssey costs
Registration
Gearing up
Arriving on campus
Once on campus
Returning to campus
Information for parents

Odyssey descriptions

This year’s trips will include six backpacking trips, two river rafting expeditions, one rock climbing trip and one rafting/rock climbing/hiking/canoeing adventure based out of the Reed ski cabin. Groups of 8–10 students will visit wilderness areas within three hours of Portland, and many will have the opportunity to explore some of the remaining old-growth forest around Mt. Adams and Indian Heaven wilderness areas. Teams of student leaders or outdoor professionals lead the trips; all are trained in outdoor leadership, first aid, and CPR.

Odyssey costs

Trip costs, including professional guides, transportation, food, permits, and rental of group equipment are:

  • $285 for backpacking
  • $465 for Deschutes River rafting
  • $370 for Ski Cabin
  • $395 for rock climbing

When you sign up for an outdoor odyssey, we will bill the full amount to your Reed College account. This fee is refundable if you are unable to attend and notify us before August 12.

Registration

To sign up for an outdoor odyssey, complete the application, acknowledgement of risk, waiver and release, and medical information online at IRIS.

Be honest when answering the questions about your outdoor experience. Trips are designed for all skill and experience levels, so don’t worry if you’ve never climbed Denali, or hiked the length of the Appalachian Trail.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis; materials must be received by June 29.

Gearing up

Please be sure that you have every item on the equipment checklist. Reed’s backpack co-op has a limited amount of equipment for loan; if you need to borrow an item, please indicate this on your application. If you own outdoor gear, consider bringing it.

Although we hope for sun, rain gear is imperative for our safety. Wear your hiking boots around town for a few days, if they are new: your feet and your group will thank you. Bring polypropylene or wool clothing for warmth – the weather can take a quick turn, especially at higher altitudes.

Arriving on campus

Arrive on campus between 1 and 5 p.m. on Friday, August 22.  You can check in at Kaul Auditorium.  Plan on spending the evening with your group, since there is organization and orientation that needs to take place before our early morning departure.

Van shuttles from the airport will be available at 1, 3, and 4 p.m. on Friday, August 22. You must reserve a space with Justin Wickens, 503/777-7285 by 5 p.m. on August 15.

Once on campus

We will provide dinner the first night you arrive. The remainder of the evening will be invested in getting to know your group better, sorting and packing equipment, and making sure we are well organized for our departure early on Saturday. Orientation odyssey participants stay in dorm rooms the night before and after the trips.

Please arrive with the items that you will need for your trip packed separately from the items that you wish to leave at Reed. You are welcome to store the items that you won’t need on your trip in your room. We ask that you refrain from setting up your dorm space until you have the opportunity to negotiate room arrangements with your future roommate(s).

Returning to campus

You can anticipate returning to Reed from your outdoor odyssey late afternoon or early evening Tuesday, August 26. We anticipate that all outdoor trips will have returned and completed clean-up by 6:30 p.m., so you should have some flexibility to go out to dinner with your parents, or enjoy some down time in your new environment. Trips will return to the west parking lot.

Information for Parents

Parents are encouraged to attend a student services reception Friday, August 22, at 4 p.m., and can plan on saying good-bye to their children late Friday afternoon. Find information on things to do and see in Oregon while your student is on his or her trip.



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