Outdoor Education
In addition to the Quest Leadership program, Trinity also offers students, faculty, and staff options to learn from adventure and challenge with Outdoor Education (OE).
OVERVIEW
Hartford and the surrounding environment provide a unique opportunity for students to explore and experience outdoor and experiential pursuits in close proximity to Trinity's urban campus. Outdoor Education at Trinity provides opportunities for students to participate in and lead outdoor skills clinics and expeditions while learning how to make informed decisions leading peers in wilderness settings.
WHAT WE OFFER
Leadership Development
Get involved by leading outdoor trips. Student-led outdoor trips are offered throughout each semester. Student Instructors have the opportunity to plan and lead outdoor trips throughout New England with Outdoor Education. Learn more about student leadership here.
WELL 160 Quest Leadership Position
The Quest Leadership Program trains approximately 30 student leaders each year to lead the wilderness orientation program. Student leaders develop transferable leadership skills including: decision making, risk assessment, facilitation, conflict resolution, and will learn how to effectively work in small group to achieve program goals. Leaders take part in the experiential learning cycle while providing a welcoming environment for incoming students. To learn more and enroll, please contact Kevin Johnson by emailing kevin.johnson@trincoll.edu.
Skills Classes
PHED 105/WELL 205 Rock Climbing 1 - 0.25 credits
Introduction to Rock Climbing. The class would take place at the Glastonbury Rock climbing Gym. Students will learn how to use a harness, tie knots and belay a climber. All equipment will be provided by the Glastonbury gym. Introduction to movement skills in the indoor environment will be introduced. Safety is one of the main focuses of the course. Students will become belay certified, so they can continue to climb at the gym on completion of the course.
PHED 205/WELL 205 Rock Climbing II - 0.25 credits
Upon successful completion of Rock Climbing I, students can enroll in Rock Climbing II, which will introduce students to several advanced techniques of the sport. Students will have the opportunity to learn how to lead climb in an indoor environment. If the weather permits, this class may have the opportunity to go outside. Students must be belay certified or have completed Rock Climbing I to enroll in this course.
WELL 161 Wilderness First Aid and CPR Course
This certification course is taught by Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO) each May. If you plan to work or recreate in the outdoors this 16hr. course is a great way to learn about wilderness medicine using Trinity's beautiful urban campus as our laboratory. Several of the basic skills covered in the WFA course include: response and assessment, musculoskeletal injuries, environmental emergencies, survival skills, soft tissue injuries, and medical emergencies.
Weekend Trips
Outdoor Education offers courses in a variety of outdoor activities. Orienteering, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, and fire building are a few of the weekend possibilities.
Expeditions
Periodically, OE will offer programs to farther-reaching destinations outside our normal adventuring venues of southern New England. Canoe trips to the Florida Everglades, mountaineering in Mexico, rock climbing in the Southwestern Desert, and backpacking in Death Valley National Park are to name but a few. These expeditions occur during academic recesses, typically during spring, winter, or summer breaks. 2023/2024 extended trips schedule:
Spring Break 2024
This spring, Quest will be traveling to Kentucky to the world-famous climbing destination of the Red River Gorge.
· Dates of the Trip: March 9th – 16th
· Trip Type: Rock Climbing
· Cost: $50 which covers it all
· Trip Capacity: 12 students
Due to the limited capacity for this experience all interested students must fill out the questionnaire and sign the behavioral agreement. All applications are due by Jan. 8th. Follow the links below for additional information and the application. If you need access to these documents, please contact kevin.johnson@trincoll.edu
Pre-trip meetings: TBD in Spring Semester
Previous Outdoor Education trips:
- Canoeing and backpacking in Adirondack State Park
- Wilderness Experience in Southwest Utah & Zion National Park
- Climbing and hiking in Tucson, AZ
- Backpacking in Death Valley National Park
- Rock Climbing in Joshua Tree National Park
- Backpacking in the Grand Canyon
- Canoeing and backpacking in Big Bend National Park
OE Forms:
OE Medical Form
OE Assumption of Risk Agreement
Policies:
The Recreation Director and Assistant reserve the right to suspend or disqualify individuals or an entire team for unsportsmanlike conduct. Additionally, violators of the Alcohol & Drug Policy and Good Sportsmanship Policy may face disciplinary action.
Alcohol & Drug Policy
Alcohol consumption will NOT be permitted during any Recreation activity, including Club Sports contests and practices, Intramural Sports contests, Outdoor Education adventure or any other recreation program run by the Recreation office. Violators will be asked to leave the area and offenders may be subject to disciplinary action.
Hazing Policy:
Please refer to page 75 of the Trinity College Student Handbook about hazing, in all its forms.
