Breakaway Adventures

General Information

Contents:

What is College Outdoors? What is 3CE? What is the purpose of these trips? Financial Aid Release of Liability Cancellations and refunds What we provide Borrowing equipment Arriving for your trip Hotel Listings Storing college gear during your trip Other outdoors opportunities

 

What is College Outdoors?

College Outdoors, started in 1979, is one of the largest outdoor programs of any college our size in North America. Few students graduate without joining us on trips during their academic careers. These trips include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, avalanche safety, hiking, backpacking, mushroom hunting, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, swiftwater rescue and guide training to name a few!

 

What is 3CE?

The Center for Career and Community Engagement (3CE) is a place where Lewis & Clark students are able to link with community organizations and other students involved in service. 3CE provides a variety of long- and short-term service opportunities ranging from tutoring and serving shelter meals to renovating vacant buildings for low-income housing. Last year, over 650 students gave back to the community through service activities.

 

What is the purpose of these trips?

The New Student Trips are designed to help students in their transition to life at Lewis & Clark, whether they are coming from high school or another college. Students have a great opportunity to form a core group of friends before they head into the fast-paced experience of moving into the residence halls and starting classes. First and foremost, we want participants to have FUN on these trips. We incorporate programs which are designed to enhance decision making skills, inspire group communication, and spark discussions on issues facing college students. These trips seek to build community, increase an individual’s confidence and give participants an appreciation for people with diverse backgrounds. Time has shown that these trips truly enrich students’ Lewis & Clark experience starting from day one.

 

Financial Aid

For those who find it hard to apply for New Student Trips due to financial reasons, a number of spots will be offered at reduced rates for those who are eligible. Applicants’ names will be kept confidential. If you wish to be considered for one of these spots, please mark and sign on the appropriate section of the reservation form. You will be notified of your financial aid award before your deposit check is cashed, so you may decide whether you wish to participate. In some cases, part of your deposit may be waived.

 

Release of Liability

Because of the litigious nature of society, Lewis & Clark College requires all participants to sign a release of liability form. While we strive to make our trips as safe as possible, one should be aware of risks which exist in any activity. Most New Student Trips take place in remote areas.

 

Cancellations and Refunds

While we rarely have to cancel a trip, should it be necessary, we will provide the earliest possible notice and give you a choice of a full refund or an alternate trip. If you cancel a reservation, the following schedule applies:

On or before June 13: Full refund.

After June 13: We can refund the full amount less a $50 cancellation fee if we can fill your spot from the waitlist. If we can’t fill your spot, you may forfeit your payment.

 

What We Provide

We will pick you up at the airport, bus or train station and provide the transportation, food and leaders for each trip. (You will need to buy your own lunch on the day your trip leaves; we recommend the Trail Room on campus.) Our leaders are experienced outdoor folk, many having taught for other outdoor organizations. They are certified in First Aid/CPR and in most cases as Wilderness First Responders (WFRs). Please call us if you would like any additional information about the qualifications of our staff.

 

Borrowing Equipment

We will provide group gear such as tents, sea kayaks, rafts, wetsuits, stoves and more for your Breakaway Adventure. If you don’t own personal equipment for your trip such as a backpack, rain gear or sleeping bag, we can provide them for you, at no charge. However, our supply does occasionally run short, so be sure to fill out the online equipment questionnaire soon after you receive your confirmation email. A detailed list outlining personal equipment needs will also be emailed to you after your place has been confirmed.

 

When to Arrive for Trips

Please note the dates listed with the trip descriptions. Once you receive confirmation of your spot on a trip, make your travel plans to arrive on campus by the time indicated for your trip. Full details will be sent with your confirmation packet. And, of course, don’t pay for your plane ticket until we confirm your spot. Trips return to campus either the evening before or the morning of the first day of New Student Orientation.

When you know your travel plans please fill out our travel information form.

 

Where to stay before trips

Flying in to Portland early and need somewhere to stay before your trip begins? There are a limited number of hotels which we will be able to pick you up at the morning of your trip’s departure. A full list of these hotels can be found on our Portland Hotel Listings page.

 

Storage of College Gear

We will provide space for you to store the luggage and college gear you bring with you to Portland.  We have a very large and secure storage space, so you can feel free to bring everything that you’ll need for your first year of college- we’ll have the space to store it while you are on your trip.

 

Can’t make a trip? Don’t Worry!

College Outdoors and Office of Community and Career Connections offer a veritable plethora of activities all year round, from rafting to backpacking, and cross-country skiing to sea kayaking.  We also offer a very popular Wilderness First Responder course during LC’s winter break. So don’t worry! If you can’t make it on one of these trips there are plenty more each semester. Look for more information in September in your campus mail box, or come by our office and say hello!

Leadership Opportunities

Involvement with College Outdoors is an excellent way to gain practical experience in leadership roles. If you want to get more involved with College Outdoors, come join us. We remain open thanks to volunteers. Volunteering is not only valuable to the program, but continued volunteering can sometimes land you a staff position once you learn how the program works. If this appeals to you, stop by in the fall! We are always looking for volunteers!

The Center for Career and Community Engagement also offers excellent leadership opportunities. Students coordinate a dozen service projects through student community service programs. Hundreds of students are active volunteers through service programs. Please come visit us to see how to get involved!

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Feel free to email us with any questions at outdoors@lclark.edu