1994sunsfan

They seem kind of pointless to me. I wouldn't even consider it if it wasn't for how 95% of students go on them. Are they actually any fun?

rightnotleft

YES! YES! a million times yes!

It's your introduction to Dartmouth. It's 2% (if that) about the outdoors, and 98% about meeting your fellow first-years, getting to know 2+ upperclassmen, and learning more about the school from students without the administration PR spin.

If you read all the testimony about trips, you get a sense of what it's all about. I'm biased, I led three trips when I was in Hanover, but it's a TON of fun (for everybody, even people who generally don't like the outdoors, or have never spent time in the woods before) and a really low-key way to meet people and start integrating yourself into the wonderful world of Dartmouth.

If you ask current (and past) students about their first year trips, almost (there are exceptions to everything) everyone will give you highly positive reviews and memories from their trips.

DOC First-Year Trips: Dartmouth College's Outdoor Orientation Program

iabass

^ Do you recommend any particular types of trips?

rightnotleft

All the trips are great. They're catered to different levels of physical activity/experience. If you're really physically active and want to spend time outside, don't pick an outdoor writing trip, and if you really hate being physically active and don't like the outside, don't pick the hardest hiking trip. The real value of the trips isn't on what you do, it's about the people you meet.

rightnotleft

Questions & Answers Welcome Home: The DOC First-Year Trips Blog

sunmachine

The freshman trip is one of the best memories of my time at d all those years ago. You'd be crazy not to do it.

FBItomboy007

I'm going to go out on a limb and say go only if you want to. I, as well as many of my friends, had an amazing time on my freshman trip. It was one of the highlights of my freshman year and I met some of my best friends on my trip and section. I do know a few people, however, who didn't love their trip. They all say that Trips are great, but it wasn't the right introduction for them. So while we can all say that Trips are really fun, it is up to you whether you think it would be the right start to your Dartmouth experience. Everyone is different and some people would prefer to just show up at orientation and meet people through other avenues. It's all in what YOU want and think is best.

With that said, I still highly recommend going on a Trip if you're even thinking about it. They are really fun and can be a valuable introduction into the Dartmouth culture. Don't be intimidated by the large percentage of students who go, though. The Trips leadership for this year has actually been talking about focusing less on numbers and more on making sure that people don't feel pressured into going and go because they really want to.

If you have any more questions (about anything!) please let me know!

AboutTheSame

^ Approve. For what it's worth, my D had never been on a hiking/backpacking trip. She had never been fishing. We're not outdoorsy (just walkers who like to stay in nice places with real beds) or extroverts (and don't mingle easily). She went on a fishing trip and had a blast. Her fellow trippees and her trip leaders helped the intro to Dartmouth. I mean, where else are you going to find to find your first pong partners?

1994sunsfan

I see. Thanks to all of you for the responses!

garnets

My daughter had a great time on her trip (despite the torrential rains, wet clothing, etc.) and appreciated the whole event, but didn't necessarily bond for life with the kids on her trip, or her leaders. But she still appreciated the introduction to Dartmouth, so much, in fact, that she became a leader last orientation and is on the board this year. There's no guarantee that you'll meet your BFF's on your trip but it's still a wonderful experience, one that my D wouldn't have missed.