Questions about OA

echang08 · 04-23-2008, 12:31 PM

Hello everyone! I have some questions about OA that hopefully some of you can answer:

1. What are the differences between the levels of difficulty in terms of terrain, etc.? Is it feasible for beginner campers (i.e. with no experience) to do the most difficult level?
2. Can anyone advocate for the different types of trips, e.g. backpacking only vs. backpacking + canoeing vs. backpacking + rock-climbing?

Thanks!

Qwertulen · 04-23-2008, 12:45 PM

1. There is a noticeable difficulty jump between the different tiers. For backpacking, it goes like this:

- Very Easy: You have a "home base" that you go back to each night, usually a cabin or something similar. You hike around 1-3 miles a day.

- Easy: You hike, but it's a manageable amount, around 3-4 miles a day. You mostly hike on flat or gently-rolling terrain. Basically anyone could do this hike, but some out-of-shape people who haven't camped before might find it a bit challenging.

- Medium: You hike around 5-6 miles a day. There may be semi-frequent hills you have to climb. Anyone in good physical condition should be able to complete this hike, although it may be a bit stressful at times for some.

- Hard: You hike at least 6 miles a day, usually around 7-8. There's some challenging terrain, and the elevation can change quite rapidly. I wouldn't suggest this to someone unless they have experience camping and are in good physical condition, although it can be done by others.

- Very Hard: You usually hike around 7-10 miles a day, the terrain is steep and rugged, and it can get really grueling at times. This hike is suitable for experienced hikers, Boy Scouts, and anyone up for a serious challenge.

Generally, people with no camping experience or who aren't in good physical condition should stay away from the Hard and Very Hard treks - they might have a good time, but it's more likely they'll be miserable for at least part of the trip.

myau · 04-23-2008, 03:03 PM

How challenging is "challenging" (my D is interested, too

)? Which level should be chosen by a non-athletic academically-exhausted

Californian lady with multiple camping experience in her childhood?

Qwertulen · 04-23-2008, 04:50 PM

I'd say medium, hard if she wants to test herself; she could do either. I'm not that athletic, but I've had a lot of wilderness survival/camping experience, and I chose the hard ("Strenuous") trip. A lot of the hiking wasn't easy, but overall, it was still an awesome experience.

echang08 · 04-23-2008, 06:03 PM

Thank you, Qwertulen! That was very helpful. I will probably sign up for the "hard" trip.

With that taken care of, can anyone comment on my 2nd question?

ceebee63 · 04-23-2008, 06:15 PM

Heads up to people who've done hardcore OB and NOLS courses: even if you weren't the strongest or most experienced person in your group, with that experience (and if you're in good physical condition) you should definitely do the Very Hard course, according to someone I met who does the year-round OA club.

ceebee63 · 04-23-2008, 10:01 PM

To the second part of your question: the OA person I talked to also said that anyone with experience backpacking and camping should do the backpacking + rock-climbing one; it's more fun, especially if you have experience, apparently.

debryc · 04-23-2008, 10:25 PM

Actually, anyone can (and should!) do rock climbing. OA started my love for the sport.

Also want to give a shout-out to CA, which is awesome, too! I'm a CA leader next year. (=

JoeTrumpet · 04-23-2008, 11:52 PM

I'm interested in CA. When do we get more information about these?

myau · 04-24-2008, 01:46 AM

What is CA?

debryc · 04-24-2008, 01:47 AM

You'll get a mailing in the summer with all the information you need concerning CA and OA. Here's a flyer from CA: Princeton University | Student Volunteers Council | Community Action.

Enjoy! There are a lot of different sites to choose from. The Student Volunteers Council CA coordinators will try to match you up with your top choices.

ceebee63 · 04-24-2008, 11:19 AM

Oh yeah, people of all levels should try rock-climbing if they're interested; I wasn't trying to discourage anyone!

debryc · 04-24-2008, 12:40 PM

CA is a pre-orientation program where 10-12 freshman are paired with upperclassman leaders to spend a week engaged in the community. Sites range from Habitat for Humanity where we'll be building homes together for deserving families, to Princeton Projects which works with schools right in the Princeton borough. It's a great way to help out, meet people, learn about Princeton, and expand your view of the world!

Also, DEFINITELY do one of the pre-orientation programs. Some of my best friends were from my pre-or experience, and it was great having a group of friends right from the start. The conversations were also amazing. So, sign up early, financial aid should cover everything, and enjoy!

Welcome to Princeton guys.