Outdoor Adventure TREK

First-Year Expereince Trips

All TREK trips and waitlists for Summer 2024 are currently full. If you are interested in an immersive outdoor leadership experience this Fall, check out the BOLT Program!



Trek Logo Registration Form

  • What is TREK?

    Raft PhotoWhat is First Year TREK?
    Begin your first semester at ETSU with a peer-led, outdoor experience to help prepare you for your journey to come! These trips are adventure based, allowing students to gain friendships, grow personally, and get insight from current ETSU students. Each trip will include time backpacking along the famous Appalachian Trail and culminating in a rafting excursion down the Nolichucky River just 40 minutes from campus. Join us for one of the best ways to begin your college adventure! This trip is for Freshman/First-Year Students .





  • Trip Dates

    Map ReadingTwo Date Options for Trips:

    Trip 1
    Sunday, July 7- Thursday, July 11, 2024
    Virtual Meetings: June 17 and July 1, 2024

    Trip 2
    Sunday, July 21 - Thursday, July 25, 2024
    Virtual Meetings: July 2 and July 15, 2024

  • Cost

    We strive to ensure all students can access our TREK expereinces. What you pay get's you the following: Backpacking and rafting gear, transportation, food, highly trained leaders and guides, and a dedicated focus on preparing you to hit the ground running in your first year at ETSU.




    Register before June 1, 2024 to get the best price!



    $100 prior to June 1, 2024
    $125 prior to June 15, 2024
    $150 prior to July 1, 2024

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Additional Info

  • For Parents
    Are you a parent of an incoming student? The Trek experience is an excellent way to help your them create friendships and feel more prepared for their time at ETSU. Safety is of top concern for you and Outdoor Adventure is committed to providing professional, safety oriented, and highly trained staff for each trip. 
  • Eligability
    TREK is available to incoming freshman and first year students that have been accepted into ETSU. Participation does not require prior experience and is meant for beginners. Participants should be able to walk continuiously over moderate terrain while carrying up to 35lbs in a pack. They should be able to function without access to electricity for 6 days or more. They should be able to understand and follow all instructions from Outdoor Adventure Staff. .

  • Staff
    SarahTREK trips are led by highly trained and expereinced staff. Each leader goes through a semester of training prior to joining the trip lead team. Each trip also has one or more staff members with wilderness medicine training.

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FAQ

  • Trip Design
    1. Do I need prior backpacking expereince?
      1. No prior backpacking or rafting experience is needed, nor expected.


    2. How many people are on a trip? 
      1. Each trip has a maximum of 10 participants and 2 leaders.




    3. What all is provided by Outdoor Adventure?
      1. Outdoor Adventure provides the following: Backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, cook gear, food, transportation, leaders, well stocked first-aid kit, and all rafting gear. Additional items are available to borrow including: camps chairs, hiking poles, headlamps, dry bags, and rain gear.


    4. What do I need to bring?
      1. Participants are responsible for personal clothing, tolitries, prescription medications, and personal items such as cameras, notebooks, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc. A full packing list will be provided upon registration. Participants are welcome to use any of thier own camping gear after approval by trip leaders.







  • Restrictions
    1. Can I bring my cell phone?
      1. TREK is a cell phone free experience. Leaders will have cell phones with them in the event of an emergency but they remain in the off or airplane mode. Although, many students use their phones as cameras Outdoor Adventure believes that the response to not having a phone far outweighs having one even just for pictures. Trip leaders will have ability to take photos for the trip.
    2. What else is prohibited?
      1. TREK and all Outdoor Adventure trips are alcohol, drug, weapons, personal music players, and tobacco/e-cig/vape free. Participants found in violation of this policy will be removed from the trip with no refund.





  • Food
    1. What will we be eating?



      1. Outdoor Adventure will provide all meals during the program. Each trips menu will include filling, healthy, and diverse meals tailored to backpacking and the needs of each group. These meals are constantly updated and tweaked to make them tasty, nutritious, and fun. Most participants report that they tried (and liked!) a new food item on almost every trip.
    2. What if I have a food allergy or a restrictive diet (vegetarian/vegan/gluten free etc.)?



      1. Outdoor Adventure has extensive experience with creating well rounded meals for all types of allergies and restrictions. We believe in creating an inclusive environment, even in our food, by having all meals work for everyone on the trip (and not singling participants out with different food) to the best of our ability.



  • Health
    1. Will I have access to facilities?
      1. Once the trip leaves campus we will not have access to bathrooms or showers until we reach USA Raft at the end of the backpacking section. Leadersh will provide all the necessary training and tips for LNT bathroom practices.

    2. What if I take prescription medications?








      1. All prescription medications can be taken on the trail and should be taken in accordance with dosage and timing. Please be sure to indicate the usage of these medications on your health form. Leaders will have a discussion with participants individually about where these medications are and how they are administered. 
    3. What if I might get my period during the trip?

      1. This can be a common occurance when participating in a wilderness trip where diet and activity changes from the norm and can be unexpected. Outdoor Adventure will provide participants with a refuse bag for hygiene products and will have a conversation about this possibility.  



    4. Will Outdoor Adventure have first-aid kits?
      1. Each trip will have at least one leader with wilderness medicine training. They will carry a well stocked first-aid kit geared towards wilderness medicine. It has basic OTC medications as well as supplies to treat most injuries.
  • Preperation
    1.  What can I do to get ready for the trip?
      1. The best preperation for your trip is basic exercise and a positive mental focus. If you would like additional resources, you can reach out to Outdoor Adventure to speak with a trip leader about how they prepare for a trip.

    2. Where can I get gear for the trip
      1. There are many great local outdoor retailers and consignment stores that will ahve all the gear that you may need. If you live in the Johnson City area we reccommend Mahoney's Outfitters, Hellbender Outfitters, and Appalachian Outpost. If you are shopping online or in other areas you can try these trusted sources: REI, Backcountry, Moosejaw. You can also support small businesses through Garage Grown Gear.