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An offering of Penn State

What are the goals of ORION?

ORION is designed to provide you with the opportunity to:

  • engage in a fun, physically challenging outdoor experience
  • meet other incoming students and make new friends
  • foster your personal growth, increase your confidence, and bolster your self-esteem
  • increase your appreciation for the natural environment
  • learn outdoor skills that focus on the "leave-no-trace" philosophy
  • gain familiarity with the natural offerings of central Pennsylvania
  • set goals for your first year at Penn State

What activities are included in ORION?

  • four days and nights of backpacking through the rugged, beautiful terrain of central Pennsylvania (All ORION trips begin and end at Penn State's University Park campus.)
  • a day-long canoeing experience
  • a follow-up community service project

How do I prepare?

  • Bring a positive attitude and be willing to try new things.
  • Physically prepare yourself—you will be hiking on variable terrain between two and ten miles each day with a loaded backpack.
  • Bring personal gear and appropriate clothing, including well-broken-in, comfortable hiking boots. (A complete gear list will be sent to you upon registration,* or you can view the list on this Web site.)

*ORION will provide all group gear, including tents/tarps, stoves, and cookware. Backpacks, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads will also be provided.

What are the course requirements?

Because ORION is a 2-credit Penn State course (KINES 089), there are specific requirements to fulfill. You must:

  • participate in a positive manner during the entire trip
  • keep a creative and insightful journal
  • write a final paper that summarizes what you have learned
  • write a detailed goal statement for your first year
  • participate in a follow-up community service project in State College or on the University Park campus
  • attend a wrap-up session at the beginning of October

NOTE:

  • A welcome packet will be sent via mail or e-mail to confirm your acceptance into the program.
  • KINES 089 will be listed on your schedule only after you participate in the program.
  • All students participating in ORION must be registered as full-time students (12 or more credits) for the fall 2008 semester.
  • The 2 credits from ORION meet two of the three General Health Activity requirements (GHA).
  • KINES 089 Wilderness Experience will be listed on your course schedule after you participate in the course. Do not drop this from your schedule.
  • Students in this program will have the opportunity to register for RPTM 297S, a first-year seminar offered exclusively for ORION participants. For more information and/or to register for this course, call 814-863-2000.

Many of the photographs included throughout the site are © Sven Zellner. For a listing, please contact us.
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The Pennsylvania State University | This page was last modified on Monday, May 05, 2008