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My Experience as a First Year Trips Leader
Last spring, I spontaneously signed up to be a First-Year Trips leader and it has turned out to be one of the best decisions I've made since starting at Dartmouth. If you're wondering what "Trips" is, it is a voluntary part of our orientation program where two trip leaders (trained upperclassmen, or "TLs") lead a group of about 8-10 first years, assigned based upon common interests. The TLs lead three-night trips with camping or cabin accommodations of various types including hiking, canoeing, kayaking, timber sports, museum exploration, social impact, yoga, and much more. Visit the First-Year trips website for a much more complete list!
I had such a positive experience as a "tripees" last fall. As someone who was very overwhelmed during orientation week, I cherished Trips as a sustained escape from campus and unplugged time with a consistent group of my peers. I bonded very closely with my group, went on some beautiful hikes of Mt. Moosilauke and Mt. Mist, and received candid guidance from my two leaders whom I still reach out to today. In fact, the reason I applied is because of my leaders; we had a conversation about how valuable it has been for them to serve as a long-term mentor for several, impressionable first-year students.
So, I did it. First, an application, followed by a series of training sessions in risk management, group dynamics, leadership, and of course, outdoor practical skills. Then, it was time. I met my tripees on the lawn in front of Robinson Hall and greeted them with a smile (and a huge poster) before playing some get-to-know-you games. Everyone seemed excited, but a bit overwhelmed – I mean, it is a little nerve-wracking to be spending so much time with people you've just met. Nell (my co-leader) and I went over our trip itinerary and some practical information, like how to pack a frame pack, which eased their nerves a bit. Thinking back to my experience as a tripee, though, I know that my appreciation of trips as magical and grounding is much different than my initial perception.
The next morning, at the bright and early hour of six, we were off! We gathered our gear, ate breakfast, and then headed out for the bus to drop us off at the Cardigan State Park campsites about an hour from campus. Rather than telling you what we did, though, I'd rather show you all with some (beautiful) photos! Here we go...
Even though Trips is over, we have all kept in touch and are continuing to have dinner/social events this term. I think the continuity and community Trips provides is one of my favorite elements of the community. I hope to keep you all posted on how my tripees are doing!