F&M's FOOT 2024
First-year Outdoor Orientation Trip
by the Center for the Sustainable Environment
About FOOT
The First-Year Outdoor Orientation Trip, otherwise known as "FOOT," is a pre-orientation program for students who are interested in becoming leaders in sustainability and environmental education. FOOT is a four-day, three-night backpacking trip on a section of the Appalachian Trail through Pennsylvania’s beautiful rolling hills. We will hike an average of 10 miles each day. Experience with hiking, backpacking, or exercising regularly is strongly recommended.
Upperclassman leaders join first-year students on the trail for this amazing trip. Participants get the opportunity to connect with other first-year students who share their passion for outdoor adventure and respect for the natural world. Furthermore, you get to spend a few days hiking the locale you’ll call home for the next four years!
Application: FOOT 2024 Application
Dates: 8/19/2024-8/22/2024
Cost: $250
Questions: Email mmesser@fandm.edu
More Details
Because FOOT begins before First-Year Orientation, you'll have the luxury of moving into your dorm room early and FOOT leaders will be ready to help carry your things!
We’ll kick off FOOT with some group bonding, snack-bag making, and backpack packing! The program ends when we return from the trail before the start of First-Year Orientation.
Over the course of four days, all participants will hike a total of 40 miles over hills, meadows forests, and streams. We strongly recommend having hiking, backpacking, or other regular exercise experience prior to embarking on the Appalachian Trail.
All FOOT expenses (early move-in, food, transportation, activities, group gear, etc.) are covered by a $250 registration fee and there will be no additional expenses during the week. There is also financial assistance available so that everyone has a chance to attend FOOT.
In addition, we provide backpacks, sleeping bags/pads, and headlamps for free to those who need them. If you are in need of additional gear, we will do our best to accommodate that. The registration fee will be collected after you have been accepted into the program.
