A six-day wilderness orientation program for incoming first-year Penn State University Park students
SUMMER I: FALL I: FALL II: “Now almost an entire month into college, I can say with utmost certainty that no other program, class or experience helped me more with the transition to college life than ORION did.” –2009 Participant
August 3–8,
2012
August 11–16,
2012
August 19–24,
2012
Orion, one of the most prominent constellations in the northeastern sky, contains some of the brightest stars in the heavens and acts as a guide for travelers and adventurers. Similarly, the ORION Wilderness Orientation Program is designed to guide incoming first-year University Park students as you embark on your university adventure. The program allows participants to develop bonds with each other and the natural community.
Depending on which semester you have been admitted to Penn State, we have an ORION session for you! Summer admits may enroll in either ORION Summer or one of two ORION Fall sessions, while fall admits may register for one of the ORION Fall sessions.
What Are the Goals of ORION?
ORION is designed to provide you with the opportunity to:- meet other incoming students and form solid friendships
- engage in a fun, physically challenging outdoor experience
- foster your personal growth, increase your confidence, and bolster your self-esteem
- increase your appreciation for the 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
- have more fun than you could have ever imagined!
What Activities Are Included in ORION?
- Four days and nights of backpacking through the rugged, beautiful terrain of central Pennsylvania
- A day of canoeing on a local river or a day on Penn State's high ropes course
- A follow-up community service project
- For more details, view a typical ORION Expedition Agenda.
How Do I Prepare for ORION?
- 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.* (See welcome packet)
What Are the Course Requirements for ORION?
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 around State College/University Park
- attend a wrap-up session in early fall
- A welcome packet will be sent via email to confirm your acceptance into the program.
- KINES 089, Wilderness experience will be listed on your course schedule, DO NOT drop this class or you will lose your space in ORION
- All students participating in ORION must be registered as full-time students in the semester you take ORION.
- The 2 credits from ORION meet two of the three Penn State General Health Activity requirements (GHA).
Still have questions about ORION? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more!
Students may also be interested in attending the Urban Service Experience program in Philadelphia, which was modeled after the ORION program.
Thanks to Appalachian Outdoors for their generous |
Many of the photographs included throughout the site are © Sven Zellner. For a listing, please contact us.
Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.
This site is a product of Penn State, Outreach Marketing and Communications. Copyright © 2006
The Pennsylvania State University | This page was last modified on Tuesday, March 13, 2012
|
WEATHER FORECAST:
 |
