Saturday May 25, 2013

Information for Parents

Dates for Frosh Trip 2013 for the Princeton Class of 2017

Application materials will be available online to all incoming students in around May 22. Students will need their University NetID and Password to access the online application.

  • Late May 2013 - Information and application materials for the Frosh Trip will go live on the Matriculation Web Site.
  • Around May 22, 2013 - Applications available online through the Outdoor Action Web Site. The trip is filled on a first-come, first-served basis based on postmark or Web application date.
  • June 30, 2013 - Application Deadline. The trip is filled on a first-come, first-served basis based on postmark or Web application date and often fills before June 30.
  • Mid-July 2013 - Acceptance information and equipment list emailed to all accepted participants.
  • Saturday, August 31, 2013 - Arrive at Princeton - students can move into their dorm rooms. The Housing Office will be from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM for students to get their room keys.
  • Saturday, August 31, 2013 - Outdoor Action Check-in at Dillon Gym
  • Sunday, September 1, 2013 - Frosh Trip Departs
  • Friday, September 6, 2013 - 4:00 - 8:00 PM - Frosh Trip groups return to campus
  • Saturday, September 7, 2013 - Freshman Orientation Week Begins

Arrival Information

Find out details about check-in and arrival on Saturday. September 3.

Leave a Trace Training Information

The Outdoor Action Leave a Trace Program provides OA student trip leaders with the resources to help new students make a positive transition to life at Princeton.

Religious Observance

Outdoor Action works closely with the Office of Religious Life and different campus ministries to provide information about religious observance during the Outdoor Action Frosh Trip. See the Religious Observance page for details about this year's program.

Financial Aid Support for Frosh Trip

Princeton University is committed to ensuring that all students can participate in the Outdoor Action Frosh Trip and has a significant financial aid program in place for this purpose. Students receiving need-based financial aid from Princeton will have the full cost of the trip covered completely by the University

FT Group

The Outdoor Action Program is excited to welcome the Class of 2015 to our 38th Annual Frosh Trip Program. Since its inception in 1974 over 16,300 Princeton students have participated in the program. Outdoor Action is one of the very best ways for incoming students to make new friends, learn about campus life and the University and start off their college experience feeling supported. As one of the oldest, and the largest outdoor orientation program in the U.S. (based on participant days), Princeton is proud to be able to offer this special program for incoming students. We will provide additional information for parents through this Web page later in the summer.

Find Out More

Frosh Trip 2016 Applications

Outdoor Action Frosh Trip Health Information

A first year student talks about her Frosh Trip Experience

I was extremely scared about beginning college and the OA trip really helped to allay most of my fears. I got to become really close with a group of 10 people, all of whom I’ve remained friendly with on campus. In the wilderness atmosphere you get the chance to learn so much about these people who all seemed so strange and different. I learned that all ten of us had the same fears and insecurities about starting college; making new friends, handling schoolwork, becoming small fish in an incredibly large pond. The OA trip really taught me that first impressions mean absolutely nothing, that I should place more faith in my physical abilities (I never thought I could survive a backpacking trip), and interpersonal abilities (I usually consider myself shy and reserved, but my group members didn’t see me that way at all), and that no matter how alone I may feel sometimes, everyone is really feeling just as scared and unsure of themselves as I am.

One of the most valuable aspects of the trip for me was the nightly debriefings. These really gave our group a chance to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of the day and observe how our relationships with each other and with ourselves were changing. Our final night debriefing on the trail, during which we all went around saying things we liked/admired about each other, was especially valuable. So much of your self-view depends on how you think others view you, and hearing positive feedback from the people you’ve opened up and exposed your vulnerabilities to was just so incredible.

The most incredible part of my trip though, had to have been my fearless leaders, Andrew and Erin. I have so much respect for them and for the way they handled themselves throughout the trip. I really feel like we all became good friends with them, we joked around on the trail and genuinely had a good time. But both knew when and how to appropriately assume the role of leaders. They carried far more than their share of weight on the trail, responded to our complaints, motivated us, made sure we ate and drank enough, mediated small disputes that arose....What really amazed me about these two was how they fit perfectly into the dual roles of friend and leader, and could transition effortlessly between the two without compromising either. Erin and Andrew were also invaluable resources for everything we wanted to know about Princeton. They tirelessly fielded all our questions answering honestly and helpfully.

In conclusion, I want to reiterate what an absolutely incredible experience OA was for me. I am so glad I decided to participate in the program. The trip exceeded my highest expectations in every way. Thank you for facilitating such a wonderful program here at Princeton.