through small-group wilderness trips where groups of students, under the supervision of OA leaders, become a community—self-reliant yet interdependent. We stress values of communication, respect for others, and service. For many students, Outdoor Action is their first experience living in the outdoors, and many come away from a trip with a new respect not only for the wilderness but also for the environment as a whole. Students learn confidence and self-reliance by completing challenging activities with the support of the group. This learning process is facilitated by other students—OA
leaders who have been trained in outdoor, first aid and safety, and group dynamics skills. These leaders find OA one of the most important parts of their experience at Princeton. Learning to lead and teach one's peers is an invaluable skill. Outdoor Action has been a pioneering program providing leadership to a number of other institutions that have developed similar programs, including Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale.
Outdoor Action continues to be an important learning experience for many students at Princeton. Its wilderness activities offer a unique opportunity for building a sense of community across the campus. The Climbing to New Heights Campaign will consolidate the growth that has made Outdoor Action a meaningful part of extracurricular life at Princeton.
— President Harold Shapiro
Our goals for the Climbing to New Heights Campaign include expanding the numbers of students who participate as well as developing more opportunities for the entire University community (students, faculty, staff, and alumni) to explore the wilderness together. Thus, we are seeking new ways to make the program accessible to all students regardless of their financial means. We hope to develop new and innovative programs while maintaining excellence in the activities already in place. Continuing the development of the OA Leader Training Program remains an essential part of the program mission. Princeton's Outdoor Action strives be the leading university outdoor education program in the country. We need to secure long-term, stable funding from an endowment that can grow with us in order to ensure this.
From OA Participants:I think the trip was the best thing that could have happened to me. I learned more about myself and Princeton and got to know 10 terrific people. It made the transition to college a whole lot easier.
My first experience at Princeton University was an Outdoor Action Freshman Trip. I can see now, more than a year later, that it was one of my most valuable experiences at the University. Outdoor Action did far more than introduce me to 10 of my future classmates. It has provided the opportunity for me to interact with fellow students outside of the academic environment. Encountering the beauty and challenges of nature with an OA group provides for an intense and meaningful sense of camaraderie that is difficult to find during the pressures of classes. I have also learned numerous skills from Outdoor Action—first aid, hiking, minimal impact camping, cross-country skiing and kayaking are examples. I was changed from a city dweller with no outdoor experience to a camper with a greater sense of respect for the environment. I don't think I would have learned this without Outdoor Action.
Outdoor Action was started in 1973 by the Dean of Students Office. The first Outdoor Action trip was a wilderness orientation program for entering students, held in September, 1973. That first trip brought eight entering students together with upperclass leaders. The program was an immediate success as a bonding experience for new Princetonians, an opportunity to meet upperclass students, and a chance to explore the wilderness.
The program was an immediate success and became a yearly event. Student leaders with wilderness camping skills were recruited and backpacking equipment was purchased, so that the program could serve more students. The next trip, in 1974, had 100 participants. As this expansion was occurring, students and administrators involved in the program felt that Outdoor Action could provide outdoor experiences during the year as well. As a result, OA began offering trips and programs throughout the academic year for all students, faculty, and staff.
The program has expanded greatly over the past thirteen years. Frosh trip participation has increased from 10 percent to 50 percent of the entering class. The variety of trips, training programs, workshops, and seminars has greatly increased. The Leader Training Program has been developed extensively and is used as a model for similar programs across the country. In the spring of 1990, Outdoor Action sponsored the first Ivy League Outdoor Orientation Program Conference, bringing leaders from different schools together to share outdoor leadership skills.
In 1985, the OA Alumni Advisory Committee was initiated to help chart future directions. The University officially recognized the group as the Friends of Outdoor Action in 1988. Since its recognition, the friends have raised money to support the program through yearly membership dues and have coordinated the development of alumni outdoor programs.
Each fall, OA offers a special program for entering students. The Outdoor Action Frosh Trip is a six-day wilderness camping trip offered the week prior to Orientation Week and involves either backpacking, canoeing, or bike touring. Participants travel in groups of 10 with two upperclass leaders in wilderness areas in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. Since its inception in 1974, more than 6,430 entering students have participated. It has served as an important introduction to Princeton, has eased the transition from home to college, and has offered an enjoyable time in the outdoors. Lasting friendships develop on the Frosh Trip. Many students find the trip so gratifying that they continue their involvement with Outdoor Action throughout the year, and many choose to become OA Leaders.
Outdoor Action Trip Summary
1981 - 1982 110 401 107 508
1982 - 1983 89 381 82 463
1983 - 1984 105 456 121 577
1984 - 1985 106 601 152 753
1985 - 1986 129 741 170 911
1986 - 1987 134 683 166 849
1987 - 1988 138 624 179 803
1988 - 1989 132 886 209 1,095
1989 - 1990 134 832 198 1,030
1990 - 1991 158 760 207 967
1991 - 1992 147 842 241 1,083
1992 - 1993 148 831 213 1,044
1993 - 1994 164 895 243 1,138
TOTAL = 1,694 8,933 2,288 11,221Year Trip Days Participants Leaders Total
In addition to backpacking, canoeing, and biking, Outdoor Action trips include activities such as spelunking, cross-country skiing, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and winter camping open to the entire University community. Throughout the semester OA leaders run numerous day trips and overnight trips on weekends ranging from a two-hour bike ride around Princeton, to a weekend canoeing trip to Assateague Island. During semester breaks Outdoor Action sponsors multi-day trips that range from a four-day cross-country skiing trip in Vermont to a five-day whitewater kayaking course. OA offers trips at various levels from beginner to intermediate and advanced trips. The breadth of the program provides opportunities for everyone to explore the outdoors, learn new skills, and make new friends. In 1983 Outdoor Action was one of the first Universities to build an indoor climbing wall. The facility is open five days a week providing instruction and training opportunities for the entire campus. The Outdoor Action Equipment Room is open on a weekly basis providing inexpensive equipment rental for people wanting to go on their own outdoor trips.
Among the many good things that Outdoor Action does is to bring groups of first-year students together in various terrains for canoe trips, backpacking, and the like, before they start school—a fine way to begin four years at Princeton.
— John McPhee ’52, author, Ferris Professor of Journalism and Public Relations
Planning a Backpacking Trip Animal Tracking and Nature Observation Bicycle Maintenance and Repair Weather for Outdoorspersons Winter Camping Techniques Wilderness First Aid Eskimo Rolling a Kayak Wilderness Survival River Rescue Hypothermia and Cold Injuries Rock Climbing Cross-country Ski Equipment and Waxing Telemark Skiing Techniques Outdoor Safety Manangement Situational Leadership
Working with a group is valuable beyond Outdoor Action and many OA Leaders find that sharing the wilderness with their peers is one of the most special parts of their time at Princeton. Many leaders use their skills to work in outdoor education during the summer and after Princeton, and OA leaders have been instructors at the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and at Outward Bound Schools across the country. Whatever their career path, students report that the OA leadership experience has been invaluable.
Currently our leaders must complete the following trainings:
Leader Training Course: a 5-week course that meets weekly for instructional workshops and trip preparation. The course culminates in a 5-day backpacking trip that teaches basic wilderness skills necessary to lead OA three-season backpacking trips. As part of the learning process, trip participants plan and organize all aspects of the trip including route, food, and equipment.
Group Skills Workshop: this weekend program teaches group dynamics in wilderness settings, appropriate listening and communications skills, leadership roles, and how to effectively facilitate personal growth through outdoor education.
Safety Management Seminar: a two-hour seminar designed to familiarize OA leaders with the causes and prevention of accidents in the wilderness.
Wilderness First Aid Training: a twenty–hour course Wilderness First Aid course developed by Outdoor Action. The course teaches the basic methods of examining and treating ill or injured persons, patient assessment, splinting, bandaging, treating specific injuries, and medical and environmental emergencies. Student leaders are also required to have current CPR certification.
Environmental stewardship is a fundamental value in all Outdoor Action activities. Students who experience directly living in and with the outdoors come to recognize the need for preservation of the wilderness. On every trip, leaders teach minimal impact camping, stressing how each person's actions can have a positive or negative effect on the environment. On many trips, groups perform special service projects such as trail clean-ups. With this new understanding of the environment, students grow more sensitive to issues of conservation on campus, including waste reduction, recycling, and energy conservation. OA has made a difference in the number of Princeton students who choose to pursue both academic subjects relating to the environment and environmental careers. The percentage of OA leaders choosing environmentally related careers is higher than the campus average.
Throughout the year, OA brings speakers and films to campus on environmental issues ranging from preserving wilderness lands in Utah to understanding global warming. In 1988, OA started the Alumni/Environmental Career Network as a resource for current students interested in careers in the environment. Princeton alumni working in the environmental field serve as contacts for students and return to campus to share their experiences with interested individuals and groups.
Quite simply, the Outdoor Action Program provides one of the most positive experiences for students at Princeton. On my Freshman Trip, my leaders told me that the trip would be one of the best times I had at the University or at least with Princeton students. They were right. And with every OA trip I have taken since, their words remain true. The greatest strength of the Outdoor Action Program arises from the fact that it offers the opportunity for Princeton students to get to know each other outside of the often tense and busy University environment.
— From an OA participantOutdoor Action provides a critical balance to undergraduate life, which is too frequently out of touch with the natural world. The opportunity to experience a closeness with the great outdoors is a crucial restorative.
— Josh Miner ’43, Founding Trustee of Outward Bound USA
In 1985, Outdoor Action expanded its activities to include Alumni Expeditions. These activities bring alumni from different classes together in an exploration of the wilderness. OA offers two types of alumni activities: wilderness travel trips, and programs—special wilderness adventures with a unique educational component. OA also developed a special Alumni/Student Expedition program through which current students participate with alumni. Past activities have included:
Sea Kayaking the Maine Coast Trip: A five-day kayaking trip exploring the islands in Penobscot Bay.
Middle Fork of the Salmon - Whitewater Rafting Trip: A six-day whitewater rafting trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River—a Wild and Scenic River in central Idaho.
Tracking, Nature Observation, and Wilderness Survival Program: A five-day field program teaching animal tracking, nature observation skills, and basic wilderness survival.
Explore Yellowstone - The Power of Regeneration Program: A four-day program focusing on recovery of the plants and wildlife in the park following the fires of ’88. Followed by an optional five-day backpacking trip through the park.
Caribbean Oceanography and Sailing Alumni/Student Program: A seven-day scientific sailing program with alumni and current Princeton students focusing on marine biology, oceanography, and nautical science on a 135-foot brigantine in the Bahamas.
During alumni day and reunions, OA offers a number of special activities for alumni and their families, including nature walks, campus tree tours, and alumni panels focusing on environmental issues.
The Board of the Friends of Outdoor Action has carefully examined the needs of the program over the next 10 years. We hope to address some of these through dedicated endowment funds. Other needs require only one-time funding. Our long-term goal is to provide sufficient money for continued innovation and broader participation. Funding needs can be broken down into the following categories. We also keep a Wish List for new projects and directions for the program.
General Endowment
The Outdoor Action Program currently receives only $11,000 per year from the University to cover all operating expenses. A general endowment fund of $220,000 or additional annual funding of $11,000 will provide the basic level of resources for maintaining and extending the excellence of the program.
Leadership Training
OA leaders are the backbone of the program. In order to provide the highest caliber leaders, specialized wilderness first aid training is essential. This is available only through certain professional organizations. Term funding of $12,000 annually or income from endowment funds of $240,000 is needed.
Trip Scholarships
Outdoor Action trips and programs are heavily subsidized by general program funds in order to keep the price low enough for all students to participate. However, with costs rising, some students cannot afford to pay. Term funding of $3,000 annually or
income from endowment funds of $60,000 is needed to allow all interested students to participate in OA activities including Alumni/Student Expeditions.
Leadership Scholarships
As a result of the experience they gain through Outdoor Action, many leaders become so committed to outdoor education that they wish to expand their training through participation in other programs, such as Outward Bound and the National
Outdoor Leadership School. Both programs offer excellent but expensive courses. These leaders return to Princeton with a wealth of new skills and knowledge to assist OA. Term funding of $5,000 annually or income from endowment funds of $100,000 will provide partial tuition assistance to OA leaders.
Environmental Programs Fund
Educating people about the environment is one of the essential missions of Outdoor Action. This fund will provide money to bring well-known speakers and programs to campus to educate the entire Princeton community about important
environmental issues. Term funding of $5,000 annually or income from endowment funds of $100,000 is needed.
| Campaign Needs | Yearly Funds Needed | Endowment to Generate Yearly Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Leader Training | $12,000 | $240,000 |
| General Endowment | $11,000 | $220,000 |
| Equipment | $7,000 | $140,000 |
| Leader Scholarships | $5,000 | $100,000 |
| Environmental Programs | $5,000 | $100,000 |
| Trip Scholarships | $3,000 | $60,000 |
| ENDOWMENT GOAL | $47,000 | $860,000 |
| One Time Funds | ||
| Equipment Funds | $125,000 | |
| Computer Equipment | $15,000 | |
| One-Time Funds | $140,000 | |
| TOTAL CAMPAIGN GOAL | $1,000,000 | |
Computer Equipment
In order to maintain its leadership role among outdoor programs, OA needs several computers to more effectively maintain program records, publish newsletters and manuals, and develop training materials. One time funds of $15,000 are needed to cover the amortization costs of the computers and related equipment.
Future Needs
Outdoor Action's greatest need for maintaining program excellence is additional administrative support. We envision an Internship Program whose position would be filled by a graduating OA Leader for a one-year term. This ensures that the intern has the highest level of outdoor and interpersonal skills and is most familiar with the program. The Internship would provide an excellent training experience for a leader interested in pursuing outdoor/environmental education, teaching, or
educational administration as a career. The responsibilities would include: assisting in the Leader Training Courses and Workshops, supervising leaders for trip planning and preparation, leading trips, researching new areas for trips, managing the OA Equipment Room and student workers, developing special training courses for leaders, and developing special trips and programs for identified on-campus populations. The Internship position would provide the necessary human resources for OA to grow through the nineties and beyond.
Outdoor Action currently occupies a small basement storage space on campus which is not large enough to adequately hold all the equipment currently owned and will not be sufficient for new equipment purchases. OA needs a new facility of 4,000 to 6,000 square feet which would provide room for equipment storage, classroom, library, and trip preparation.
A Paddling Center on Lake Carnegie has also been proposed. A small facility would provide storage for canoes, kayaks, trailers, and related equipment. This facility would be open for students, faculty, and staff to sign out boats and provide a facility for us to teach regular classes.
The Outdoor Action program has established itself as a rich contributor to the total Princeton experience. One of the University's historic sources of strength has been the diversity of its offerings. That diversity also characterizes Outdoor Action: incoming freshmen are offered energizing outdoor travel and adventure experiences that develop friendships, strengthen community, teach skills, and offer new fields of challenge. All students (and now alumni and staff) are offered opportunities for outdoor activity and learning, skills training, opportunities for leadership development, and simply healthy, enjoyable, shared activities.I work in the field of experiential education and know many Princeton graduates who have parlayed their Outdoor Action experiences into career directions. I know of many more who have simply enjoyed a more balanced and energized Princeton experience thanks to Outdoor Action. The commitment and drive of Outdoor Action's leadership is impressive. Outdoor Action is clearly here to stay, and the Princeton experience is richer for its existence.
— Tino O'Brien ’65Message from an OA Leader
Outdoor Action is one of the most effective programs at Princeton. Indeed, it has had a most profound effect on my life. Coming from a family not inclined to outdoor activities, I got my first taste of hiking and camping from the OA Freshman Trip. That was the beginning of a lasting love affair with the outdoors. Since then, I have become an OA Leader and participated in many more OA trips, I have taken an Outward Bound Course in Colorado, and have done substantial camping on my own. I hope to pursue a career in outdoor education after I graduate.
My love for the outdoors stems from my belief that camping trips offer unique opportunities to learn and grow. One important aspect of the trips is intense group interaction. By living with the same group of people for four or five days, by doing everything together—cooking, cleaning up, eating, hiking, sleeping, setting up camp, making daily decisions—a community is formed. Because this community is so small, people are compelled to examine both their own role in the community and the basis, the very idea behind a community. Also, leading a group provides its own unique moments of revelation and insight about leadership and also about oneself. Furthermore, sharing hardships—rain, leaking tarps, sub-freezing temperatures, blisters—and elations—sunshine, beautiful vistas, rising to challenges—sharing these experiences with others forms bonds of a special quality between people.
— John Lewis ’84
The Climbing to New Heights Campaign is the next important step to making Outdoor Action the leading outdoor education program in the country. As we look to the next decade of the program, your contribution will help solidify this excellent part of the Princeton educational experience. If you are interested in making a campaign contribution or volunteering in the campaign, please mail a copy of the card below or email Outdoor Action at
rcurtis@princeton.edu
Name ______________________________________________________ Class __________
Address ______________________________________________________________________________ ____
City ____________________________ State _________ Zip ____________
Helping Outdoor Action
_____ I am interested in serving as a class representative.
_____ I am interested in serving on the Friends of OA Board.
_____ I am interested in helping with the OA Capital Campaign.
Outdoor Action Climbing to New Heights Campaign Donations
Zander Scott ’92 Scholarship Fund $_______________ Provides Frosh Trip scholarships.
Climbing to New Heights Campaign $_______________ Building long term endowment for Outdoor Action.
_____ Please send me more information on the Climbing to New Heights Campaign.
Please make checks payable to Princeton University. If you send one check, please specify what amount is for membership and what amount is for the capital campaign. All contributions are tax deductible and eligible for gift matching programs.
Copyright © 1995 Outdoor Action Program, Princeton University.