Details on the first and last day of your trip are below. In between, each trip has its own itinerary, but the example below will give you a sense of what to expect.

Arrival Day (WA Day 1)

Your WA arrival day will look different depending on which session of WA you are participating in. For Session 1, you will arrive directly to Base Camp for the start of your WA and will depart from campus directly after your WA ends. For Session 2, you will be able to arrive, move into your residence hall, and experience much of the classic Colgate arrival experience that happens for the rest of your class when they arrive at the start of New Student Orientation. See the drop downs below for the exact arrival day schedule for your session.

Early Arrival

Due to the need for a coordinated arrival day in order to ensure proper arrival day policies and protocols are followed, early arrivals for WA are not possible. If your travel plans have you coming into town prior to the morning of Arrival Day, you will need to make your own plans for accommodations. You can find a list of nearby Hotels & Accommodations here. You can also find more details about how to travel to campus here. A reminder: if you are attending WA session 1, you will NOT be able to move into your Fall residence at this time. Session 2 participants will move into their residence halls on the first day of their WA.

A typical day on your WA trip (WA Days 2-5)

Morning

Wake up early, help prepare breakfast and learn to use your camp stove. Get ready for the day - this might mean packing up your camp in preparation for a day of backpacking, canoeing, or kayaking; or it might mean packing a day pack in order to go out for a day of hiking, biking, climbing, or paddling.

Afternoon

In the woods, on the water, or at the crag, you'll have lots to talk about and learn about as you travel through the Adirondacks. You'll have plenty of snacks during the day, but you'll also stop to enjoy lunch and probably an amazing view! 

Evening

Arrive at your spot for the night, set up your tents, and maybe start thinking about what's for dinner. You might play some games, learn about Colgate or the Adirondacks, or just hang out and get to know people better. Help prepare and enjoy a tasty dinner. Eventually, the sun will set and you'll get ready for bed.

Final Day (WA Day 6)

Session 1 Session 2
Session 1, Session 2 7:00 a.m.
Breakfast at Beattie. Pack up your campsite and head back to campus.
Session 1, Session 2 7:30–9:00 a.m.
Clean and return all the equipment you used/borrowed. Say goodbye to your new friends, but also make plans to see everyone later!
Session 1

9:00 a.m.
Wilderness Adventure is over, but you'll be back in just a couple of weeks to start Orientation!

NOTE for parents/families/etc. who are picking students up at the end of WA Session 1:

WA participants can be picked up around 10:00 a.m. in the same place as they were dropped off, behind Base Camp, at the parking lot behind the Trudy Fitness Center

Session 2

9:00 a.m.
Head back to your residence to shower and clean up.

New Student Orientation
Students should consult the Orientation schedule for information on when and where New Student Orientation will commence.