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From sea to Sierra,
Orientation Adventure offered Class of 2010 a
chance to experience the outdoors and make friendships
before school starts.
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Before hitting the books, first-year students at Pomona
College got a chance to learn to surf, sail on a tall ship,
or hike piney mountain trails to Yosemite's famous Half
Dome. Orientation Adventure is more than a chance to explore
California's strikingly varied scenery. It gives newcomers
to Pomona College a chance to build friendships in the
outdoors before the school year even begins.
About 500 first-year students, trip leaders, faculty and
staff members just returned from four-day adventures across
the state (see
photo gallery.) What sets Pomona’s program
apart is the number of trips students can choose from. There
are about a dozen, ranging from community service in Los
Angeles, to kayaking off the Channel Islands to backpacking
in the Sierras.
OA originated about a decade ago when a group of students
from the On the Loose outdoors club approached Dean of
Students Ann Quinley with the idea, and she collaborated
with them to make it happen. OA has greatly expanded in
recent years, since the College made OA part of the
Orientation program for all students and that continues this
year. (Previously, anywhere from one half to two-thirds of
the first-year students participated in OA.)
 The only drawback: most trips departed in the wee morning
hours, which can be a little rough for students adjusting to
dorm life. But don't worry: OA organizers usually have runners
assigned to head to the dorms and rouse students who have
overslept and would otherwise miss the trip. “I’m alive,
awake, alert and enthusiastic!,” goes the chant.
And when it comes to grub, there are no shades of
"Survivor." Hungry hikers and surfers are well-fed. Nutella,
that delectable hazelnut spread with hints of cocoa, is the
most popular item. Another OA essential is Peeps, those
sticky-sweet marshmallow treats that pop up in stores before
Easter. They've become an OA tradition, and organizers buy
them up during the spring to secure an adequate supply.
Read about other Pomona
traditions
Explore
the area
Class of
2010 profile (pdf) |
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