Make time for Friends, Adventure, Connections, and Engagement in a genuine, face-to-face kind of way that is not mediated by a computer screen, electronic device, or some other techno-social networking tool that influences how we develop real relationships. It’s your opportunity to start your RIT journey off on the right foot.

This is a beginner level backpacking trip. It will take place in the High Peaks region of Adirondack State Park. We will be sleeping in both open-air structures called lean-tos and also in tents. There are no toilets or showers. This trip is great for people that don’t necessarily have experience with overnight camping and/or backpacking. We will hike a few miles each day to a new campsite where we will cook dinner together and spend the evening doing group activities.

When the final roster is decided, participants will be sent confirmation with additional information.

This program adheres to leave no trace ethics that require that we plan ahead and prepare, travel and camp on durable surfaces whenever possible or utilize designated camping sites, dispose of waste properly, leave what we find, minimize campfire impacts, respect wildlife, and be considerate of other visitors.

If you are accepted to participate, a trip fee of $250, which covers the cost of food, supplies, and transportation, will be applied to your fall tuition bill. By submitting your registration form for the trip you are stating your intent and ability to participate. If selected, you will be charged the $250 trip fee. The fee is non-refundable and you will owe this fee even if you decide not to participate, so please be sure to thoroughly review the information provided on this website and contact us with any questions you might have before submitting your registration.

The team of trip leaders consists of two professional full-time RIT employees and upper-class students who have been carefully selected and trained. Every leader is First Aid and CPR certified and has demonstrated the leadership skills to ensure a safe experience. Check out the Leaders section to learn more about us!

We will provide most of the equipment, but you are responsible for bringing some of your own stuff, for example, boots. A detailed gear list will be sent to those students who will be participating, but you can get a general idea of what supplies you need by checking out the sample gear list in the Trips section.

There are a limited number of spaces available and spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration opens May 11, 2009 at 12:00pm EDT and will close when the program is full. When the trip roster is finalized, you will be sent a notification. Click HERE to begin the registration process.