FACEtime

Trips

This is a beginner level backpacking trip that is great for people that don’t necessarily have experience overnight camping and/or backpacking. 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, as well as tents. There are no toilets or showers. 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.

Participants need to arrive on Wednesday, July 29. We will spend that day on campus doing activities and learning skills in preparation for the trip. We leave for the Adirondacks the morning of Thursday, July 30 and return to campus Sunday, August 2. If you are not able to get transportation home on Sunday evening, you will need to make arrangements in advance with the RIT Summer Housing Office or book a room at a local hotel. You can contact the Summer Housing Office beginning May 24, 2009, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at (585) 475-7225. A list of local hotels can be found HERE.

The main goal of this program is to introduce you to a group of fellow students while enjoying the Adirondack region, but the trip, by the nature of the outdoor activity, can be quite challenging. In order to participate, you must be capable of meeting certain physical and psychological criteria, and understand your own abilities.

This year’s trip to Adirondack State Park includes hiking and camping. This trip requires that you be able to:

Hike over varying terrain for several miles at a time with a 30-pound backpack.
Adjust to spending time in the wilderness and away from typical day-to-day amenities like toilets, running water and beds.
Be psychologically prepared for varying weather possibilities, insects and other kinds of wildlife, and simple nutrition.
Be mentally and physically challenged, but be rewarded with an invaluable experience that you may never forget

Gear List

Unless specified, all the gear listed here is essential and required. In remote settings, your safety and comfort depend on being properly equipped. If you have any questions about anything on this list, please do not hesitate to contact us. A confirmation packet, including a gear list, will be sent to you in early June.
You will need to bring the following gear/equipment:

1 pr broken-in, comfortable hiking boots
2 shirts
1 wool sweater or pile pullover or jacket
1 pr. shorts (quick drying soccer-type shorts are best)
I pr. Synthetic or wool pants (no cotton). NO JEANS!
2 pr. underwear
4 pr. socks (2 wool, 2 athletic nylon)
raingear jacket and pants, no ponchos
1 wool or fleece hat (like for skiing etc)
toiletries (toothbrush & paste, contact solution, tampons, etc). Keep it small! No glass.
eating utensils (fork and spoon) plastic bowl and insulated mug
folding pocket knife (Swiss Army or Leatherman are ok)
lighter or waterproof matches
extra glasses if you wear contacts
sunglasses, chapstick, sunscreen (SPF 15 to 30)
insect repellent (with DEET); small plastic bottle – no cans
any required medication
whistle – this is essential for wilderness safety
small notebook and pen
small headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
2 durable quart-sized water bottles
4 large heavy duty plastic garbage bags
You do not need to bring your own backpack, sleeping bag, or sleeping pad; these will be provided. You may bring your own if you prefer.
We will provide all other camping equipment including tents, food and cooking supplies, water purification, and first aid kits.

Optional Equipment

biodegradable soap
camera
very small towel
Silva type compass (if you have already have one)
small musical instrument
stuff sacks (various sizes for gear)
1-2 bandanas
1 lightweight brimmed hat
1 bathing suit

DO NOT BRING

Because of the goals of FACEtime and the objectives of the program, this is a substance-free and electronics-free trip. It is our intent that participants make “face time” by leaving all unnecessary possessions at home so that they can really get to know each other and appreciate the outdoor experience. For these reasons, DO NOT BRING: CELL PHONES, CIGARETTES, TOBACCO, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, ILLICIT DRUGS, FOOD, JEWELRY, MAKE-UP, RADIOS, MP3 PLAYERS, CDs, OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONICS. IF IN DOUBT, LEAVE IT OUT. We will do a thorough bag check prior to departure so just leave these items at home.

Trip Fee

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.

If you are interested in participating, and fully understand the commitment you are making, then don’t delay in signing up!