Outdoor orientation

EOU offers orientation in the outdoors

August 29, 2018 LA GRANDE, Ore. – Over the course of six days in Hells Canyon, up to 18 incoming Eastern Oregon University students will get to know their peers, learn about EOU and the surrounding area, and start building community.

EOU’s Outdoor Adventure Program offers a student orientation trip called East Tracks that helps ease the transition into college life for freshmen and new transfer students. A number of EOU faculty and staff, along with student leaders, facilitate outdoor experiences and act as mentors for the first-year students.

“We really encourage students to try new activities,” said Michael Hatch, Outdoor Adventure Program Director. “The options are limitless and no prior experience is needed. Plus, we have an amazing rental shop to outfit everyone with gear for the trip.”

From their base camp, participants can try stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, rock climbing, hot-spring-soaking, fishing, swimming, kayaking, slacklining and other outdoor activities. Participants will also spend a day volunteering for a work project on a nearby trail.

“I never would have gotten the chance to do some of this stuff if I hadn’t come on this trip,” EOU student Hailey Bigbie said.

The trip runs Sept. 16 to 21 and costs $125 per person. Registration is open until Sept. 7. Contact the OAP at 541-962-3621 or outdoor@eou.edu for more information.