OPTIONS Trips for First Year Students
Outdoor Programs To Introduce Opportunities to New Students (OPTIONS):
Open the printable tri-fold flyer here: Summer 2013 OPTIONS flyer
Excited to begin your life at UMaine? Then Maine Bound’s OPTIONS trips are for you. OPTIONS trips are outdoor trips with a focus on teaching you outdoor skills and helping you prepare for your upcoming college experience by meeting awesome new people, making lasting friendships, learning about University life from experienced UMaine students, and making connections that will accelerate your sense of belonging to the community.
OPTIONS is a unique student orientation program. New students camp, eat, interact, and explore Maine with UMaine staff, faculty, and student trip leaders from the Maine Bound Adventure Center. The OPTIONS experience begins and ends on the UMaine Campus. The time in-between will be spent in the great Maine outdoors.
SPACE IS LIMITED so register now!
Basic OPTIONS Trip Details: Our base camp is the 60-acre Penobscot Outdoor Center, with its amazing views of Mt. Katahdin, great campsites with a group campfire ring, and outdoor volleyball courts. From there you will embark on an adventure activity of your choice, and finish the trip with whitewater rafting on the Penobscot River before returning to campus.
- Wednesday August 28: Drop off your belongings at your dorm at 1 p.m., check in at the Rec Center parking lot, and leave for the outdoor center at 3 p.m.
- Thursday August 29: Choose your own adventure from a list of activities.
- Friday August 30: Whitewater rafting on the “gorge section” of the Penobscot River. Return to campus in the afternoon.
Adventure Activity Choices: Each activity will be guided by a Maine Bound student instructor and/or professional staff.
- Hiking: A strenuous hike up Mt. Katahdin or a casual hike with breath taking views up Sentinel Mountain or South Turner Mountain, all located in Baxter State Park. Many trail options available.
- Canoeing: Flatwater paddling through the beautiful Debskoneag Lakes.
- Rock Climbing: At Fat Man’s Woes.
- White Water Kayaking: Basic movement and paddling class on the Penobscot River.
- Stand Up Paddleboarding: We’ll try a fast-growing sport that requires minimal equipment and is loads of fun, on beautiful Ambejejus Lake.
- Back Woods Bouldering: A fun bouldering adventure in the woods near Debskoneag.
- Sea Kayak Clinic: Rescues, maneuvers, and paddling strokes will be covered during this activity on Ambejejus Lake.
Meals and Gear: All meals and technical gear are provided.
Fee: $225 (Financial need scholarships are available, call (207) 581-3479 or email kristie.deschesne@umit.maine.edu.)
Add-On OPTIONS Trip Details: This optional Add-On trip is part of OPTIONS and begins three days prior to the basic OPTIONS trip. Join Maine Bound as we venture into the great northern woods on this classic Maine expedition! As we tour Baxter State Park, the land that inspired Henry David Thoreau, we will visit some of its renowned hot spots from the top of Baxter Peak to the waterfalls on the rivers below. Throughout the trip, we will be in search of scenic views of Maine’s grand attraction. What a great way to start off your college career!
Add-On OPTIONS Trip Itinerary:
- Sunday August 25: Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Maine Bound Adventure Center, travel to Baxter State Park.
- Monday August 26 through Tuesday August 27: Traverse Baxter State Park from North to South!
- Wednesday August 28: Return to campus in time to attend the basic OPTIONS trips!
Early Arrival Option: If you would like to arrive early and stay Saturday evening (August 24), dinner, activities and lodging can be provided for $20. Arrival time would be 4:00 p.m. on August 24, 2013. Please indicate if you want to stay Saturday night on the registration form.
Meals and Gear: All meals and technical gear are provided.
Fee: $125 (Financial need scholarships are available, call (207) 581-3479 or email kristie.deschesne@umit.maine.edu.)
Click here for OPTIONS Trip FAQ’S (Frequently Asked Questions). Call (207) 581-1794 for more information or to register. Completed Medical Form, Liability Waiver, and Photo Release is required for registration.
For further assistance please email Lisa Carter or Charlie Bloedon.
Call (207) 581-1794 for more information or to register. Completed Medical Form, Liability Waiver, and Photo Release is required for registration.
