Journey, Freshman Outdoor Leadership Pre-Orientation Program

Journey, a freshman wilderness pre-orientation program was developed in 1999.  The program is designed to introduce freshmen resident students to the wealth of outdoor opportunities in the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.  Additionally, students meet other incoming freshmen, make new friends, become familiar with the Outdoor Adventures program and OA staff members. 

OA staff members lead and facilitate the daily activities.  Student/Counselors who are also OA student guides help facilitate activities and provide guidance and supervision throughout Journey, both during the day and evening.  The Student/Counselors are also an excellent resource for participants on various topics including the transition to Roanoke College.

Journey is held the week prior to new student orientation.  Students check in on Sunday and attend an orientation session and cookout with OA staff members.  The outdoor activities begin on Monday morning when participants spend the day on a ropes course developing team-building skills. On Tuesday morning, participants are transported to Damascus for a mountain bike trip on the scenic Virginia Creeper Trail.  Later that afternoon, the backpacking and camping component of Journey begins.  Participants spend two and a half days (Tues. afternoon – Thurs.) backpacking on the famous Appalachian Trail in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area.  The experience concludes with a canoe trip on the James River on Friday. 

 For more information about the Journey program: Brian T. Chisom, Director of Journey, (540) 375-4950, chisom@roanoke.edu.