USD Pre-Orientation Adventure: Laguna Basecamp

Laguna MountainsPre-O 2014August 26th-29th

Welcome to the Laguna Mountains Pre-O

Adventure!Can you believe that in a few short weeks you will be exploring in

the beautiful Laguna Mountains! You will have an opportunity to

hike around this beautiful area that is so close to your new home,

as well as step out of your comfort zone on a high ropes course!

This will be an amazing opportunity to meet new friends and

make lasting connections while in the backcountry!

In order to ensure you are best prepared for our upcoming

adventure we have included important information in a short

presentation. After reviewing, please don’t hesitate to contact us

with any questions.

Questions Answered Who are my guides?

What can I look forward to?

What is the schedule?

What will I eat?

Where will I sleep?

What will the weather be like?

What do I need to bring?

What skills and experience do I need?

What are Outdoor Adventures policies?

What are the risks?

Some Highlights!

Exploring the meadow!

Mountain biking!

Yoga!

Pushing your

boundaries on a high

ropes course!

Hanging out in camp!Getting to know new people!Staying warm by the campfire!

ItineraryDay 1: Tuesday, August 26th

Check in at Outdoor Adventure office at 9am. Move in to your dorms. Meet back at OA at 1pm. Get to know your guides and fellow adventurers. Head out into the Laguna Mountains.

Day 2&3Set off on small group hikes. Spend the day on the

trail and get to know more people. Hang out in camp.

Day 4: Friday, August 29th

Pack up camp. Go to a local ropes course and work with fellow adventurers to complete challenges. Return to campus by 5pm to reunite with family or hang out with new friends before Orientation the next day.

What about food? All meals Tuesday

through Friday will be provided.

Food will be absolutely delicious!!

If you have any dietary preferences or restrictions, please let us know so that we can accommodate.

Where will I sleep?We will provide 3 or 4

person tents for you to sleep in.

There are pit toilets (permanent porta potties) in the campground as well as a water spigot, but no toilets on the trails while we are hiking.

There are no showers!

What do I need to bring? Please refer to the detailed

packing list that outlines what to bring.

Some equipment will be provided by OA if needed: Head lamp Sleeping bag/pad Raingear (pants and

jacket)

If you need to rent equipment, please fill out the Travel and Gear form also attached to this email and send it back to us.

What is the weather like?During August the high is in the low 80s

(Fahrenheit) and there are lows around 60 degrees.

We are hoping for perfect conditions, but must prepare for much less than perfect!

Please be sure to pack for a variety of cold and warm weather conditions. Layers will allow you to adjust throughout the day as conditions change. There is a good possibility it will rain while we are there so be sure to pack a rain jacket and pants.

What skills do I need?No previous experience is necessary. We will

make the most of our time and some days will be more challenging than others.

Be prepared to hike between 4 and 8 miles during our day hikes.

Leave No Trace

On every Outdoor Adventure trip, we abide by the principles of Leave No Trace. They are an integral part of our program and we ask each participant to do their best to follow the seven principles:

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

4. Leave What You Find

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

6. Respect Wildlife

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Risks and HazardsAlthough the Laguna Mountains are not far from the

nearest hospital, we will be hiking in remote areas on our day hikes and need to plan accordingly.

There are a variety of risks and hazards associated with outdoor recreation. Specifically, slips, falls, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sun burn, dehydration, animal encounters, and blisters are some of the risks to prepare for.

Weather is something we will be constantly evaluating and adjusting for. Trip members must make conscious effort to stay safe.

What about drugs and alcohol?

Illegal drugs and alcohol are never allowed on trips, nor being under the influence. 

Prescription medications are required. Please make sure you bring them in the original bottle with the physicians name on it.

Craving More Pics?Here are some pictures from

our past trips:https://www.flickr.com/photo

s/usdoutdooradventures/sets/72157631357933674/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdoutdooradventures/sets/72157644059265387/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdoutdooradventures/sets/72157644116651890/

Questions or Concerns?

Please don’t hesitate to call or email us:

619-260-4709

[email protected]

www.sandiego.edu/oa

We look forward to exploring the Laguna Mountains with you!