PennQuest
PennQuest Newsletter
PennQuest is an outdoor orientation program being offered to 120 first-year students entering the University of Pennsylvania, sponsored by the Office of the Provost and the Office of Student Life, with assistance from the Trustees' Council of Penn Women. The goals of the program are:
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to foster positive relationships with other students,
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to develop personal skills and self-confidence to meet the challenges of a college career and other life experiences, and
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to develop an appreciation for our natural environment.
PennQuest is a four-day outdoor experience which includes activities sponsored by the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC) and a two and one-half day hiking/camping trip. The PEEC staff will lead small group initiatives in confidence building, an astronomy night hike, and camping skills training. The next day students will leave the PEEC site to begin their hiking and camping trip along the Appalachian Trail. The 120 first-year students will be divided into groups of ten with each group led by two team leaders who are upper-class students.
Upon completion of the hiking trip, PEEC and PennQuest staff will meet each group of students at the trail and transport them back to the PEEC site. The students will then return to campus in order to prepare for the New Student Orientation activities which begin on Thursday, August 28, 2008.
Selection Process
Each year, we receive more applications for the program than there are spaces available. Participants will be selected based upon a careful review of the applications submitted by the deadline, June 28th, 2008. Each application is reviewed and rated by the staff and student leaders of the program and a consensus is reached. After selections are made, every applicant will be notified of their status by July 10th, 2008. Those invited to participate will need to promptly complete registration forms and submit payment. Students may apply to other pre-orientation programs as well and then decide which program to attend based upon their selection status.
Cost of Program
Each participant is required to pay $300.00. This fee covers transportation, meals, overnight stay at Pocono Environmental Education Center, group initiatives, T-shirt and the two and one-half/two night hiking trip. A scholarship of $100 or more is available for those who receive any aid through the University of Pennsylvania. Please check the bottom of the application to be considered.
Materials Needed
