UCSC Recreation
Wilderness Orientation (WO)
Frequently Asked Questions Backpacking and Sea Kayaking
Wilderness Orientation
General Information for Backpacking
1. WHEN IS THE PROGRAM?
Backpack Session 1: Aug 27, 8am - Sept 5, 10am
Backpack Session 2: Sept 11, 8am - Sept 20, 10am
Please be on time!
2. WHERE DO I NEED TO REPORT ON CAMPUS?
Come to the East Field House (see the campus map enclosed or go to http://maps.ucsc.edu). If you arrive the day before your session begins, (most students do), you may stay at our hostel at no cost.
3. CAN I PARK ON CAMPUS?
Yes, although you must pick up a parking permit at the Parking Office located near the East Entrance of campus (see campus map).Park in the "East Remote" parking lot, located about 300 yards from the East Field House.The cost is $4/day for remote parking. Call TAPS beforehand to confirm availability. UCSC parking (TAPS) phone # 831-459-4543.
4. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?
All meals beginning with lunch on day 1 and ending with a continental breakfast on day 10 (except one dinner explained in #5 below)
Transportation between Santa Cruz and the Sierra Nevada Mountains
All group equipment (i.e. stoves, cook gear, tents or tarps, rock climbing equipment)
Instruction provided by a leader, assistant, and a volunteer who was a WO student last year.
5. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST?
Personal equipment (see equipment list), snacks you might buy on the road.
One dinner we will eat out on the return trip from the Sierra. Expect to spend about $8-15.
6. WHERE ARE WE GOING?
We will travel by van to the Sierra Nevada mountains, located in California about 6 hours east of Santa Cruz.. On each session there will be five groups of 12 students and 3 leaders, each going to a different location in the mountains. All routes are in the ‘high sierra’ region of the range between the southern border of Yosemite and Sequoia National Park. We will not know the exact route you will be on until a few days before you arrive for the program.
7. WHAT WILL WE BE DOING ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE PROGRAM?
- 8:00 a.m.—registration
- Welcome circle, orientation to the program, and group activities.
- Equipment check, followed by a hearty lunch.
- Drive approx. 6 hours to the trailhead, stopping on the road to eat a light dinner.
8. WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE END OF THE PROGRAM?
You and your group will drive back from the Sierra Nevada mountains on day 9 of the program, arriving in Santa Cruz that evening. You will likely go out to dinner and then spend the night on campus with your group. On day 10 we will provide a light breakfast and your group will finish with closing ceremonies at about 10 am. Please plan to be engaged until this time.
9. CAN I STORE EXTRA BELONGINGS?
We will have limited storage available for belongings that you will not be bringing with you on course. For session 2 students only we will provide storage for all of your school belongings while you are on course. We will direct you to this storage when you arrive. Please DO NOT park illegally while unloading your gear. The campus police will ticket you.
10. HOW DO I GET AROUND WITHOUT A CAR?
The local bus service provides frequent runs through campus, and downtown. It costs $1.50 per ride or $4.50 per day (correct change is required). Once school starts your student I.D. works as a bus pass.
11. HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?
Bring at least $40. You should only need to spend money on dinner on the way home from the Sierras and possibly snacks on the road, but be prepared to buy and/or rent equipment if we feel yours is inadequate for this trip. Also please bring sufficient money to pay for gear that you will be renting.
12. HOW MIGHT I PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE TRIP?
Wilderness Orientation is physically challenging. You can expect to hike anywhere from 3-10 miles a day at high elevations while carrying all of your belongings (up to 50 lbs.) on your back. Self-sufficiency is one of the joys of backpacking, but it does mean more physical exertion than you may be accustomed to. If you have an open attitude and a readiness to challenge yourself, we have confidence that you will be able to complete the course. You will find that if you are physically fit, you will enjoy the trip that much more. Make a habit of doing strengthening and aerobic exercise a minimum of every other day for several weeks prior to the trip.Running, hiking, biking, and lap swimming are great forms of exercise. If you go on hikes, don't forget to wear your hiking boots to break them in to avoid blisters while on WO.
* Be mentally prepared for all kinds of weather (i.e. sunshine, rain, snow, cold, etc). We will be in the mountains at the transition of summer turning to fall . . . anything can happen.
* Be prepared for a group experience. You will have time alone (during the 24 hour solo and at other times), but much of the time will be shared with others. At its best, a group experience requires cooperation, compromise, flexibility and a positive attitude.
13. DO I NEED PREVIOUS WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE?
No. More important than experience is physical fitness, an open attitude, a willingness to challenge yourself, and a desire to learn from and work with others. All the backcountry skills needed for the course will be taught.
14. WHAT IS THE 24-HOUR SOLO EXPERIENCE ALL ABOUT?
Similar to experiencing college for the first time, a wilderness solo is a special and eye-opening experience for most people. For twenty-four hours you will be in your own small area which gives you privacy from the group. Students are expected to remain at their solo site. This experience is not a time to hike in the Sierra alone. Solo is a time to think about the transition into college at UCSC. Students often find the solo to be the most meaningful experience of their course. Students drink plenty of water during this time but usually choose to fast, as it can help minimize distractions, heighten awareness, and be a learning experience about our relationship with food (fasting is not required). You will have all the equipment you need to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. For safety reasons, instructors are camped within whistling distance and are always aware of your location. You may find this to be the most meaningful experience of your trip, many students have.
15. WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY?
If a student is injured or need so be removed from the field for any reason while on course, the staff are trained in evacuation procedures and carry satellite phones at all times. The student will be financially responsible for any medical and/or rescue fees involved. It is extremely difficult to get in contact with students in the field while they are on course; the administrative staff will only try to reach a student in the field if there is an extreme emergency.
16. ALCOHOL, DRUGS, TOBACCO?
No alcohol, tobacco (smoked or chewed), or illicit drugs will be allowed at any time during the program. This is not only in consideration of others, but also a serious safety concern. Students found in possession may be removed from the course. Any prescription drugs that students bring should be in their prescription bottles showing the doctor's name. Instructors should be notified of any prescription drugs that are being taken. If you smoke or chew, we advise that you quit well before the course in order to make the transition easier. Please consult a doctor for alternatives should you be concerned about the effects of withdrawal.
17. WHERE CAN WE STAY THE NIGHT BEFORE EITHER SESSION 1 OR 2?
The Wilderness Orientation program hosts a complimentary hostel for participants to stay on campus the night before each session. The hostel is a great opportunity for students to meet other students before the beginning of their WO experience. The Hostel is staffed by WO volunteers who participated in last year’s program. The volunteers are available as a resource to the participants during the Hostel. The Hostel opens at 3:00 p.m. the day before sessions 1 and 2, please do not show up before this as our staff will be eagerly attending to the last minute details which will insure a quality experience for all the WO participants. NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED!
Transportation to UCSC
This information has been updated as of Janurary 2013.The WO Shuttle will be picking students up from the airport before each backpacking session at the following dates and times:
- Backpacking Session 1: 6pm Aug 26
- Backpacking Session 2: 6pm Sept 10
- Airport Shuttles, Vans, and Private Car Services
http://taps.ucsc.edu/airportshuttles.html - Public Transportation
http://taps.ucsc.edu/airportpublictrans.html
LODGING
1. Where do I stay if I arrive one day early?
Come stay at the Wilderness Orientation Hostel run by Wilderness Orientation staff volunteers! You will stay with other Wilderness Orientation students in the Martial Arts Building located at the East Field House. The Hostel is not part of the scheduled Wilderness Orientation program, so expect free-form, unplanned time. Last year's Wilderness Orientation students recommended we strongly encourage new students to stay at the hostel! The hostel is a great way to meet other Wilderness Orientation students and start becoming familiar with your campus.
Hostel opens no earlier than 3:00 p.m. When you arrive please meet us at the Recreation Office or look for signs directing you. The Recreation Office is located just beyond the basketball courts below the East Field House parking lot (See enclosed map). You will find us dashing around the Recreation Office making last minute trip preparations. Any WO staff member will be happy to greet you and point you to where you need to go.
Dinner will not be provided; however, easily accessible buses run on a regular basis and people staying in the hostel are encouraged to head downtown (together or individually) to eat out. Wilderness Orientation staff will be happy to suggest good and inexpensive places to eat. You will not have time to go downtown in the morning for breakfast. A basic cold breakfast will be provided at the hostel on the morning of Day 1. Another option is to bring your own food.
2. Where can I stay in Santa Cruz after Wilderness Orientation?
After session 1: A relatively inexpensive option is the Santa Cruz Youth Hostel. For more information, call (831) 423-8304. http://www.hi-santacruz.org/
After session 2: All campus dorms will be open for you to move in immediately after closing ceremonies (10 a.m., day 10). We will help you move your stored belongings to your dorm.
*We will move students into their dorms on September 21st. Some colleges may not be officially open for move-in until September 22nd; in this case special arrangements were made to allow students to move in a day early.
Wilderness Orientation
General Information For Sea Kayaking
1. WHEN IS THE PROGRAM?
- Sea Kayak and Service Session 1: Aug 29 - Sept 5
- Sea Kayak and Service Session 2: Sept 13 - Sept 20
2. WHERE DO I NEED TO REPORT ON CAMPUS?
Come to the East Field House (see the campus map enclosed or go to http://maps.ucsc.edu).
3. CAN I PARK ON CAMPUS?
Yes, although you must pick up a parking permit at the Parking Office located near the East Entrance of campus (see campus map). Park in the "East Remote" parking lot, located about 300 yards from the East Field House. The cost is $4/day for remote parking. Call TAPS beforehand to confirm availability. UCSC parking (TAPS) phone # 831-459-4543.
4. WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE COST?
All meals beginning with dinner on day 1 and ending with a lunch on day 8
Transportation between Santa Cruz and the Tomales Bay.
All group equipment (i.e. stoves, cook gear, tents or tarps, kayaking equipment).
Instruction provided by 2 Instructors
5. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST?
Personal equipment (see equipment list), snacks you might buy on the road.
6. WHERE ARE WE GOING? We will travel by van to Tomales Bay within Pt. Reyes National Seashore. There will be one of 11 students and 3 leaders. Each day on the water we will be moving campsites inside Tomales Bay and on the last night we will stay at the Bear Valley visitors center.
7. WHAT WILL WE BE DOING ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE PROGRAM?
- 3:00 p.m.—registration
- Welcome circle, orientation to the program, and group activities.
- Equipment check, followed by a hearty dinner.
- Sleep at UCSC
8. WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE END OF THE PROGRAM?
You and your group will drive back from Pt. Reyes Day on day 7 of the program, spend the night on campus, and have a closing circle on the morning of Day 8, and say goodbyes by 10am. Note that course is not over until the morning of Day 8, don’t plan on getting picked up until then! on day 8 of the program, arriving in Santa Cruz for lunch. We will have a final closing circle and say goodbyes by 2pm.
9. CAN I STORE EXTRA BELONGINGS?
We will have limited storage available for belongings that you will not be bringing with you on course. $4.50 per day (correct change is required).
10. HOW MUCH MONEY SHOULD I BRING?
Bring at least $40. Be prepared to buy and/or rent equipment if we feel yours is inadequate for this trip. Also please bring sufficient money to pay for gear that you will be renting.
11. HOW MIGHT I PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE TRIP?
Wilderness Orientation is physically challenging. You can expect to kayak anywhere from 3-7 miles a day while paddling with 50 lbs of gear in your kayak. Self sufficiency is one the the joys of multi-day kayaking, but it does mean more physical exertion then you may be accustomed to. This kayak course may be less physically demanding than the backpacking course, but still requires physical fitness. If you have an open attitude and a readiness to challenge yourself, we have confidence that you will be able to complete the course. You will find that if you are physically fit, you will enjoy the trip that much more. Make a habit of doing strengthening and aerobic exercise a minimum of every other day for several weeks prior to the trip. Running, hiking, biking, and lap swimming are great forms of exercise.
*Be mentally prepared for all kinds of weather (i.e. sunshine, rain, snow, cold, etc). We will be on the bay at the transition of summer turning to fall . . . anything can happen.
*Be prepared for a group experience. You will have time alone (during the 24 hour solo and at other times), but much of the time will be shared with others. At its best, a group experience requires cooperation, compromise, flexibility and a positive attitude.
12. DO I NEED PREVIOUS WILDERNESS OR KAYAK EXPERIENCE?
No. More important than experience is physical fitness, an open attitude, a willingness to challenge yourself, and a desire to learn from and work with others. All the backcountry kayaking skills needed for the course will be taught.
13. WHAT IS THE SOLO EXPERIENCE ALL ABOUT?
Similar to experiencing college for the first time, a wilderness solo is a special and eye-opening experience for most people. For twenty-four hours or less you will be in your own small area at one of our campsites, allowing you privacy from the group and time to reflect. You will not be kayaking during your solo, or hiking around. Students are expected to remain at their solo site. Solo is a time to think about the transition into college, a time to think about leaving home, a time to write in your journal and observe your natural surroundings. Students drink plenty of water during this time but usually choose to fast, as it can help minimize distractions, heighten awareness, and be a learning experience about our relationship with food (fasting is not required). You will have all the equipment you need to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. For safety reasons, instructors are camped within whistling distance and are always aware of your location. You may find this to be the most meaningful experience of your trip, many students have.
14. WHAT HAPPENS IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY?
If a student is injured or need so be removed from the field for any reason while on course, the staff are trained in evacuation procedures and carry satellite phones at all times. The student will be financially responsible for any medical and/or rescue fees involved. It is extremely difficult to get in contact with students in the field while they are on course; the administrative staff will only try to reach a student in the field if there is an extreme emergency.
15. ALCOHOL, DRUGS, TOBACCO?
No alcohol, tobacco (smoked or chewed), or illicit drugs will be allowed at any time during the program. This is not only in consideration of others, but also a serious safety concern. Students found in possession may be removed from the course. Any prescription drugs that students bring should be in their prescription bottles showing the doctor's name. Instructors should be notified of any prescription drugs that are being taken. If you smoke or chew, we advise that you quit well before the course in order to make the transition easier. Please consult a doctor for alternatives should you be concerned about the effects of withdrawal.
Transportation to UCSC
There will be no WO shuttle for Sea Kayaking WO. Please click on the following links for information on transportation from San Jose and San Francisco airports:- Airport Shuttles, Vans, and Private Car Services
http://taps.ucsc.edu/airportshuttles.html - Public Transportation
http://taps.ucsc.edu/airportpublictrans.html