Did anyone reading this, or their child, go on the WOOLF trip? How many nights are actually spent sleeping outside? Are these at campsites with access to water spigots and any other facilities, or just sleeping in the wild? Any access to civilization (i.e., refrigeration) in the middle of the trip?
@Ephman @momrath @TiggerDad @IntEph2019 @SwimDad99 @jersey454 @schoolview
Yes, my daughter did WOOLF last fall (advanced backpacking) and will be a WOOLF leader this fall. I showed her your questions and here are her answers (in her words):
WOOLF is definitely an adventure that pushes students outside their comfort zone. But I want to emphasize how safe and thought-out these trips are. That’s what makes it such a valuable opportunity for learning and growth! The leaders are very thoroughly trained, the groups are equipped with more than enough food and gear, and the Williams Outing Club is in communication with group leaders every evening and is always ready to assist groups if necessary. The program is extremely welcoming and inclusive, regardless of ability or previous experience outdoors. WOOLF is a great way to make lasting friendships, build confidence, and learn useful skills. It is also a ton of fun! I have friends who did each of the different First Day’s orientation trips/programs and my impression is that frosh have the most fun on WOOLF.
My son’s experience was similar to @schoolview’s daughter’s, both as a participant and as a leader. There are different trip levels for different experience levels. The Beginner Backpacking level is relaxed and easy going, “Absolutely no experience necessary. Learn the basics of backpacking. Under 5 miles per day.”
Water is always available, though not necessarily running water. No refrigeration, but if you need to keep something cold for medical or dietary reasons, talk to the organizers. They can probably work something out.
My son’s advice: Go on the WOOLF trip! You’ll regret if you don’t. It’s just such a fun, Williams-centric moment, and even if you never set foot in the woods again, you’ll value the experience.
Closing thread, since question was answered. Thank you.
I just figured I’d report back about the WOOLF backpacking trip at Williams, for the benefit of future students.
Apparently, the trip was a really wonderful experience. The group of kids was very nice and they got along well. It was a great opportunity to get to know a small group of people very well.
At the beginner backpacking level, the group was not particularly athletic or experienced. Just a group of kids having an adventure together!
The first day they carried the extremely heavy backpacks for two hours, to get to the campsite, but after that, they took only day hikes, leaving the big backpack behind at camp. They used one campsite the entire time, and it was a pretty sophisticated campsite with a lean-to for shelter and a hose for fresh water, with a porta potty a short walk away (although some people just used the woods). They did some simple cooking.
It is a worthwhile experience, for the social aspects, even for those who may never choose to go backpacking or camping again.
And, for prospective students for whom this still sounds like too much, do not worry: there are a variety of Ephventures to choose among, some of which include the comfort of sleeping in your dorm room every night and just participating in group activities and trips during the days.
I severely sprained my ankle the week before I went for frosh orientation so I couldn’t do a WOOLF trip, and I really wished I could have done one–I envied the kids who came to orientation and already had friend groups, etc. In the long run, I was fine, of course, but I never heard anything even remotely bad about people’s WOOLF experiences (and I didn’t hang out with a bunch of seasoned outdoorspeople!).