Southern Wesleyan Outdoor Orientation Program (SWOOP)
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The Southern Wesleyan Outdoor Orientation Program (SWOOP) provides incoming freshmen an exciting and memorable experience as they transition from high school into SWU. Further, SWOOP gives incoming students an opportunity to build meaningful relationships with other new students, a couple of returning students and a faculty or staff member.
The heart of the SWOOP experience is a four-day, 33-mile wilderness backpacking trip on the nearby Foothills Trail that happens each fall prior to new student orientation. The section of the trail that SWOOP covers is spectacularly beautiful, very remote and in places quite challenging. Participants will cook, hike and share life together during their wilderness experience. Each day will include a solo experience; each night there will be a campfire for reflection and sharing with the group.
Each hiking day will cover about eight miles. Backpacking in mountains is a strenuous activity. In order to qualify for SWOOP, participants must be able to carry a 30-pound pack over uneven terrain. |
