Georgetown Outdoor Pre-Orientation Program: GOPOP

GOPOP offers an exciting way for new Georgetown students to bond with their incoming classmates. Adventuring with a group of 6 -10 fellow students and trained Georgetown student guides, participants will have the chance to explore nature, practice their leadership skills, meet and overcome challenges, and reflect on their transition to college.

We encourage you to look through these adventures and join Georgetown University Outdoor Education on a truly unforgettable trip!

Trip Dates: August 18^th – 23^rd, 2024

Sunday August 18^th – students arrive on campus, settle into residence halls. Meet Outdoor Education guides @ 5pm for dinner and introductions.
Monday August 19^th – trips begin/depart campus.
Friday August 23^rd – trips conclude in time for the start of NSO.

Trips Offered

	Virginia and West Virginia Backpacking	DC Adventures	White Water Rafting
Description	Explore Shenandoah or West Virginia on foot in a trip you won’t forget! Learn all the skills necessary to cook and live in the woods while sleeping under the stars.	Introduction to the “wilderness” of DC. Days will be spent climbing at local crags, paddling on the Potomac, hiking local trails, and maybe participating on a challenge course.	Explore DC on the water! Paddle on different spots along the Potomac each day.
Intensity	5 – 10 miles of hiking per day with a backpacking bag	Up to 7 miles of hiking	Must be comfortable swimming
Where you stay:	Back and front country camping	Stay in residence halls	Stay in residence halls
Experience Needed	No experience needed – Broken-in boots needed	No experience needed	No experience needed – must be able to swim
Cost	$400	$500	$600

FAQ’s

Who can participate in GOPOP?: Incoming Freshman or transfer students.
What are the next steps?: After submitting the application, you will be notified about which trip you were selected for, receive a packing list, and be contacted directly from your trip leaders.
Will I get my first choice?: We do our best to match you to one of your top choices.
When do I find out about trips?: Late June, early July
Are the trips safe?: Each trip will have 2-3 guides who are all either wilderness first aid (WFA) or wilderness first responder (WFR) certified. The paddling trip has an additional professional guide.
Is there anything I should do to prepare for my trip?: Get ready to be on your feet throughout the day and use the provided packing list to plan accordingly (especially by having boots that are broken in).
How does early move-in work?: Students will have early access to their rooms the morning of Aug 18th. They can move in with as much or as little gear as they want. Official move in will be occurring when the trips end on Friday.
Is it okay if I have allergies / dietary restrictions?: Absolutely! We are able to make accommodations as best as possible, but please let us know in advance. Feel free to email us if there are any concerns.
How does hygiene work while backpacking?: Participants bring basic hygiene products (i.e. toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer) with them, but there will most likely not be showers during the trip.
What happens if there is bad weather?: We closely monitor the weather, but we will still hike in the rain. In the event of dangerous weather such as lightning, we adjust events accordingly.
I don’t have something on the packing list, can I borrow gear?: We have sleeping bags, pads, and backpacks for students. We additionally provide tents, and all group gear. If there are personal items you don’t have, please reach out to your group leaders asap.