Join us for a QUEST trip! Whether it's backpacking, white water rafting or a leadership emersion experience, all QUEST trips empower incoming students to develop relationships with other students and faculty to provide an unmatched personal and social experience that will help with the transition into the University of Florida. QUEST trips allow students to challenge themselves physically and grow as individuals through this process of experiential education. These trips also provide opportunities for students to gain leadership experience and create lasting friendships with other new students, faculty members, and upperclass students.
QUEST is designed to empower groups of 10 incoming students, 1 faculty member, and 2 upperclass students to make decisions, take initiative and take ownership over their experience. This process will help students develop an understanding of group dynamics and build relationships that will transfer into their first year and beyond at the University of Florida. These positive group interactions will help students develop self-confidence and an understanding of the way they relate to others. Students will also develop self awareness and begin their first-year of college with an experience that will last a lifetime.
Summer 2009 QUEST TRiPs
**If the cost of the TRiP prohibits you from participating, please contact Leslie Hahn in New Student Programs at leslieah@dso.ufl.edu.
June 5-7 Surfing (open to all First-Year students) - St. Augustine, FL
Whether you've lived in Florida all your life and just haven't had that golden opportunity, or whether you're just moving in and want to start off with a splash, it's about time you learned how to surf. Come out to St. Augustine and hit that gnarly ride you've dreamed about! Designed to be for both vets and newbies, this trip will provide full surf instruction and a lovely night of camping at Anastasia Beach. Get stoked, bro!
June 26-29 Rockclimbing (open to Honor students only) - Sandrock, AL
Sandrock is an awesome place to climb for people of all skill levels. We will be camping within walking distance of the rocks, which are covered with great top roping routes and bouldering problems. There are also lots of cool places to hike about, and find awesome views of the valley below. We will pretty much climb routes at whatever level everyone is comfortable with, so there will always be something every climber can handle. It will be a laid back climbing trip, just lots of hanging around and climbing rocks. Come and enjoy a great weekend in Sandrock!
July 10-13 Backpacking (open to all First-Year students) - Linville, NC
Backpack the beautiful Linville Gorge! A treasured TRiP destination, Linville Gorge is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the Southeast. This three day backpacking trip will leave bright and early Saturday morning and return home late Monday night. Truly the essence of the outdoors, Linville is simply amazing.
July 24-27 Rafting & Backpacking (open to all First-Year students) - Natahala, NC
Ducky the Nantahala and backpack on the Appalachian trail during this awesome combo TRiP! We will take 2 person duckies down the Nantahala in the morning on Sunday, swim a little if we are brave, and then hit the trail and backpack, spending 1 night on trail, heading back to Gainesville on Monday. No experience is necessary, all you need is a sense of adventure.
August 7-11 Backpacking (open to all First-Year students) - Cohutta, GA
Throw on your pack, lace up your boots, and join us on a great weekend hike through the Cohutta Wilderness Area. Located in northern Georgia, Cohutta is at the foothills of the Appalachians. Expect scenic riverside hikes along Jacks River, waterfalls, and swimming if we're feeling daring! No backpacking experience necessary, but an appreciation of the outdoors is essential!
To see our past Quest trips click here.