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.

All trips fill on a first-come, first-serve basis. Be sure to sign up early to secure a spot! If it is easiest for you to make one trip to Gainesville and do both preview and a QUEST trip, you may change your preview session by calling New Student Programs at (352) 392-8396. Please note: You must already be registered and paid for QUEST before we will change your preview date.

Summer 2008 QUEST Trips
June 7-9 Backpacking (open to all new First-Year students) - Linville Gorge, NC

Backpack the beautiful Linville Gorge! A treasured destination, Linville Gorge is considered one of the most beautiful destinations in the Southeast. This three day backpacking trip will leave bright and early (Friday) morning and return home late (Sunday) night. Truly the essence of the outdoors, Linville is simply amazing. Click here for more information.

June 21-23 Rock Climbing (open to Business students only) – Sandrock, AL

There's nothing in the world quite like making it to the top of an 80 foot climb and looking out across the world below. The best endorphin ruches, rock climbing will make you feel like you can do anything. Sand Rock, AL is known for being some of the best beginner to intermediate climbing in the South, and has become a heavy TRiP favorite. Come try something new, and then come to UF with something to brag about! Click here for more information.

July 12-13 Surfing (open to Summer B students only) - St. Augustine, FL Trip is full

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 veterans and newbies, this trip will provide full surf instruction and a lovely night of camping at Anastasia Beach. Click here for more information.

July 19-21 Whitewater Rafting (open to all First-Year Students) – Ocoee River, TN

Experience the thrill of whitewater paddling! Perfect for adventurous beginners and the experienced alike. This section of the Ocoee River hosts several Class II-IV rapids, plenty enough to get that adrenaline pumping. This trip will leave early Saturday morning and return Monday evening, and will include a nice waterfall hike on Sunday. Click here for more information.

August 2-4 Whitewater Rafting (open to Honors Students only) – Ocoee River, TN

Experience the thrill of whitewater paddling! Perfect for adventurous beginners and the experienced alike. This section of the Ocoee River hosts several Class II-IV rapids, plenty enough to get that adrenaline pumping. This trip will leave early Saturday morning and return Monday evening, and will include a nice waterfall hike on Sunday. Click here for more information.