Hickory Run Basecamp
CHALLENGE LEVEL: LIGHT — NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE NEEDED
This BuckWild adventure takes you to Hickory Run State Park in the Pocono Mountains. You will go whitewater rafting down the Lehigh River, explore a 16-acre boulder field and camp out in a rustic tent site in the park. This action-packed trip is an exciting opportunity to bond with your fellow first-year students and learn from older Bucknellians.
How to Prepare
During this experience, you will be hiking and whitewater rafting. All activities are for beginners and will include instruction as needed. You do not need to have outdoor experience or be a serious athlete to participate, but you will be very active during this trip. To prepare, it's a good idea to do some physical activities such as swimming, hiking or biking prior to your arrival. More importantly, please get plenty of rest prior to your trip.
Expedition Itinerary
The experience below is only an example. Trips are subject to change based on weather, local conditions and other circumstances.
Day 1
7–11 a.m. Move into your residence hall. Breakfast on your own. Once you have moved in, leave the items you packed specifically for Buckwild in a separate bag or basket in your room. You will have time to return to get your things after your Pre-Orientation group initially meets. Any equipment that you will be borrowing from the program will be picked up later in the day once you are with your Pre-Orientation leaders.
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch at Bostwick Marketplace for all Pre-Orientation participants, their families and friends as guests of the University (no charge).
12:30 p.m. Meet with the associate dean, the professional staff members of Outdoor Education & Leadership and BuckWild student trip leaders in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts.
1:30 p.m. Family goodbyes. BuckWild officially begins! Students meet their trip leaders and head off to play games, pack and prepare for their adventures. Families can stay at the Weis Center to meet with the president, provost and dean of students for a welcome and reception.
Students will spend the rest of the day with their trip groups. They will have the opportunity to retrieve their gear and items from their dorm. That night, they’ll camp out on campus!
1:45 p.m. Report to Malesardi Quad to meet with your BuckWild student trip leaders.
2 p.m. Families meet with the president, provost and dean of students in the Weis Center.
Day 2
Wake up, enjoy breakfast and depart for Hickory Run State Park. Hit the trail for the day to hike the famous boulder field. Enjoy fun activities prepared by the trip leaders.
Day 3
Wake up and enjoy breakfast. Spend the day whitewater rafting and enjoying fun activities prepared by the trip leaders.
Day 4
Wake up and enjoy breakfast. Enjoy an exciting hike and spend time at the Hickory Run State Park lake. Spend extra time at the lakeside beach. Enjoy fun daily activities prepared by the trip leaders.
Day 5
Wake up, break down camp, and enjoy morning activities before departing for campus. Unpack from the trip. Meet with your BuckWild leaders and enjoy a celebratory dinner with all BuckWild participants. Go back to your residence hall to shower and sleep.
Unpack from your trip, and return to your dorm to shower and relax before meeting with your trip leaders and fellow participants to enjoy a celebratory dinner with the entire BuckWild group.
Day 6
Reunite with your group and the rest of the Buckwild trips for a celebratory breakfast on campus before New Student Orientation begins.