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 come back 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.
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. Complete an orienteering race in Hickory Run State Park. Spend extra time at the lakeside beach. Enjoy fun daily activities prepared by the trip leaders.
Day 5
Wake up, break down camp, enjoy morning activities before departing for campus. Unpack from 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.
Day 6
Breakfast at 8:15 a.m. in Larison Dining Hall. Your BuckWild trip leaders will talk about the New Student Orientation schedule, and you'll watch a slideshow displaying each of the BuckWild trip experiences. New Student Orientation begins a little before lunch.