What will I do on Quest?
Quest participants will hike a section of the longest hiking trail in the United States and those on the 9 Day program will climb and rappel at St. Johns Ledges.
Will I have to do everything?
Quest's motto is "Challenge by Choice." By signing up for the program you are signing up to participate in a number of experiences that will no doubt be quite challenging. If a participant feels unsafe at any point, he or she is encouraged to talk with his or her leaders or the guides to work through the challenge at hand, as he or she will be strongly encouraged to participate in all the various aspects of Quest.
Do I need previous outdoor experience?
No. The Quest program welcomes students of all levels of outdoors experience, and aims to build skills such as camp craft, orienteering, climbing, hiking and more.
What should I do to prepare for Quest?
It is very important that you start exercising regularly, well before Quest begins. Being in shape makes the experience much more enjoyable. You should also be making sure that you have all the equipment on the packing list, and MAKE SURE that your boots are broken in.
How safe will I be on Quest?
Safety is a primary concern of the Quest program. All leaders have nationally recognized Wilderness First Aid certifications from SOLO. The climb and rappel sites are run by experienced climbing guides.
Where do I go to the bathroom in the woods?
Most of the campsites along the Appalachian trail have a 'privy' or 'box'. Toilet paper will, of course, be provided.
Will there be showers?
The short answer is no. There will be some opportunities to swim along the Appalachian Trail. Access to showers is extremely limited, and there are no showers once you are on the trail.
What do we eat? Will I get enough nutrients/protein/etc.?
A variety of tasty, easy to cook foods are provided to satisfy the nutritional and caloric needs, as well as the varying appetites of participants. Breakfast and dinner usually consist of meals cooked over lightweight backpacking stoves, while lunches are easy to prepare on-trail. Students with food allergies or other eating restrictions commonly participate in Quest and are usually easily accommodated. Be sure to note and discuss any food restrictions on your Quest health form.
Can I bring my own food on Quest?
No, all of your food will be provided. Extra food is extra weight, as well as a safety concern in regards to attracting animals.
Do I need to buy my own equipment for Quest?
Much of your personal equipment (clothes, boots, etc) you will need to buy. Qualifying Quest Scholarship recipients may borrow some equipment including backpacks, sleeping bags and pads, and water bottles. Click here for the gear list.
What kind of wildlife is there on the AT?
One may encounter bears, raccoons, beavers, otters, chipmunks, squirrels, skunks, snakes and a variety of birds.
How do I enroll in Quest?
After you are admitted to Trinity College, complete and mail the 2012 Quest Application along with a $100 nonrefundable deposit. Your spot will not be secured until the deposit has been received.
How much does Quest cost?
For 2012, 4 Day A and 4 Day B each cost $350 and the 9 Day trip costs $500. Participants will need to provide themselves with all required personal gear. There are also need-based scholarships available. The fee includes:
- Transportation from Trinity College to the Appalachian Trail and back
- Food for 4 and 9 days in the park
- Use of all necessary climbing and rappelling equipment
- All necessary group equipment
I have a medical condition. Will my Quest experience be affected?
We frequently have participants with conditions such as diabetes, asthma and others. If you have concerns about this type of activity, please talk to your doctor. Quest provides first aid kits with medications to manage many common problems. If you are prone to certain health problems, you may bring your own medication. However, please list this on your medical forms.
When can I move into my dorm room?
Participants on the 9 Day trip and the 4 Day B trip (ending August 29) can move in at the end. 4 Day A participants (ending August 24) will not be able to move in to their rooms at the end of this trip unless they have made arrangements to stay on-campus with P.R.I.D.E. or fall sports. All other participants on the 4 Day A trip cannot move in to their rooms until the regular move in date at the beginning of Trinity’s First-Year Orientation.
Why should I go on Quest?
Participating in Quest is amazing way to get a head start on your time at Trinity. Mirroring the college experience as a whole, Quest is an opportunity for forging bonds and meeting students from a variety of backgrounds. It is an arena in which personal challenge is the motivating factor and a wealth of shared experiences and friendships are the result. For those looking to get the most out of their time at Trinity, Quest will help provide you with the experiences and confidence to do so.
Are there scholarships available for Quest?
YES! Need-based scholarships are available. Please check the box next to “Financial Aid” on the participant application to be considered for a Quest Scholarship. The amount of Quest aid participants receive is typically proportional to their tuition aid package from Trinity. Backpacks and sleeping bags/pads are available free of charge to qualifying scholarship recipients.
Where will I sleep on Quest?
All groups are provided with a number of large tarps with which they will learn to artfully construct shelters to protect themselves from the rain and wind. When the skies are clear and wind calm, sleeping under the stars is almost always a suitable option!
If you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to contact Joshua Cantor, Coordinator of Quest, joshua.cantor@trincoll.edu.
"The aim of education is to impel people into value forming experiences to insure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising quality, an undefeatable spirit, tenacity and pursuit, readiness for sensible self denial and above all compassion."
-Kurt Hahn, Founder of Outward Bound