Overview

Incoming first years in the class of 2016 have the opportunity to start their Trinity College journey with a wilderness adventure on Quest, Trinity’s extended pre-orientation on the Appalachian Trail (the “AT”).

For the past seven summers, Trinity College has been proud to offer the Quest Pre-Orientation Program. Few colleges or universities offer an extended wilderness adventure comparable to Quest. The program’s philosophy encourages participants to take on new challenges and responsibilities, meet other Trinity students, and transition into college.

Students will be transported by bus from Trinity College to the Appalachian Trail in New England and divided into groups of six to ten participants.

Previous outdoor experience is not required: two wilderness leaders will teach all the basic wilderness skills necessary on the trip.

Trinity College faculty and staff will serve as program staff, responsible for facilitating climbs and rappels, transportation, and overall program logistics. At the conclusion of the program, participants will be transported by bus back to campus. August participants will arrive in time to participate in fall athletic practices and the P.R.I.D.E. program.

“Quest was an incredibly rewarding experience during which I established a group of friends that are now some of my closest here at Trinity.”
– Nate Nurmi '14

“Without Quest I would never have had such a smooth transition into college. The people I met had different backgrounds and pre-college lives, but Quest brought us together, working towards one goal.”
– Nicole Sagullo '14

“Although many of us on Quest came from diverse backgrounds, the innate drive for teamwork and unity persevered. In the spirit of comradery, we overcame mountains, steep cliffs, and personal challenges.”
– Arthur Chou '14

“Quest was truly a remarkable experience and made my transition to college life easier than I ever thought possible.”
– James Geisler '14

For the past six summers, Trinity College has been proud to offer the Quest Pre-Orientation Program. Few colleges or universities offer an extended wilderness adventure comparable to Quest. The program’s philosophy encourages participants to take on new challenges and responsibilities, meet other Trinity students, and transition into college.

You can learn more about Quest by downloading our 2011Quest brochure. We also have a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions, more information about Quest on the Appalachian Trail. Ready to join us? Download our application.

Having participated in similar programs for several decades, I have seen, firsthand, students participate in the Quest experience and return to campus more confident in themselves, more willing to try things they previously did not believe they could do, and surrounded by an incredibly powerful support system of first-year students and upper class peer leaders.

Located on one of the most historic wilderness trails in the country, Quest has an exceptional combination of goals and activities to facilitate personal growth. Participants learn to put greater trust in themselves and others, and come to understand one of life’s most critical lessons — that none of us make it safely down the road alone.

I look forward to meeting our Quest participants this summer on the beautiful Appalachian Trail.

James F. Jones, Jr.
President and Trinity College Professor in the Humanities

3 Trips to Choose From:

4 DAY A
Backpacking
August 20 - 24
Cost: $350

9 DAY
Backpacking & Climbing
August 20 - August 29
Cost: $500

4 DAY B
Backpacking
August 25 - August 29
Cost: $350

Quest Student News:

Quest participants Donald Haffenden '14 and Arthur Chou '14 found Model Congress team and win top spot at Yale competition -- Click for more

300 Summit Street, Hartford CT 06106 | Tel. 860.297.2000

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