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Return to W.O.A.! Table of Contents

What is W.O.A.!?
Wilderness Orientation Adventure is a student-run program (partially subsidized by ASCMC) designed to welcome incoming students to Claremont McKenna and ease the transition into life at CMC. Through a shared experience in the best of California's wilderness, students form long-lasting friendships that provide a great starting point for their first year at CMC.

Current students and a member of the faculty or alumni lead W.O.A.! participants to a wide variety of wilderness destinations. All trips are coed with both male and female student leaders. W.O.A.! Trips are a fantastic way to introduce yourself to your new community!

Who can participate?
We encourage all incoming students to participate in one of several exciting programs. However, there are a limited number of spaces available for each trip. Spaces will be filled in the order the applications are received so submit your check and application soon to ensure a spot on your first choice trip. Responses will be accepted until July 13^th.

Student athletes who will be participating in Men's Soccer or Football are unable to participate as team practices have started during this time. International students are also unable to participate in W.O.A.! because their orientation overlaps with wilderness orientation trips.

A required orientation program for international students will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, August 28-29. During International Student Orientation, students are given important information about visa and academic requirements, cultural issues, and an opportunity to meet other students from all over the world. Because the optional W.O.A.! Program schedule conflicts with the necessary International Student Orientation schedule, international students will be unable to participate fully in both programs. International students who wish to request to be excused from International Student Orientation in order to participate in W.O.A.! must contact International Place.

How to apply?
Application packets will be mailed to you on or about June 1^st. Applications will be accepted starting June 3rd.

Arriving at CMC
Students participating in WOA! Must arrive at CMC on Saturday, August 25 between noon and 5 p.m. Student leaders will greet participants at the Ontario airport baggage claim and shuttle them back to campus. Students who are unable to arrive at the Ontario airport must locate their own transportation to the college. Students will spend Saturday night on campus and leave for their respective destinations Sunday morning. Belongings not being taken on their adventure can be placed in the student's fall room, but Saturday night will be spent as a group. The adventure comes to an end Wednesday as trips return to campus and participants prepare for a more suburban adventure...On-Campus Orientation! If your family plans to participate in On-Campus Orientation, they can join you on Thursday, August 30.

How much does W.O.A.! Cost?
The cost to participate in Wilderness Orientation Adventure is $275. The full amount is due with the attached application. Please make checks payable to Claremont McKenna College/WOA! The price includes park fees, transportation, food, use of group equipment, and other miscellaneous costs.

What should I bring?
Students will most likely be bringing to college the items needed for their trip. More specific items such as sleeping bags and backpacks are available for a small rental fee. Once accepted, you will receive a packet detailing your trip and the items you will need.

Do I need lots of experience?
No, all students should be able to find a trip suited to their particular skill level and interest. The trips have been designed to accommodate a wide range of experience levels; we encourage you to look over the trip descriptions and find the adventure that is best for you. All participants will be encouraged to participate in-group tasks, such as cooking and cleaning, and will be expected to contribute during group activities. Additionally, W.O.A.! Participants and leaders will be expected to follow environmentally friendly, leave-no-trace practices during their time in the outdoors. Student and faculty leaders will enthusiastically share their wilderness and Urban knowledge and camping guidelines with all participants.

Student and Faculty Leaders
W.O.A.! Trips comprise of 3 leaders per 12-20 participants. Each trip has at least one male and one female student leader. Student leaders participate in mandatory training prior to the trips in order to ensure safety and well-run adventures. Each trip has at least one student leader who is certified in basic first aid.