Orientation Adventure

OA trip participants can expect to be engaged in activities from approximately 8am-6pm with optional additional activities daily. All participants are expected to participate fully in trips when traveling off campus. There will be abundant opportunities for rest and recovery in the evening. Official itineraries will be shared by OA leaders upon arriving on campus.

Campus-Based

Campus-based OA trips will utilize campus as a basecamp while traveling to different off-campus locations Monday-Wednesday. Participants will be sleeping in their residence halls, having meals on campus and the opportunity to dine out, including access to all campus amenities such as showers, toilets, wi-fi, electricity, etc. On-campus OA groups will also have nightly activities. All campus-based trips will spend Wednesday at the beach.

Off-Campus

Off-campus based OA trips will be entirely off campus. Departing from campus on Monday and returning on Wednesday. These trips include a variety of outdoor activities and locations, such as state beaches and national forests, all within two hours from campus. Off campus trips will either be sleeping indoors or in tents. Access to amenities such as electricity, wi-fi, showers, etc. will be very limited or non-existent.

Each description will include a note to help you further choose the best OA for you.

• Whether activities are indoors, outdoors or a mixture.
• Activity Level: 1-5
  • 1 = Mostly resting, short distances of travel required
  • 3 = Active, 50-60% of day with intermittent periods of rest
  • 5 = Active and very strenuous
• Water Activities (such as boating, swimming paddleboarding, etc.): if water activities are indicated, it is best practice that participants have basic level swimming skills. In most scenarios a Lifeguard will be present, if not precautions will be taken. All campus-based trips will have water activities on Wednesday. Please note water activities are always optional.

Pomona College’s Draper Center for Community Partnerships builds community, both on and off campus. We will give you an overview of programs in which you can participate in the community throughout the academic year. We will also leave campus to learn from local community members and leaders, participate in hands-on projects and activities, and tour sites to see the inner workings of our community partners.  

• Indoors and Outdoors
• Activity level: 2
• No water activities

Explore some of SoCal’s local summits, trails, streams and epic views. After a couple days of hiking, sit back and relax at the beach on Wednesday and enjoy the surf and sand. On this trip, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of your room each evening.

• Mostly outdoors
• Activity level: 4
• Water activities

Learn all about the Pomona College Farm as well as local food systems in Southern California. Pomona College’s on-campus farm is a two-acre space with chickens, a diverse fruit orchard and a student-built biodome. Get your hands dirty and pick up a few gardening skills along the way. You will also travel off campus to Long Beach and visit the Aquarium of the Pacific followed by a half day deep-sea fishing trip on a professional charter boat in the Pacific Ocean. Once you return to campus, you will receive a tasty treat!

• Mostly outdoors
• Activity level: 3
• No water activities

During this OA, you will meet with staff of KSPC, the independent, student run radio station of the Clarmeont Colleges, staff and get hands on with media production. If you’'re interested in podcasting, broadcasting, and/or creative multimedia collaborations, this is the OA for you. You will have access to physical and digital media resources at the KSPC broadcast studios, and you will explore LA’s rich and diverse landscape as a backdrop for storytelling.

• Mostly indoors
• Activity level: 1
• Water activities

Explore Los Angeles and the food that makes L.A. great in this food-based immersion. We will dive into food trends that are evolving in the world, the ingredients that make it happen, and exciting dining opportunities in Los Angeles. You will also learn about unique groundbreaking agricultural processes.

• Indoors & outdoors
• Activity level: 2
• Water activities

Explore the institutions that help define Los Angeles’ cultural identity. This arts-based immersion will take participants into museums, galleries, and experimental sites throughout the city. Connect with other art lovers and cultural critics while you stroll through the art halls and galleries that give the greater Los Angeles area its vibe. You will also have the opportunity to make your own artwork.

• Mostly indoors
• Activity level: 1
• Water activities

Check out all things L.A., including legendary destinations like the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood sign, Grand Central Market, downtown L.A. and the beach. You will also catch a Los Angeles Angels baseball game.

• Indoors & outdoors
• Activity level: 2
• Water activities

Located in the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest, Pali Retreat will be a cabin getaway with beautiful viewpoints, a challenge course, archery, swimming, archery tag, arts and crafts, night hikes and campfires. Staying at Pali Retreat means cozy bunk beds, meals in the dining hall and indoor plumbing—a great outdoor getaway without having to sleep on the ground.

• Mostly outdoors
• Activity level: 2-3 
• Water activities 

San Onofre is one of California’s most popular beaches and one of the top five most visited state parks in California. You will spend time on the beach, explore the nearby sandstone bluffs, and possibly participate in world-class surfing. Wildlife has even been known to hang out near the shoreline!

• Outdoors 
• Activity level: 3-4 
• Water activities 

*This trip will utilize a local campground as basecamp, sleeping in tents, cooking over a stove and enjoying several fun outdoor activities during the day. Access to electricity, cell coverage, Wi-Fi and showers are not guaranteed. A great opportunity to unwind and unplug before the start of the semester.

Serrano Campground is a beautiful place to enjoy the north side of Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest. The lake is surrounded by pine forest, with lots of hiking options and a perfect choice to avoid the summer sun. The lake offers swimming, paddle boats, and kayaks to cruise along the shoreline. There are also hiking trails to explore.

• Outdoors
• Activity level: 2-3
• Water activities

*This trip will utilize a local campground as basecamp, sleeping in tents, cooking over a stove and enjoying several fun outdoor activities during the day. Access to electricity, cell coverage, Wi-Fi and showers are not guaranteed. A great opportunity to unwind and unplug before the start of the semester.

Backpacking through the SoCal mountains, you will be carrying all the gear you need with your fellow backpackers. This is an intermediate backpacking trip and will offer various physical challenges as well as beautiful views of the remote wilderness. There will be no access to showers, restrooms, or Wi-Fi during this trip.

• Outdoors
• Activity level: 5
• No water activities

*This trip will utilize a local campground as basecamp, sleeping in tents, cooking over a stove and enjoying several fun outdoor activities during the day. Access to electricity, cell coverage, Wi-Fi and showers are not guaranteed. A great opportunity to unwind and unplug before the start of the semester.

Join us at Bonelli Lake for incredible views and fun outdoor access. There will be opportunities for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, and more. Enjoy the outdoor camping experience without spending a lot of time traveling.

• Outdoors
• Activity level: 2-3
• Water activities

*This trip will utilize a local campground as basecamp, sleeping in tents, cooking over a stove and enjoying several fun outdoor activities during the day. Access to electricity, cell coverage, Wi-Fi and showers are not guaranteed. A great opportunity to unwind and unplug before the start of the semester.