E-mail this pageOdyssey Freshman Adventure Program at SUNY Plattsburgh
A Distinctive Start to a New Chapter
SUNY Plattsburgh incoming freshmen have the unique opportunity to participate in a week-long, adventure-based program designed to ease the transition to college life.
The Odyssey Freshman Adventure program gives students the chance to meet new people and participate in group activities in outdoor settings. After orientation, Odyssey can be the next step for students to becoming part of the SUNY Plattsburgh community.
Smoothing Out a Sometimes Rough Transition
The new relationships students build in Odyssey help them ease into their first year as a college student and eliminate the pressure of making new friends.
View Odyssey 2008 Photo Gallery
"Odyssey eases the transition into college life by allowing students to make new friends before the semester begins. Odyssey is an experience students will never forget. They also get an introduction to the natural environment of their new backyard," said Program Coordinator Sarah Henley.
At the end of the Odyssey experience students get together with all other participants after the semester starts, renewing some connections and continuing others.
Never a Dull Moment
Odyssey promises its participants a great time spent with other freshmen students and upper-class leaders. Students are introduced to new places and skills during their Odyssey experience. Some of the activities include the following:
- Kayaking on Lake Champlain.
- Spending five nights at Twin Valleys, the college's Outdoor Educational Center located in Lewis, N.Y., in the Adirondack Park.
- Hiking an Adirondack peak.
- Spending free time hanging out at camp and around the campfire, meeting new people, playing games and swimming.
Henley cited the program as being "an environment for people to push themselves and their personal boundaries."
The program does not require participants to be experienced outdoor people. Most students in the program are hiking and kayaking for the first time and being trained along the way.
"I hope that students are able to challenge themselves and walk away from the program with an increased awareness of teamwork and a deeper appreciation for communication. These skills will help them transition into the college setting. I want students to grow from this experience," said Henley.
Contact Information
For more information about the Odyssey Freshman Adventure program contact:
Sarah Henley, Coordinator
Phone: (518) 564-5294
E-mail: odyssey@plattsburgh.edu