FOP: Freshman Outdoors Program

Looking for an adventure that will assist you as you segue into your MIT experience? The Freshman Outdoor Program (FOP) will promote community, self-discovery, relationship building and fun. FOP will build strong friendships, expand your potential, and help others grow, all while part of an unforgettable outdoor experience.

There will be three different programs offered through the Thompsonn Island Outward Bound School. Two of the programs, sailing and kayaking, will begin from the Island in Boston Harbor. The other program will be hiking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Each program will feature some other challenges like rock climbing, ropes courses and group building. All programs will be guided by experienced Outward Bound instructors. There will also be some MIT staff and upperclass student joining the programs.

Physical Education Points

MIT has a Physical Education requirement. Students must complete 8 points (4 classes) and pass the swim requirement. Students are responsible for completing the Physical Education General Institute Requirement by the end of their sophomore year. The Freshmen Outdoor Program will grant 2 Physical Education points upon completion of the program and submitting the journal assignment by Tuesday, September 8.

What Will We Do?

FOP experiences will teach self-reliance, offer the strength and freedom that comes with knowing how to care for oneself and one’s group. Instructors will enable learning by guiding FOP participants in value forming experiences - to ensure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an indefatigable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial, and above all compassion. Wilderness skills, working in small groups, environmental stewardship, team dynamics, service, and a solo are designed into the programs. All this in five days and in a safe environment.

FOP General Specifics

• Dates: Monday, August 24 through Saturday, August 29.
  
• Cost: Covers transportation, meals, lodging, equipment (when needed) and supplies.
  
• Experience: Previous outdoor experience is NOT necessary

**You will receive a comprehensive list of what to pack for these programs. All camping equipment will be provided.

Option 1 - Sailing:

The sailing program utilizes specially designed pulling boats. The pulling boats are thirty-four long open-hulled wooden boats designed to be sailed by a team or crew. Students will assume roles of navigator, deck hands and captain, and practice their new skills as they navigate the waters of Boston Harbor. Active chart reading, boat traffic awareness and “rules of the road” are taught. There will be time spent on different islands, exploring abandoned forts and lighthouses while learning about the rich history of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park. All cooking, eating and sleeping takes place on board.

Sailing Specifics

• Place: Thompson Island, Boston Harbor (Outward Bound facility)
  
• Available Spaces: 36
  
• Cost: $500

Option 2 - Kayaking:

Kayaks are highly maneuverable, easy to learn, and allow access to little nooks and crannies where other types of vessels are limited. Students will learn and demonstrate the ability to “wet exit”, a simple escape from an overturned boat, plus rescue procedures before they set off on expedition. Skills taught include open water navigation with charts and compass, all the necessary strokes to effectively pilot a kayak, reading the water, proper rescue techniques, and group travel. There will be substantial paddling each day, and there will also be an opportunity to learn about the marine environment.

Kayaking Specifics

• Place: Thompson Island, Boston Harbor (Outward Bound facility)
  
• Available Spaces: 12
  
• Cost: $500

Option 3 - Hiking:

The students will be outfitted with all the necessary gear and food for their week-long backcountry experience, then set off on their adventure. The students will be taught how to cook, clean, and find and manage water, and set up and maintain a backcountry campsite all within the guidelines of the local Leave No Trace ethic. Navigation with map and compass, wilderness self-care, time and resource management, injury prevention and management (wilderness medicine) are several aspects that will be covered. Students can be expected to hike up to several miles a day over rocky, steep, uneven trails, carrying a substantial backpack.

Hiking and Backpacking Specifics

• Place: White Mountains, N. H.
  
• Available Spaces: 24
  
• Cost: $500