Ascent is Gettysburg College's pre-orientation program that provides incoming students an opportunity to meet classmates prior to the start of the school year and learn about Gettysburg College from a unique student perspective.  All first-year and transfer students are welcome to participate.

This leadership initiative combines elements of service and wilderness education, two fields that when brought together foster an understanding of, and participation, in community, encourage an appreciation of differences, and work to foster integrity that students can carry with them throughout their college careers.  We sponsor a variety of five days programs that range in content from environmental awareness to poverty, and engage students in an activity of their choice, whether it is sea kayaking in the Chesapeake Bay, working with Habitat Humanity or fighting poverty in the nation's capital.

Trips are led by students from the Center for Public Service (CPS) and the Office of Experiential Education/Gettysburg Recreational Adventure Board.  These students spend over 350 hours a year training to lead Ascent, and exercise and refine their skills while leading programs throughout the year in locations from Alaska to Nicaragua, engaging their peers and the larger community in activities that range from service in Adams County to backpacking in the rugged Appalachian Mountains.

Depending on your trip, the facilitators will teach you all necessary backcountry, climbing or paddling skills, and prepare you for the interactions with your small orientation community. All of our trips are open to those with limited service or wilderness experience, and we encourage everyone to participate, whether you've served in a food bank for years, or you've never seen a kayak. We are striving to provide experiences to those who indulge in the pleasures of service-oriented and outdoor activities, and who see the value that each of these bring to the community.    

This experience is your experience.  Ascent is your first opportunity at Gettysburg College to exercise your leadership skills acquired in high school at a higher level of engagement. We select our locations and develop our programs so our participants and leaders return with more questions than answers. Ascent is not just about a single accomplishment, but rather it is placing the first brick in a long path of your leadership potential at Gettysburg College. It is about getting connected, meeting your future peers, and building your foundation for the years to come and take the first steps in designing your personal experience at Gettysburg College.