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Backpacking & Environmental Awareness-Tuscarora Trail, PA $325.00

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Ascent Pre-Orientation Trips
Backpacking & Environmental Awareness-Tuscarora Trail, PA $325.00

A Brief Overview...

The Tuscarora Trail is at the heart of the revered Blue Ridge Mountains, known for their rushing waterfalls, scenic overlooks, flora and fauna. This trip will hike through the deep gorges on exposed ridges, and camp in quiet primitive campsites

While on this trip, the group will backpack 5-7 miles a day off and on the Appalachian Trail. We have two groups visiting this location, and they may pass each other on the trail. The group will be educated on the principles of Leave No Trace and ethical land use practices. While hiking the group will assist with trail maintenance where it seems necessary.

General Information

During this trip, the group will be self contained, meaning they will camp in tents and will cook their own food on stoves. They will not have access to facilities or vehicles for four days.

Facilitators - Tuscarora 1

Brian Kelly '10, Liz Heisler '12 and Tanya Smith '10 will be the leaders for this trip.

Brian Kelly '10

Brian Kelley
Senior
Environmental Science Major
San Bruno, CA

BCU Lifeguard
BCU 2 Star Award
Wilderness First Responder

Taking pride in his west coast origins and in studying abroad in Botswana, Africa last semester Brian or 'BK' brings multiple perspectives to all his trips. BK is a skilled photographer and has recently done amazing documentary work. He spreads his passion for the environment in all his trips and hopes to some day bring to light environmental issues through documentary film work.

Liz Heisler
Sophomore
Environmental Science Major
Gwynedd, PA

Wilderness First Responder

On the tennis court or on the train Liz is a strong and devoted leader. Her easy going demeanor makes her a quick friend to everyone she meets.

Tanya Smith '10

Tanya Smith
Senior
Globalization Major, Latin American Studies Minor
Emigrant, MT

Tanya will be Program Coordinator at the Center for Public Service for her third year. She has worked on Immersion Projects, sending students on service-learning trips to Nicaragua, New Orleans, New York City, Mexico and Alabama. This coming year she will research, design, implement and lead her own Immersion Project. Tanya's organization and dedication to the Gettysburg community and communities abroad will make this trip an incredible experience.

Facilitators - Tuscarora 2

Thomas Saddingtin '10, Annie Valentine '12 and Emma Snellings '10 will be the leaders for this trip.

Thomas Saddington '10

Thomas Saddington
Senior
Biology Major
Austin, TX

BCU Lifeguard
BCU 2 Star Award
Wilderness First Responder

Thomas or 'Texas Tom' as he is known on staff is excited to jump back into GRAB adventures this fall after spending the past semester abroad in Denmark where he continued studies in the sciences to prepare him for a career in medicine. It is not unusual to find Thomas starting his day with hand-stand pushups when you crawl out of your tent in the morning.

Annie Valentine
Sophomore
Political Science, Religion Majors
Westfield, NJ

Wilderness First Responder

Climbing, singing, hiking, or Irish dancing, Annie faces all adventure with her contagious smile. She is a natural motivator and delight to have on any trip.

Emma Snellings '10

Emma Snellings
Senior
Environmental Studies and History Majors
Needham, MA

Emma will be Program Coordinator at the Center for Public Service for her third year. She has been working with SCCAP Re-entry program, which works to reintegrate prison inmates and parolees. She coordinates volunteers for their life skills classes as well as organizes sports and current events nights for the clients. This coming year she will be working as the Sustainability Coordinator mobilizing efforts for Gettysburg College and the surrounding community. Emma's experience, laughter and sense of humor will bring fun and compassion to this trip.