GLC Outdoor Experiences
We believe that outdoor trips are one space where leadership can be cultivated. Self-awareness, communication, decision-making as well as time and space for reflection are all possible outcomes on our trips. We offer day to week-long experiences backpacking, hiking, kayaking and rock climbing.
The GLC offers a variety of trips in several activity areas. Whether you are looking to try an activity for the first time, or you have some experience and are looking to learn more, our trips are designed with your goals in mind.
We offer experiences in a variety of outdoor destinations within 2-3 hours from campus. We are fortunate to have several national forests, as well as Shenandoah National Park, all within the range of possibility. We also offer a variety of resources to help you, from our rental equipment to our knowledgeable student staff, and we encourage you to reach out to us when planning your next adventure.
Visit EngageGettysburg to see our full calendar of events and to register for a trip!
Ascent Pre-Orientation Programs
The Ascent Outdoor Pre-Orientation Trips help make the transition to college easier. Students will build friendships, leadership skills, and self awareness by living and working together in novel and dynamic environments.
Ascent is a unique opportunity designed to ease your transition to college before your first-year begins. Through outdoor experience, leadership development, and self-reflection, you will build lasting friendships and feel a strong sense of belonging. All experiences are led by trained upperclass student Leadership Educators, giving first-years an insight into Gettysburg life from their peers. Ascent participants will often end the trip feeling capable, connected and more prepared to begin their time at Gettysburg College.
These trips are designed for a range of experience and ability levels. They take place in various local areas, as well as state and national forests within three hours of Gettysburg.
Ascent Experiences Offered
Backpacking
This four-night, five-day backpacking trip offers first-year students a chance to backpack in the backcountry of the Appalachian Mountains with well-trained upperclass facilitators. You will be carrying everything that you need on your back to not just survive but thrive! By working with this small group of peers, you practice leadership skills through hiking, cooking, setting up camp and reflecting together to feel confident in an outdoor environment. No previous hiking or backpacking experience is necessary.
Price: $550
Adventure Basecamp
This cabin-based experience is a four-night, five-day program where participants stay at a local summer camp with fellow first-years, equipped with bunks, bathrooms and other amenities. Together the group will learn and practice leadership skills through experiential education opportunities. These may include collaborating on a challenge course, supporting peers while outdoor rock climbing and getting to know a local state forest on day hikes. No prior outdoor experience is necessary.
Price: $550
Important Dates and Information
Registration Opens: April 10, 2026
Registration Closes: July 16, 2026
Program Dates: August 13-18, 2026
Program Price: $550
Register for Ascent by July 16. Space is limited and also fills up quickly. Register to get your preference in early HERE.
Financial Aid
We offer need-based financial aid. To apply for financial assistance, you may contact us over email at glc@gettysburg.edu or fill out this form.
Please do this PRIOR to registering for Ascent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ascent?
The Backpacking trip will be in the Appalachian Mountains and usually within three hours of Gettysburg. The Adventure Basecamp will take place at a local summer camp in a State Forest with cabins and other amenities.
When is Ascent?
Ascent will be August 13-18, 2026. The program will conclude before the College's full orientation begins on August 19th.
Can I move in prior to Ascent?
Yes! Students participating in a variety of the College’s pre-orientation programming move in early. You will be able to move-in the morning of August 13th before our welcome lunch and programming. If you are traveling from greater than 300 miles, please reach out to the GLC to request an earlier move-in. We will send more information about this as soon as we work with our campus partners for this process.
How much does Ascent cost?
Ascent will cost $550. We have financial assistance available, and encourage you to reach out to us (glc@gettysburg.edu) if you need financial assistance.
What does that cost include?
The cost includes food, transportation, gear, and knowledge provided by our trained student facilitators. We ask that students bring personal clothing and toiletries. The Ascent program can provide activity specific items such as backpacks, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents, stoves/cook sets, rain gear, and other technical equipment. More details regarding pack lists are available upon request.
This sounds awesome, how do I register?
Register for Ascent here by July 16, 2026.
Outdoor Leadership Programs
The Outdoor Leadership Program (OLP) is designed to teach and engage approximately 8 selected participants the fundamental principles of outdoor leadership throughout the Fall semester.
The OLP is an optional additional component of the Group Facilitation Fellowship (GFF) for those interested in developing technical outdoor skills, further exploring leadership philosophy, and practicing ethical outdoor recreation.
This is a cohort-based leadership program which helps you build the skills and the confidence to lead groups in outdoor settings, while connecting with a fun and supportive community of student leaders. and selected participants receive a fellowship award up to $300.
Students passionate about the outdoors are encouraged to apply but no experience is required, just a readiness to learn and lead!
For information on the dates in the program, click here.
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