Adventure Learning

1st Tracks from RUadmissions on Vimeo.

1st Tracks Mission

The 1st Tracks Outdoor Program is committed to giving new students an exceptional outdoor adventure learning experience that helps them prepare for the challenges of attending college at Regis University.

"It really has made the first week of my freshman year so much smoother. I walked into a classroom or the lunch room and I immediately recognize at least one face. I would never have been so comfortable with this whole change had it not been for the wicked awesome experiences we had over those four days! I look forward to continuing to be a part of OAP activities." -2009 participant

Goals of the Experience

  • Meet classmates and student leaders before school starts
  • Experience a one-of-a-kind adventure
  • Create memories to last a lifetime
  • Challenge yourself mentally and physically in a safe place and positive environment
  • See our beautiful state of Colorado in all its natural beauty
  • Develop leadership skills in teamwork, communication and self-awareness

Who

1st Tracks is open to all Regis College and Traditional Nursing First Year and Transfer Students. We want to make sure you start your Regis career off right!

When

August 18-August 22. Students will arrive at Regis between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on August 18, 2013.

Cost

$350

Cost Includes:
  • All food and lodging
  • Transportation during the program
  • Equipment rental if needed (ie. tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear, and activity specific equipment)
  • All program activities

How do I register?

If you are ready to register, please click on the following link:  http://activenet.active.com/regisuniversity and find the link for 1st Tracks Outdoor Experience.  When you get to the LOGIN screen, please click on “forgotten” to have a password emailed to you.  Your email/login is already in the system as the email that the Admissions office used to communicate with you as of April 25 (this may be a hotmail, gmail, etc. account, or a regis.edu email if you deposited prior to April 25).  If you try to enter your email and it does not work or if you have any additional questions about registration, please contact Brian Anderson at 303.458.4202 or by email.

Once you have registered online, please call 303.458.3559 within three days to submit your $350 credit card payment. 

What should I pack?

A packing list and other additional information for the trip will be emailed to you once you are registered for 1st Tracks.

FAQs

Interested, but don't have experience? Never camped before? Find answers to your questions below.

What if I have never been camping before?

That’s great! No prior experience necessary. This trip is designed to be an introduction to our lovely Colorado Rocky Mountain backyard. Leaders will be present to teach essentials and to help all participants feel confident participating in trip activities.

Do I need to get in shape for the trip? Do I have enough time to do this?

Adventure activities are physically demanding. We do our best to design our program to meet the needs of individuals who have minimal experience in the outdoors. However, if you are usually inactive we would encourage you to begin a moderate level of exercise in preparation of the program such as: walking, jumping jacks, or bike riding on a daily basis.

What is the food like?

We will be cooking at the campsites and you will be helping to create the meals. If you have any allergies or special needs, please indicate them on the registration form.

Where are we sleeping?

We will be camping in tents! Tents will be provided by the Regis Outdoor Adventure Program, but you will need to bring a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad to keep you warm and dry. If you don’t have these items one you can borrow them from OAP.

There will be fabulous showers and toilets in the woods, right?

Actually...no. Showers will be available when you return to campus.

What should I pack?

A packing list and other additional information for the trip will be emailed to you once you are registered for 1st Tracks.

When can I move into my room?

When you arrive to campus on our start day between 11 a.m.-2 p.m., you will be able to drop a limited amount of items in your room at that time. However, the official move-in date is after we return to campus from FirstTracks. Please plan for your family to bring most of your belongings on move-in day (the first day of orientation).

Do I need to have the latest and greatest gear?

Definitely not. This is a car-camping trip designed for both people with outdoor adventure experience and those without. The included equipment list should give you a decent idea of what you need to bring. OAP has a number of items available to borrow, but you must reserve ahead to use this equipment!! If you need other equipment, consider looking at second-hand stores to find bargains.

Is there a limit to how much stuff I can bring?

Our vans are not huge. Please limit yourself to one bag. Please stick as much as possible to the list provided. You will be happier not having to lug so much gear all over and your team will be happier because there will be room in the van for their things too!

What is all this I keep hearing about the high altitude?

Denver is the mile-high city, and we will be leaving it and heading into the mountains, at an even higher altitude. At this high of an altitude, the sun shines very directly and harshly - sunscreen is an absolute necessity. Additionally, it is easy to become dehydrated so you need to be careful to drink a lot of water. Some people can feel sick when adjusting to a high altitude, but most people who hydrate should feel fine. If you have more questions about this, just contact us!

When should I arrive?

You will be able to drop your things into your Residence Hall on the start day during the hours of 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Please note that the Residence Halls will still be under transition from summer conferences and may not be in pristine condition. Please do not arrive any earlier than 11 a.m. on the start day as you will not be able to get into the dorms before this time. No exceptions.

How do I get to Regis from the airport?

A shuttle will be offered from the Denver International Airport to Regis University at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Please schedule plane arrival prior to the shuttle times. Every attempt will be made to group flights together to minimize the environmental impact of driving a shuttle van. There will be a $10 fee per student for this service. To reserve a spot, contact Brian Anderson at 303.458.4202 or by email.

If you would like to make your own arrangements there are a number of taxi and shuttle services that are available. To find a list of them go to www.flydenver.com. Super Shuttle tends to have the best pricing. It is important to look into the different options as prices and availability vary from company to company.

Withdrawal & Refund Policy

  • All withdrawals from the trip must be made in writing and emailed to Brian Anderson.
  • Before August 1, 2013, the trip fee is refundable. Regis University will retain a $35.00 administrative fee. After August 1, 2013, trip fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Should a participant withdraw, the participant is responsible for any airfare cancellation, change fees or other personal expenses made in preparation for the trip.
  • Should a participant violate the Student Code of Conduct, as outlined in the Student Handbook, while traveling with the program and, should it be determined by the program directors that the participant should be sent back, the participant will bear all costs associated with their early return. Refunds will not be issued under these circumstances.