Pre-Orientation Programs

Skidmore College Outdoor Orientation Program (SCOOP)

Packing lists

Forms

Liability waiver
Student Conduct and Supplemental Information-Lodging
Student Conduct and Supplemental Information-Wilderness
Health Services forms
Your completed health forms must be submitted to Health Services. Please be sure to check the box that allows us access to your health forms, this is a requirement for participation in SCOOP. You many download or print the 4 page health form from Skidmore's Health Services webpage.

If you are having trouble accessing any of the forms or waivers, please contact the SCOOP Student Coordinator.

Students who secure a place in the program will receive e-mail confirmation along with specific information regarding SCOOP's schedule, trip details, and what to pack for this Adirondack adventure. If you have missed the registration deadline, you may contact us for program availability.

SCOOP is an optional four-day program that precedes the mandatory New Student Orientation, and is designed to offer new students the opportunity to meet fellow first-year classmates and upper class student advisors while spending quality time in the majestic Adirondack Mountains. The program offers a wonderful beginning to the first-year student experience at Skidmore College and offers a unique and exciting dimension to your first days as a Skidmore student--an experience which we believe will be especially enjoyable and rewarding.

The Great Camp Sagamore, a national historic site in the Adirondack wilderness near Raquette Lake, New York, offers a beautiful and adventure-filled setting for SCOOP. The Sagamore Institute, which offers a year-round program of environmental education and Adirondack history, culture, and crafts, is especially excited to be collaborating with us. SCOOP is now the longest running Skidmore pre-orientation program. Our wilderness components can accommodate 60 first-year students and our lodging component can accommodate 40 first-year students. Also on the trip will be upper class peer advisors, a student coordinator, Skidmore administrators, a host of Great Camp Sagamore staff, and licensed New York State hiking and canoeing guides.

Participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so register early. Listed below are a series of common questions and answers regarding SCOOP for your information.

Who can participate in SCOOP?
Fully matriculated freshman students from the Class of 2016.

Do I need outdoor experience to participate in SCOOP?
You DO NOT need to be an experienced outdoor enthusiast to participate in this program. The Great Camp Sagamore provides lodging (beds and showers) for approximately 60 students. However, for those who prefer a complete outdoor camping experience, we have designed three wilderness options (Wilderness - Hiking OR Wilderness - Canoeing OR Wilderness - Hiking and Canoeing) for 45 first-year students. Do not be discouraged if you are not an experienced outdoor enthusiast - SCOOP is designed for all levels of outdoor experience. A positive attitude, reasonable physical condition, and a desire to establish friendships that will continue throughout your years at Skidmore are the main ingredients for a successful venture.

How do I sign up?
With your Skidmore user name and password, you can access on-line registration for SCOOP and all other pre-o programs. Registration opens on June 1, 2012. Once a student is registered for the program of their choice, the fee associated with the program will be added to their student bill by the Bursar's Office.

When is SCOOP?
Pre-orientation for the Class of 2016 begins on August 30th, 2012. Please bring all of your belongings for the semester/year as you will move in to your residence hall room. Plan to be on campus between 8:00 and 10:00a.m. Additional info regarding September 1 can be found at New Student Pre-Orientation. You will return to campus by noon on Sunday, September 2, 2012 prior to the mandatory New Student Orientation.

I submitted my my on-line reservation for SCOOP ... now what?
All students who secure a place in the program will receive a confirmation letter by e-mail along with specific information regarding SCOOP's schedule, trip details, and what to pack for the Adirondack adventure. We anticipate notifications to go out within one week of your registration. Once you have reviewed this confirmation letter and information, we are happy to answer any further questions you may have.