With the first section scheduled to be on campus in less than a month, the directorate is working hard to finalize logistics and answer questions from members of the Class of 2017. Section A, the first of 10 trip sections, will arrive in Hanover on Aug. 26.
This year, Trips will build on traditions by focusing on creating meaningful conversations between incoming students and upperclassmen.
A new trip utilizing the College-owned ropes course will also be introduced.
"Given how old the trips program is, a lot of things have stayed the same," O'Connell said. "We've had a lot of time to improve over the last 78 years. I have a very good set of notes from previous decades about what's been tried and what has worked."
To foster bonding between incoming students and trip leaders, as well as support Croo members, several training sessions have been modified.
"We want to create the opportunity for every student to walk away from Trips having had a meaningful conversation," O'Connell said.
Although incoming students do not often begin to think about first-year trips until after they have committed to the College in the spring, the size and scope of the Trips program, which is the largest outdoor orientation program in the country, necessitates nearly year-round planning. As of press time, 1,050 students had registered for a first-year trip.
In addition, 336 trip leaders and Croo members will venture into the wilderness this fall. Hiking trips, including cabin camping, are the most common.
Carrie Wolf '15, who will be leading her third DOC trip, met one of her best friends on her first-year trip.
"I think there is so much value to doing trips," Wolf said. "It's just such a good way to get to know people and connect with them in a deeper way."
Chase Mertz '15 said he felt nervous before his first-year trip.
"I had never worn a pack," Mertz said. "I was a little intimidated because I was on Hiking 3, which seemed serious. But I had a great time."
In contrast, Kevin Griffith '14 brought a wealth of outdoors experience to his trip, but felt that the most important aspect had nothing to do with the physical activity.
"Everyone comes in with so much energy," Griffith said. "It was a great time just for the social aspects."
Griffith recalled the trail games he played with fellow students. Last year, he and his friends used the same games to entertain themselves on a road trip.
After returning from the wilderness, first-year students will be greeted in Hanover by Connections members, who will extend the welcome into the school year, Connections co-coordinator Adria Brown '15 said.
The team will be stationed in visible campus locations such as Collis Patio, Brown said.
In addition to the trip leaders and Croo members, 19 students serve on the Trips directorate, including support crew heads, Trip Leader Trainers, an outreach coordinator, a sustainability coordinator and a safety master.
