Skip to main content
  • Current Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Staff

Footer quick links

  • Request Info
  • Plan a Visit
  • Apply Now
  • About
    • Campus Map
    • College Profile
    • Community Commitments
    • Our Commitment to Diversity
    • History of Westmont
    • Institutes & Centers
    • Leadership
    • News
    • Gaede Institute for the Liberal Arts
    • Ridley-Tree Museum of Art
    • Westmont Magazine
    • Consumer Information
      • Request Info
      • Plan a Visit
      • Apply Now
  • Academics
    • Academic Services
    • Augustinian Scholars Program
    • Academic Opportunities
    • Global Education
    • Majors and Programs
    • Office of the Provost
    • Outcomes
    • Voskuyl Library
    • Consumer Information
      • Request Info
      • Plan a Visit
  • Admissions & Aid
    • Prospective Students
    • Visit Westmont
    • Financial Aid
    • Admitted Students
    • Confirmed Students
    • Prospective Parents
    • Meet your Counselor
    • Confirm your Place
    • Consumer Information
      • Request Info
      • Plan a Visit
      • Apply Now
  • Student Life
    • Words of Warriors
    • CATlab
    • Living on Campus
    • On Campus Activities
    • Off Campus Activities
    • Our Commitment to Diversity
    • COVE Career Center
    • Ministries
    • Chapel
    • Consumer Information
      • Request Info
      • Plan a Visit
      • Apply Now
  • Giving
    • Why Give?
    • Where to Give
    • How to Give
    • Giving Societies
    • Contact Us
      • Give Today
  • Athletics
  • Research
  • Apply

Admitted Students Sidebar Menu

  • Admitted Students
    • Fall Orientation
      • Calendar
      • Move-In
      • First-Year Students
      • International & First-gen Students
      • Transfer Students
      • Orientation Team
      • Orientation FAQs
    • Spring Orientation
    • First-Year Experience
    • New Student Retreat
    • First-Year Seminar
    • Pre-Orientation Adventure Trips
    • Understanding General Education
    • Words of Warriors
    • Residence Halls

First-Year Experience Pre-Orientation Adventure Trips

Before starting at Westmont, consider joining a Pre-Orientation Adventure Trip.

For 2023 students may select one of our Adventure trips. The trips are designed to bring incoming students together, create friendships, and give participants a taste of the spectacular opportunities Westmont has to offer. 

Choose Your Own Adventure

Backpacking Adventure
  • When: August 15-22, 2023
  • Where: TBD
  • Who: 1 Faculty Member & 1 Adventure Guide
  • Curriculum: First Year Seminar credit
  • Itinerary: TBD
  • Cost: $900
Urban Adventure

The Pre-Orientation Urban Adventure 

  • ​​When: TBD
  • Where: Westmont in San Francisco
  • Who: 1 Faculty Member 
  • Curriculum: First Year Seminar credit
  • Itinerary: This urban adventure involves a 6 day immersive experience in the culturally diverse, dynamic city of San Francisco. The trip will feature daily field trips, cultural/arts events, service projects and group discussions all lead by the resident faculty of the Westmont in San Francisco program. Participants will have opportunity to develop strong connections with their peers and share in a living-learning community experience aimed at seeing God, self and neighbor in new, expansive ways as well as taking in the beauty and unique vibe of a world-class American city.
  • Cost: $950
MultiSport Adventure
multisport
  • When: August 15-22, 2023
  • Where: Santa Barbara and the Channel Islands National Park
  • Who: 1 Faculty Member & 2 Adventure Guides
  • Curriculum: First Year Seminar credit
  • Itinerary: Participants will camp locally and enjoy a variety of adventures including rock climbing, hiking, kayaking, other water sports and exploring Santa Cruz Island at the Channel Islands National Park. 
  • Cost: $995
  • Backpacking Adventure
  • Urban Adventure
  • MultiSport Adventure

Adventure Trips Information & FAQ

Why Participate in an Adventure Trip

These trips combine outdoor activities with a classroom learning experience and are a great way to begin your Westmont experience. Most importantly, you will meet new friends that may last throughout your Westmont career and into the future. Our main goals for each participant are to:

  • Ease the transition into college

  • Forge lasting relationships with others who share similar interests

  • Become a part of the Westmont community

  • Enjoy an incredible adventure

  • Get an initial taste of the Christian Liberal Arts by diving into a topic with a Westmont faculty member

For more information, contact Orientation at orientation@westmont.edu or (805)-565-6125.

Trip Dates, Cost & What is Included

Here are the dates for 2023 and costs:

Backpacking Adventure 

  • August 15-22, $900 (7 days & 1 unit of credit)

Multi-Sport Adventure 

  • August 15-22, $950 (7 days & 1 unit of credit)

What is included?

For all programs where applicable:

  • Camping and equipment for outdoor adventures
  • Three meals per day and all necessary group cooking equipment
  • Professionally trained trip leaders
  • Transportation to and from Westmont for all activities
  • Group guidance and team building activities
  • All permits, reservations, and entrance fees
  • Leaders with Wilderness first aid and CPR training
What Is The Refund Policy?

For All Trips:

• 45 or more days before the trip date- Full refund minus $20 processing fee.

• Between 45 and 15 days before the trip date- 50% refund minus $20 processing fee.

• Less than 15 days before the trip date- no refunds available.

How Do I Coordinate My Move-In & Arrival?

For the Backpacking & Multi-Sport Adventures, you should plan to arrive at Westmont Tuesday, August 15th by 9am.

* Unfortunately, no transportation will be provided from the Santa Barbara Airport to Westmont. We recommend students take an Uber or Lyft. 

For the Backpacking & Multi-sport Adventure, you will be able to store move-in boxes and gear until your return. Unfortunately, we cannot provide accommodations for storage or housing prior to your trip departure date. Upon your return on Tuesday, August 22 you will be able to officially move into your room. You will have Wednesday to get settled and rest and then Westmont Orientation will begin on Thursday, August 24th. Your parents are welcome to come to campus on Wednesday to help you move-in and get settled.

For the Urban Adventure, you should plan to arrive at the Westmont in San Francisco space (location TBD) on Tuesday August 15th between 1pm and 4pm. Unfortunately, no transportation will be provided from the San Francisco Airport. We recommend students take an Uber or Lyft.

For the Urban Adventure, you will be able to store all your move-in boxes at the Westmont in San Francisco location. If you need accommodations between the Urban Adventure Trip and Orientation, you will be able to stay on Monday night for an extra $40, which includes food. Westmont can provide transportation from San Francisco to Westmont College on Tuesday, August 22th and you will be able to move in to your residence hall room upon arriving to Westmont. You will have Wednesday to get settled and rest and then Orientation will begin on Thursday.

What If I've Never Been Camping Before?

On the trip, your leaders will teach you the basic skills you will need to be comfortable while camping, hiking, kayaking and/or rock climbing. For those who are unsure about conditioning for the trail, hesitant about heights, or concerned with an open water kayak experience, a Pre-Orientation Adventure Trip is a wonderful opportunity to challenge yourself while under professional guidance. See the next FAQ for more info. on how to prepare physically for the Backpacking and Multi-Sport trips.

What Kind of Shape Do I Need To Be In?

The Backpacking Adventure Trip is designed for intermediate physical fitness levels. While no prior backpacking experience is required it is important that all participants engage in some type of regular physical activity in preparation for the trip as students will be carrying packs and traveling through high altitudes. 

The Multi-Sport Trip is designed for beginner to intermediate physical fitness levels. Each activity is “challenge by choice.” Therefore each participant has the opportunity to choose the level at which they participate during their trip.

How Do I Communicate With Family & Friends While We're Away?

Contact will not always be easy or even possible during the Backpacking and Santa Barbara Adventures due to the very busy schedule and outdoor nature of our program. An Adventure Programs leader will ensure that an emergency cell phone will always be present. In cases of family emergency we can be contacted at Westmont Orientation (805) 565-6125 or at orientation@westmont.edu

What About Spending Money on the Trip?

A small amount of spending money will easily get you through the week. There will likely be opportunities to purchase food, drinks or other special treats during longer periods of travel time.

For the Urban Adventure, we recommend bringing $50-$200 of spending money.

What About Drugs And Alcohol?

Westmont regulations and program policies - which can be found in the Westmont Student Handbook and in the Community Life Statement - do not allow alcohol or drugs on this trip. Anyone violating this NO TOLERANCE policy will be immediately asked to leave the trip and responsible for their own transportation home. Thank you for your cooperation. Any prescription medications must be noted on the health form at the time of registration.

I Have Specific Food/Health Requirements, What Will This Mean?

Please note any food/health requirements when filling out the confidential health form. Our staff will take into consideration all food/health requirements for each participant during meal and trip preparation. If you have severe or life threatening medical conditions or food allergies please contact our staff in advance to so that we can discuss your situation.

What if I still have questions?

For questions, please email orientation@westmont.edu or call 805-565-6125.

  • Why Participate in an Adventure Trip
  • Trip Dates, Cost & What is Included
  • What Is The Refund Policy?
  • How Do I Coordinate My Move-In & Arrival?
  • What If I've Never Been Camping Before?
  • What Kind of Shape Do I Need To Be In?
  • How Do I Communicate With Family & Friends While We're Away?
  • What About Spending Money on the Trip?
  • What About Drugs And Alcohol?
  • I Have Specific Food/Health Requirements, What Will This Mean?
  • What if I still have questions?

Register for Adventure Trips!

We are so glad that you would like to join us on an Pre-Orientation Adventure Trip! Space is limited on these Adventures. You are encouraged to register early. To officially choose your own Adventure, follow these easy steps:

  1. Complete the registration form with a required deposit of $300. Click here to access the form.
  2. The balance of the trip cost ($600 for Backpacking; $695 for Multi-sport) is due 30 days before the trip. You will receive a link to pay the balance online or you can mail a check to: Campus Life Office, 955 La Paz Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108.
  3. Please print and fill out the forms below and either scan and e-mail them to orientation@westmont.edu or mail them to: Campus Life Office, 955 La Paz Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108.

All Adventure Trips

  • Participant Agreement Form

Backpacking and Multi-Sport Adventure Heath Form

  • Pre-Course Health Record Form

Urban Adventure Health Form 

  • Urban Adventure Health Form 

Backpacking Waiver Form

  • Backpacking Waiver

Multi-Sport Waiver Forms (both forms required)

  • Westmont Multi-Sport Waiver
  • UCSB Adventure Trips Waiver 

Footer links menu

  • Request Info
  • Plan a Visit
  • Apply Now

Footer Utility menu

  • Employment
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Emergency Info
  • Consumer Information

955 La Paz Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108 

805-565-6000

Contact Us

 

Social media menu

©2023
Westmont College - All rights reserved