2. Welcome to Pre-O Adventure!
Can you believe that in a few short weeks you and 49
other incoming students will have the opportunity to get
acquainted while camping in the Laguna Mountains! Get
ready for a social outdoor experience. This will be an
amazing way to meet new friends and start your journey
at USD!
To ensure that you are best prepared for our upcoming
adventure we have included important information in a
short presentation. After reviewing, please don’t hesitate
to contact us with any questions.
3. Questions Answered
What can I look forward to?
What is the schedule?
What will I eat?
Where will I sleep?
What do I need to bring?
What skills and experience do I need?
What are Outdoor Adventures policies?
What will the weather be like?
What are the risks?
8. Itinerary
Day 1: Wednesday, August 28th
9:00AM- Check-in at Outdoor Adventures at and move into
your residence hall.
12:30PM- Meet up with your guides. Learn the names of your
new classmates and depart for our campsite in the mountains!
Day 2:
Today our large group splits up into many small groups as we
set out on day hikes around the region.
We are back in camp for some afternoon activities.
Our group will provide the campfire entertainment after dinner.
9. Itinerary (Cont.)
Day 3:
Pack up camp in the morning and head over to a local
summer camp for our high ropes experience.
Participate in the ropes course until lunch. After lunch we
will will set off for our return to San Diego.
We will be back on campus to reunite with family by
5:00PM.
10. What about food?
All meals from dinner on day
1 through lunch on day 3 are
included.
Meals are served buffet style.
Lunch and dinner have meat
options.
If you have any dietary
preferences or restrictions,
please let us know so that
we can accommodate.
11. Where will I sleep?
We will provided two or four person tents.
There are vault toilets available at the campground.
There is a water
faucet in the
campground.
There are not any
showers until you
return to campus.
12. What do I need to bring?
Please refer to the detailed packing
list that outlines what to bring.
OA provides tents and camping
equipment. You are primarily
responsible for personal clothing
and items.
We will need to fit our stuff in a
charter bus. Limit extra items.
A duffel bag works well to carry
clothing. No suitcases please.
Some items are available to rent
through Outdoor Adventures before
8/2/13. Please go to
http://www.sandiego.edu/oa/registra
tion/
13. What is the weather like?
During August average temperatures are in the upper 80s
during the day to 50s at night.
We will be camping at an elevation of 5,000 ft. You should
expect: lots of exposure to the sun, possible afternoon
storms and dry conditions. Our campsite is near the edge of
Anza Borrego Desert State Park and warm, dry breezes are
common along the hiking trails. We are hoping for perfect
conditions, but preparing for the worst.
Please be sure to pack for hot and sunny conditions and it is
always good to be prepared for the occasional rain storm.
Dressing in layers will allow you to adjust throughout the
day as conditions change.
14. What skills do I need?
No previous experience is necessary. We will make
the most of our time each day and there will be a good
mix of down time as well.
Be prepared to hike between 5 and 10 miles during our
day hike over a combination of dirt roads and
established trails. You choose your adventure.
The ropes course can provide moments of challenge.
You will work with a partner to complete a series of high
obstacles. Climbing and operating at a height of 20-
40ft will be required.
15. Leave No Trace
On every Outdoor Adventures trip, we abide by the principles of
Leave No Trace. They are an integral part of our program and
we ask each participant to do their best to follow the seven
principles:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
16. Risks and Hazards
There are a variety of risks and hazards associated
with outdoor recreation. Specifically, slips, falls, heat
exhaustion, heat stroke, sun burn, dehydration, animal
encounters and blisters are some of the risks to
prepare for.
Weather is something we will be constantly evaluating
and adjusting for. Sun protection is essential.
Afternoon lightning storms are possible and the risk of
fire is present.
17. What about drugs and alcohol?
Illegal drugs and alcohol are never allowed on
trips, nor being under the influence.
Prescription medications are required. Please make
sure you bring them in the original bottle with the
physicians name on it.
18. Questions or Concerns?
Please don’t hesitate to call or email us:
619-260-4709
explore@sandiego.edu
www.sandiego.edu/oa
