Outdoor Adventures is part of Recreational Wellness, operating within the Division of Student Affairs at the University of San Diego. Outdoor Adventures exists to enhance the campus community by offering recreational and educational experiences through wilderness trips, outdoor recreation classes, teambuilding programs and sustainability programs. USD Outdoor Adventures is committed to offering programs that:
- Provide opportunities for self-discovery and leadership development
- Cultivate cooperative behavior and positive small group dynamics
- Promote wilderness ethics and stewardship, utilizing Leave No Trace principles
- Teach essential outdoor living skills
- Encourage positive risk taking within an acceptable level of emotional and physical risk
- Support the application of academic learning and the attainment of professional experience
- Provide first-hand experience of the environmental justice challenges impacting locations we visit
- Harness the transformative power of the outdoors
Pre-Orientation Adventure is an exciting way to transition to USD. This year's experience will be similar, but improved from last year. New this year, students will move-in a day earlier, allowing for more time and a less stressful move-in process. After spending a nigh on campus, we will transition to the mountains where students live completely outdoors camping in a small group setting. It is led by student leaders and designed to bring incoming students together before Ole! Weekend (orientation) begins to create new friendships and address common transition issues before arriving on campus. Pre-Orientation Adventure helps incoming students to feel more comfortable with themselves and gives students a head start on transitioning to life as a college student and making the most of the opportunities available at USD.
Now more than ever we are realize the importance of social connection and connection to nature. Pre-Orientation Adventure is a great way to step outside of your comfort zone within a supportive environment. Most importantly, you will meet other first-year students and student leaders and hopefully create new friendships that will last during your time at USD and beyond. You will start school more prepared and confident with a better understanding of what life at USD can be like. Many students claim that their Pre-Orientation Adventure was one of the highlights of their first year at USD!
Both opportunities are amazing ways to get to know other incoming students, interact with student leaders and transition to life at USD. Both programs take place right before orientation and both allow for students to move into their residence hall before the start of the program.
Pre-O Adventure is a program of Outdoor Adventures and led by student guides. We camp at a National Forest campground, cook and eat outdoors and sleep in tents. Students will have opportunities for small group hikes, morning yoga, time to hang out in camp and play games like Spikeball and cornhole, in addition to campfire social time at night.
The Pre-O Retreat is a program of University Ministry and led by student leaders that offer incoming students of all faith backgrounds opportunities to reflect on your faith and spirituality as you transition to USD. This program takes place at a retreat center where students will eat and sleep indoors. There is air conditioning and a pool here and students will have opportunities to participate in a talent show, explore the outdoors nearby.
Pre-O Basecamp will take place Aug. 25th-28th 2026. You will be able to move in on the 25th, get settled in your room before we start our program before dinner. Our first night will be spent on campus this year before we depart for the local mountains on Wednesday morning. We will finish our program by 4:00 p.m. on the 28th.
Pre-Orientation Adventure is not a physically strenuous experience and you do not need to be "outdoorsy" to enjoy this camping experience. We will set up a basecamp at a National Forest campground and sleep, cook and eat outdoors. You will be outside the entire time. This means we will have to adapt to the elements... it could be very hot and sunny, we could see thunderstorms or it could be a pleasant 75 degrees. We won't know until we are out there. We will have access to water and basic facilities but limited access to showers.
In addition to living outdoors, we also have a day hike planned that could range from 4-8 miles over uneven terrain but there is only minimal elevation gain. Our goal for the hike is to provide an opportunity to small groups of students to get to know each other throughout the day. Covering a great distance or climbing to the top of a mountain is not our priority. Carrying on conversations while walking is more important to this experience.
In camp, there will be opportunities for yoga, water coloring, slackline, Spikeball, cornhole, frisbee and other games. Or you can chill in the shade laying in a hammock enjoying the breeze.
No matter what activities we end up offering, you should be prepared to be outside all day, interspersed with active time and small group conversations. For those counting, anticipate taking 10,000 steps over the course of a day.
The Outdoor Adventures office will send a packing list during the summer that is a comprehensive list of everything you need to be comfortable outside during Pre-O. The office will also be in communication with each participant throughout the summer to address any concerns they may have.
Pre-Orientation Adventure Basecamp is $450.
The cost includes all transportation, meals and equipment. You are responsible for bringing your clothing, we take care of the rest.
Financial assistance is available to students receiving need-based financial aid and our goal is to meet 100% of student's demonstrated need. See financial assistance information below.
Absolutely! Pre-O Adventure is open to all first-year students.
During the Pre-O Basecamp trip, resident students have the opportunity to move into their dorm rooms on the first day. Students that commute to campus can sleep in a little later, check in later plan to meet up that afternoon on the first day.
- Early move in to the residence halls
- Trained student leaders and guides to facilitate activities
- Transportation and activity costs
- All meals, snacks and deserts:
- Pre-O Basecamp - Dinner on the 25th through lunch on the 28th.
Yes! Financial assistance is available to students receiving need-based financial aid thanks to generous support from the Division of Student Affairs and Associated Student Government. OA works closely with the Office of Financial Aid and Admissions to determine eligibility. Please contact Mark Ceder at usdoutdooradventures@gmail.com to let him know you are interested.
No, you do not need any special equipment. Outdoor Adventures will provide you with a clothing list, but most likely you are already bringing any recommended items to campus already. For the most part, you are responsible for appropriate clothing, footwear and water bottles. If you have any questions about clothing and equipment, don't hesitate to contact us.
We have always addressed the concept of safety and risk within our program. As with many things in life, adventuring in the outdoors can be dangerous. To minimize these risks, all student leaders receive specialized training that emphasizes risk management and first aid. Our outdoor leaders are certified Wilderness First Responders (80-hour training) or Wilderness Advanced First Aid level (40-hour training). We choose activities and locations that allow us to manage the risks present and we ask participants to be partners in staying safe.
Do not bring any alcohol or illegal drugs. We will send an Outdoor Adventures Health Form & Liability Waiver for each participant to fill out in your registration packet. If you indicate any prescription medications, we will clear them with our USD medical advisor. Please do not bring any prescription medications other than those prescribed to you. If your medication change before the trip, please be in good communication with the Outdoor Adventures office, or you may not be cleared to attend the trip.
Pre-O Adventure is very popular and we have had a waiting list in past years so we recommend signing up as soon as possible in order to improve your chances of securing a spot. Registration is on a first come, first served basis. The online registration link is available on the top navigation menu.
- Once the program reaches capacity, we will open a general waitlist.
- Registrations must be completed and paid in full (unless you are requesting financial assistance). Failure to complete your registration will place you on the waitlist. If you are having any difficulties, please call us at (619) 260-4709.
- Any canceled space will be filled by waitlisted applications.
Check-in begins day 1 for your trip at 10 a.m., where you will receive your room key. Student guides are available to help direct you to your room. The group will meet back up around 4:00 p.m. before we have dinner together on campus.
We will ask you for your travel plans in the registration packet and are happy to help advise on how to best get to campus. We try our best to organize shuttles from the airport to campus, but this is dependant on a number of factors. We are very happy to talk with you about air travel logistics before you book a flight.
Pre-O Basecamp - Flights should arrive by 1:00pm on August 25th. Please speak with us if you are not able to find a flight that arrives by 1:00pm on the 25th.
There's no better way to try out camping! Pre-O offers the best introduction to camping and a majority of students have either never camped or camped once before. Our priority is connecting students to each other, not on the physical challenges often associated with camping. While we are active and outdoors, we focus on helping you get comfortable so that you can connect with others. Also, everyone is in the same boat and makes the most of their time outdoors. Pre-O Adventure is a great opportunity to challenge yourself. The only requirement is a desire to participate and willingness to step out of your comfort zone.
Pre-O Adventure trips are shared group experiences where every student is a critical component of a well functioning group. Participants are expected to be active, contributing members of the group.
Be prepared to be flexible. Weather, trail conditions, environmental conditions may not be what you expect. Bringing your sense of humor, a positive attitude and tolerance for adversity will help you tackle these challenges should they arise. Positive group dynamics don’t just happen automatically. They are the result of hard work, thoughtful interactions, good intentions and respect for people with diverse backgrounds. Please join us if you are interested in building a well functioning, cohesive group.
Pre-O Adventure is designed for any and all skill levels. We encourage everyone to engage in some type of regular physical activity in preparation for the trip in order to maximize comfort. Walking, hiking, biking, running, yoga, swimming, surfing, paddling are all great ways to be physically active. Being prepared to walk 10,000 steps a day should be a good start.
Please note any food/health requirements when registering for the trip. Our staff will take into consideration all food/health requirements for each participant and many can be accommodated with prior planning.
- Cancellation on or before July 13th: full refund minus $30 fee
- Cancellations after July 13th and on or before August 6th: 50% refund
- No refunds after August 6th
Yes, AND we require that international students coordinate their arrival with the International Center. Please confirm that all of your requirements are met in advance of the trips. There is an orientation program that overlaps with the Pre-Orientation Adventure trip, which precludes many students from participating.
In the unfortunate event that you are unable to attend Pre-Orientation due to unforeseen circumstances (injury, illness, travel delays/cancellations, etc.), and you have passed the dates of our refund policy (see above), travel insurance is the only way to protect your investment.
We recommend participants purchase travel insurance. Please note that this coverage is provided by a third party.
If you would like to ship any items before move-in, please address them with the following format:
First & Last Name
Unit #OA
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
Note: Please DO NOT ship any items before August 12th. We will collect your packages and have them for you at check-in.
Please feel free to contact us at your convenience. We are currently working on campus and have student coordinators that are eagerly awaiting your phone call or email. The best address for Pre-O Adventure questions is usdoutdooradventures@gmail.com.
Outdoor Adventures
Bosley Center, 2nd Floor
5998 Alcala Park
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 260-4709
www.sandiego.edu/outdoor-adventures