Wellesley College Athletics

The Outdoor Adventure Program at Wellesley College is designed to teach leadership, self-reliance and communication skills through wilderness exposure and technical outdoor activities. We particularly strive to introduce wilderness to Wellesley students who have not previously spent much time outdoors.

Outdoor education has a long and successful track record of teaching confidence, self-reliance and communication skills, among a host of other qualities that define good leaders. It is no accident that some of the world's highest-pressure organizations turn to outdoor education to teach their leaders and cement their teams. Likewise, many of Wellesley's peer institutions have storied and thriving outdoor programs for the same reasons. The explanation is simple: the outdoors provides a classroom with real consequences and immediate feedback, and all learning is by nature experiential. The effects are often powerful and long-lasting.

PAST ADVENTURES

Hike Mount Wachusett - Sunday, November 2

Come hike Mount Wachusett with us! This intermediate hike in Princeton, MA takes approximately 2-4 hours to the summit and back, depending on the group. Along the way, you'll hike through old growth forest and maybe even see views of Boston at the top!

Camping 101 - Fall Break Overnight Trip - Friday, October 11 to Saturday, October 12
Join us for an overnight camping trip! Students will learn valuable skills like pitching a tent, lighting a campfire, and cooking outdoors while having the opportunity to sleep under the stars and commune with nature in an entirely different way than what they may be used to. We will head to Shawme-Crowell State Forest, located at the beginning of Cape Cod, which has more than 15 miles of roads and hiking trails through pitch pine and scrub oak forests. The milder climate makes the campground an ideal location for new campers who are exploring the great outdoors for the first time in the middle of fall in New England. Space is limited! A maximum of 14 students can attend.

Hike The Famous Purgatory Chasm - Saturday, September 27
All are welcome on this introductory hiking trip to Purgatory Chasm State Reservation in Sutton, MA. The Chasm Loop, created by melting glaciers, covers 1.5 miles of rocky terrain and geological formations. Try your hand at spelunking as you traverse through features such as Fat Man's Misery and the Devil's Coffin. This short but fun hike is ideal to get people interested in hiking, regardless of their experience! A maximum of 14 students can attend.









For questions or more information about any of our trips, please contact the Recreation Coordinator at aw151@wellesley.edu or 781-283-1911

The Outdoor Adventure program has partnered with Wellesley Students' Aid Society for the 2025 - 2026 academic year. We hope that there are no barriers for any students to participate in trips or experiences in the Outdoor Adventure program. If you need financial assistance, please email mverity@wellesley.edu.