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.
Fall 2025 Adventure Trips
Hike The Famous Purgatory Chasm - Sunday, 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 so sign up quickly to secure your spot!
REGISTER on
WeEngage by September 21st. A FEE of $10/student is due by September 23rd.
Camping 101 - Fall Break Overnight Trip - Friday, October 11 to Saturday, October 12
Outdoor fanatics rejoice! We are attempting to put together a beginner camping trip over Fall Break. If you have never camped out before, now is the time! We will teach you the basics of camping: setting up a tent, how to start a campfire, camp cooking, etc. We will provide the necessary equipment, all you need to bring is an adventurous spirit.
A maximum of 14 students can attend so sign up quickly to secure your spot!
REGISTER on
WeEngage by October 1st. A FEE of $15/student is due by October 3rd.
Hike Mount Wachusett - Saturday, November 1
Come hike
Mount Wachusett with us! This
intermediate hike in Princeton, MA takes approximately 2 hours to the summit and back. Along the way, you'll hike through old growth forest and maybe even see views of Boston at the top!
A maximum of 14 students can attend so sign up quickly to secure your spot!
REGISTER on
WeEngage by October 20th. A FEE of $10/student is due by October 24th.
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.Â
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