collegebound report_2015
TRANSCRIPT
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Collegebound 2015 Report
Vision and Planning Framework
August 2015 Prepared by: Tyler A. Thompson
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Collegebound Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 3 Program Participation ............................................................................................................ 4 2015 Survey Results ................................................................................................................. 5 What Participants Say ........................................................................................................... 6 Participant Demographics ................................................................................................... 8 Gender Demographics ............................................................................................................. 9 Program Vision .......................................................................................................................... 10 Timeline and Planning Framework ............................................................................... 11 Collaboration with Admissions ....................................................................................... 12 Registration .................................................................................................................................. 13 Trip Facil itators ....................................................................................................................... 14 Equipment Needed ................................................................................................................. 16 Collegebound Research ......................................................................................................... 18 Collegebound Trips ................................................................................................................ 19
Sample Itinerary: North Shore Camping ............................................................................ 21 Sample: Yale Trip Leader Application ....................................................................... 22
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Overview: The Collegebound Program is an optional pre-orientation experience for incoming first-year or transfer students to the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. Students who participate in Collegebound are put into small groups of 6 to 8 students with 2 to 3 current student facilitators. Participants’ canoe or rock climb for five days in Northeastern Minnesota prior to the beginning of first-year orientation. The program emphasizes teamwork, communication, self-growth, leadership, and environmental awareness, and helps students transition into college. Students learn camping and outdoor skills while establishing relationships with other incoming students and current upper classmen. The program is run by the Peer Resource Program and Saint John’s Outdoor University with assistance for the Outdoor Leadership Center.
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Program Participation: Since its establishment in 1987, more than 500 first-year students have participated in Collegebound. 13 Saint John’s students participated in the first Collegebound trip with participating increasing to 19 the following year.
Participants 2004 – 2015
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Excellent Very Good Good Fair Poor
How would you rate your experience on Collegebound?
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Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Describe your experience with canoeing, climbing, and camping prior to Collegebound?
2015 Report: Post trip survey responses Following the conclusion of the 2015 trip, all participants were sent a survey to fill out. 49 participants completed the survey for a 78% response rate.
100% of responders said they would recommend this experience to other incoming students!
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To meet new people
To try something new
To spend time outside
To learn about the outdoors
To learn about myself
Why did you choose to Participate in Collegebound? (participants could select multiple answers)
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Greater Self Confidence
Communication Skills
Teamwork Self Growth Outdoor Skills
What did you learn or gain from Collegebound? (participants could select multiple answers)
What did 2015 participants say about their Collegebound experience? “I really liked being able to decide how we wanted our trip to go, but to also have the facilitators give us suggestions of what to do. I also really liked how the facilitators had a presence of leadership that we looked up to, and at the same time, they treated us as peers and equals. It was great to listen to their stories about college life and grow bonds with upper classmen that are similar to myself.”
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“I loved having a small group of people that would then become familiar faces to me on campus. I also really liked pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. The facilitators were awesome, too!” “My favorite part about Collegebound was creating a close knit group of friends before orientation, which helped ease the transition into college.” “My favorite part of Collegebound was just being a part of a group of sixteen strangers that grew into a tight-knit family.” “I loved the freedom that the participants were given throughout the entire Collegebound experience- from deciding on a meal plan, determining a route to take, the last day spent in Grand Marais, and more.” “Getting to meet 60 people and create amazing friendships before the school year began! It really made the college transition so much easier.” “The forging of these friendships is what Collegebound is truly all about.” “If I could go next year again, I would. This trip completely changed my first weeks of college for the better. It's an amazing way to meet new people and experience the beauty of the outdoors.” “It was great to go into Orientation already knowing 50+ kids...the friendships I made are lifelong for sure!!” “Collegebound was the best decision I ever made.” “Incredible experience. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
All responses are anonymous and from participants of the 2015 Collegebound canoeing and rock climbing trips.
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China 2%
Colorado 6%
Hawaii 3%
Iowa 5%
Illinois 5%
Maryland 3%
Minnesota 63%
Nebraska 3%
Utah 2%
Washington 2%
Wisconsin 6%
2015 Participant Demographics Collegebound participants come from all across the United States and other countries. More than 60% were from Minnesota in 2015 and more than 50% in past years.
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Gender Demographics
Female Male
Gender Ratio: 2004-2015
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2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Collegebound Participants by Gender
47%53%
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Program Vision Collegebound has proven to benefit many students who attend CSB/SJU and
makes for a great transition into college. Students begin their semester with friends, upper class mentors, and a memorable experience before they begin the academic year. If the program can grow by 50% in less than one year of planning, imaging how large it will become with long term guidance.
In order to increase participation, additional trips must be added along with more equipment, facilitators, and extensive training. The following sections outline goals for participation, samples for new and additional trips, and options for increasing the number of facilitators.
Program Goals Currently Collegebound does not have clear program goals identified on our website or in any form of documentation from past years. Clear program goals need to be established in order to record measureable impacts of students who participate and ensure that we are providing the most effective experience for incoming students.
Goals should include, but not be limited to the following:
• student growth and development • increasing self-confidence • gaining stronger communication, teamwork and intrapersonal skills • making meaningful friendships and relationships with students and facilitators • easing the transition into college; awareness and understanding of college life • gaining a sense of community; sense of place at CSB/SJU • camping, canoeing, climbing and other outdoor skills; connection to nature • environmental literacy, ethics, and awareness of their environmental impact on
the trip
Participation Goals:
2016 – 100 participants
2020 – 500 participants
2025 – 800 participants
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Proposed Timeline and Planning Framework • March 1: 2016 Registration Opens, first 10 people receive $100 off • April 1 : Early Registration I closes, price increases to $400.00 • April 15 : Scholarship Deadline • May 1: Goal for Full Registration, scholarship recipients notified, price
increases to $425.00 • June 1 : Registration Closes • August 17 – 24: Collegebound 2016
Marketing and Program Promotion
Goal: To place at least one piece of Collegebound information in the hands of each student and or parent that visits CSB/SJU on an admission tour
How 2015 Participants heard about Collegebound
Admissions C ounselor11%
Admissions fly-‐in weekend12%
Admissions website11%
Admissions brochure12%
Campus tour11%
Collegebound website8%
Facebook15%
Current/former student19%
O ther1%
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Collaboration with CSB/SJU Admissions Continue to maintain a good working relationship with Admissions staff. Outdoor U/Collegebound Representatives should have a presence at all Admissions Fly-in challenge courses, Minnesota Private College Week, summer CAMPus visit days, and campus visit days during the school year. Admissions enjoy our presence and collaboration with them during these events.
Important contacts to have:
Matt Beirne- Director of Admissions
- Provide Matt with updates on Collegebound enrollment and planning process - Speaks very highly of the Peer Resource Program and Collegebound - Can provide a list of incoming students who may be interested in Collegebound
if enrollment is low
Tom Voller-Berdan- Admissions Marketing Director
- Request access to the incoming class Facebook page - Assist with marketing and Collegebound promotion
Erik Aschenbeck- Admissions Event Planner
- Will provide the schedule of events for the upcoming season - Will provide a table to us during Admissions events
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Registration Process: Using the Outdoor University Marketplace, students must submit at least a $100 non-refundable deposit to register. In order to receive the $375.00 price for registration, the full cost must be paid in full by the April 1 deadline.
Things to think about:
Keeping track of deposits and full payments is possible but can get messy and difficult. Simplify the process by requiring one to only pay the full cost, or receive a discounted rate, $10, $15 off if one pays the full price right away.
Items to add to the registration form:
1. Parent Name, phone number, and email address 2. T-shirt size 3. Equipment needed to rent
a. Sleeping bag b. Sleeping pad c. Hiking/canoe pack
4. Level of experience a. I have no previous climbing/canoe experience b. I have some climbing/canoe experience c. I have extensive climbing/canoe experience
Registration is not complete until you have completed the following items:
1. Online registration form 2. Non-refundable deposit or full payment 3. Safety waiver
Possibly make the safety waiver and electronic document or online form.
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Trip Facilitators Current Collegebound facilitators must be a member of the Peer Resource Program. Additional facilitators will be needed to expand the trip to 100, 500 and 800 participants. Options for more facilitators include the following:
1. Make facilitating Collegebound a requirement of all Peer Resource Program members
2. Reach out to alumni and recent graduates to lead trips a. Pair a current student facilitator with an alumni
3. Open the process to any current CSB/SJU student a. Pair one student with one PRP member/experienced trip leader b. Have an application process. See example on page 22
Facilitator Training To ensure Collegebound continues to be reputable and successful, at the very minimum Wilderness First Aid should be a requirement of all trip facilitators. This includes current students who are not PRP members. Training should also cover the following skills:
Hard Skills
• Canoe strokes, safety, rescues • Portaging a canoe • Use of camp stoves and fire safety • How to set up a tent • Knot tying, hanging a bear bag • Navigation, map and compass • Lightning and weather safety • Leave-no-trace skills • Belaying (important for everyone) • Review of Wilderness Medicine
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Soft Skills
• Facilitation • Listening • Reading the actions of others • Awareness/how to prevent problems • Managing homesickness and emotional issues • Communication • Encourage healthy risk taking
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Equipment Needed Do NOT underestimate the equipment preparations needed to run a successful trip. The following items are needed for EACH group and should be in good working condition:
• 2 or 3 tents • 1 or 2 tarps • 1 camp stove • 2-3 canisters/1 bottle of fuel (more if weather is rainy) • Cook kit (includes pots, pot grabber, spatula, soup spoon) • Lighter/matches • First aid kit • 1 large rope • 1 food/canoe pack
Canoeing:
• 3 or 4 canoes • Paddles, lifejackets, map/compass, waterproof bag • Portage pads
Climbing:
• Climbing rope • Carabineers • webbing • Harnesses • Climbing shoes • helmets
Tips to ensure reliable equipment:
• Set-up each tent with rainfly. Test all zippers in both directions. Make sure there are enough tent stakes for the tent and the rainfly
• Test stove and fuel. Know how to properly and safely operate and instruct others to use it. If you cannot teach someone how to use it, then you do not know how to use it well enough!
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Collegebound Research Research is a vital part to growing our program. The following types of data should be collected in helping determine the success of our program:
• How participants heard about Collegebound • What state they are from • Level of outdoor experience • Intended major or interest • Reasons for participating in the trip
Additionally, follow up surveys should be collected following 1 year, and 4 years of college for all trip participants:
• GPA • Success at CSB/SJU • Graduation rate • Etc.
Outside research shows that students who participate in outdoor orientation programs have on average, higher GPA’s. This information can be used to argue for institutional support and funding in addition to outside funding sources and grant applications. This information will also provide support and incentives to parents in sending their children on these trips, leading to increased participation.
Project 100 Taking 100 students on Collegebound in 2016 will require additional trips for students. The following serve as trips to include in the 2016 trip selection with details below outlining the capacity and resources needed for each trip.
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Collegebound Trips
Canoeing the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness The most popular Collegebound trip to date, groups’ canoe in Seagull and Saganaga lakes and camp throughout their five day trip. Groups will spend the first night at Trails End Campground before entering the BWCAW the next day. All groups will exit the wilderness and camp for the final night in Grand Marais.
Number of groups: 4 male, 5 female Participants per group: 7 Facil itators per group: 2
North Shore Rock Climbing A smaller trip requiring more advanced training and safety precautions for facilitators, groups will camp at Eckbeck State Forest Campground and climb at Tettegouche State Park. Male and female groups will climb together but camp at separate camp sites. In addition to rock climbing, groups will hike throughout the park and explore waterfalls and scenery along the north shore.
Number of groups: 1 male, 1 female Participants per group: 7 Facil itators per group: 2
Canoeing the Granite River One group will begin their journey on Gunflint Lake and paddle north to Magnetic Lake and the granite river. This 20-30 mile route will provide calm water canoeing with views of rapids and waterfalls while camping along the way. Finish the journey by entering Saganaga Lake and ending at Trails End Campground.
Number of groups: 1 Participants per group: 7 Facil itators per group: 2
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Hiking and Backpacking the Superior Hiking Trail Groups will hike the Superior Hiking Trail while camping along the way. Swimming, scenery, spectacular views and waterfalls will make for quite an adventure. Beginning at one of the trailheads below, groups will hike on average 6-8 miles per day ending in Grand Marais or a Minnesota State Park.
Number of groups: 1 male, 1 female Participants per group: 6 Facil itators per group: 2 Route options include: Gooseberry Falls State Park to Tettegouche State Park – 33 miles
Finland Recreation Center to Temperance River State Park – 32 miles
Lutsen to Grand Marais- 35 miles
Cty Rd. 70 to Grand Marais (backwards down the trail) – 31 Miles
North Shore Camping Adventure Groups will camp at various state parks and forests along the North Shore from Gooseberry Falls to Grand Portage. Days will be spent hiking through the parks and exploring waterfalls and scenery. Highlights of this trip include a half day guided kayaking trip on Lake Superior or inland lakes, a half day sailing trip on Lake Superior, a tour or class at the North House Folk School and a naturalist presentation by a Minnesota State Park Naturalist. This trip is intended to introduce participants to basic camping and expose them to a variety of outdoor activities.
Number of groups: 1 (co-ed) Participants per group: 10, 5 male, 5 female Facil itators per group: 2 Vehicles Needed: 1 minibus or 2 minivans Campsites needed: 2 or 1 group camp site
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Sample Itinerary: North Shore Camping Adventure
Sample Itinerary 1: August 20: Arrive at Tettegouche State Park
Camp at Cart-in Campground or Primitive Group Camp
August 21: Camp, hike, explore, Naturalist Presentation at Tettegouche
August 22: Camp, hike, explore
August 23: Pack up, morning Kayak, camp at Cascade River State Park
August 24 Camp, hike, and explore waterfalls
August 25: Pack up, morning sail on Lake Superior, camp at Grand Marais Municipal Campground
Sample Itinerary 2: August 20: Arrive at Gooseberry Falls State Park
Camp at Campground or Primitive Group Camp
August 21: Camp, hike, explore,
August 22: Camp, hike, explore, Naturalist Presentation at Gooseberry/Tettegouche
August 23: Pack up, morning sail on Lake Superior, camp at Judge C.R. Magney State Park
August 24 Camp, hike, and explore waterfalls
August 25: Pack up, morning Kayak, camp at Grand Marais Municipal Campground
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FRESHMAN OUTDOOR ORIENTATION TRIPS Leader Application 2015
Dear Prospective FOOT Leader, Every fall at Yale, groups of eight to ten incoming freshmen and two leaders set out on four and six-day backpacking trips in the woods of New England during the week before classes begin. These trips give freshmen a chance to form new friendships, enjoy the outdoors, and, most importantly, share a positive experience that will help them start Yale on the right FOOT. As a FOOT leader, you would play a crucial role in the success of the program. During the August trips, you and your Co-leader would be responsible for not only the safety of your group, but also for fostering an enjoyable, stimulating group environment. FOOT leaders must show sensitivity, compassion, and enthusiasm, and have the ability to think calmly and quickly under pressure. Leadership experience takes many forms, and group skills are as essential to a good trip as outdoors skills. If you think you would like to be a FOOT leader but do not have outdoors experience or did not participate in FOOT as a freshman, please do not hesitate to apply. We will teach you the skills necessary to lead backpacking trips through several leader-training courses. Applications are due no later than 5:00pm, Thursday, January 29th. They must be submitted in TWO WAYS: A hard copy must be submitted in the Silliman Master’s Office (on the due date only), and an electronic version of your application must be emailed to [email protected]. The subject of your email submission should be “lastname firstname application 2015” and your document must be named “lastname2015” (but replace “lastname” with your actual last name, please). We will unfortunately not be accepting applications from sophomores who will be studying abroad in the Fall of 2015. All applications will receive two anonymous readings, and each applicant will be interviewed before Spring Break. If you are a freshman that went on a FOOT trip, your leaders will be writing recommendations on your behalf. If you are a sophomore applicant that went on FOOT, please have at least one of your FOOT leaders write you a recommendation letter and then provide a recommendation from a secondary source -- for example, a FroCo, a club leader, faculty member, high school mentor, or current FOOT leader. If you did not go on FOOT, you must still submit at least two recommendations, ideally from one of the additional sources listed above. The recommendation form for non-FOOT Leaders will be available at www.yale.edu/foot on January 27th. They should submit the recommendation form by Sunday, February 1. We will make our decisions based on the interview, the written application, and the recommendations. FOOT Leader Requirements:
l March 30, 7-9:30pm: Dean’s Office Pre-Orientation Leader Training l March 31: New Leader Meet-n-Greet l April 10, 2:30-5pm: Alternate Dean’s Office Pre-Orientation Leader Training l April 12: “Shakedown” l April 19: Spring Equipment Day l May 7-13: May Training (an extended training program including workshops and backpacking) l August 12- 22: SOLO Wilderness First Aid certification and leading FOOT Trips. We arrange for leaders to
obtain American Red Cross Standard First Aid and CPR certification (these dates are subject to change)
Attendance is mandatory at all FOOT training sessions. If you have any questions, please feel free to email [email protected] or call the FOOT Student Coordinators, Jerelyn (203.339.2744) or Isaac (347.701.1170). We look forward to hearing from you!
Priscilla Kellert Jerelyn Luther Isaac Hudis Program Director Co-Coordinator Co-Coordinator
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FRESHMAN OUTDOOR ORIENTATION TRIPS Leader Application 2015
This application is due in the Silliman Master’s Office by 5:00 pm on Thursday, January 29th. Again, if you have any questions/worries/concerns email [email protected] or call Jerelyn (203.339.2744) or Isaac (347.701.1170). Fill out this page and staple it to the rest of the application. Once we’ve entered your basic information into the database, we will fold and staple this sheet accordingly so that your name and information will be kept anonymous throughout the first part of the application process. Name: Birthday: Sex:
E-mail:
Student ID # (Please put this on each page): ____________________________________
Class: College:
College Room #:
Cell Phone #:
Ethnicity (Optional) Check any that apply: ___ White ___ Latino or Hispanic ___ African American, Black ___ Asian ___American Indian ___ Multi-ethnic/ Multi-racial ___ Other If you went on FOOT (it’s okay if you didn’t!), who were your leaders?
_________________________
__________________________
If you didn't go on FOOT, who will be writing your recommendations?
_________________________
__________________________
If you are applying to lead any other pre-orientation program, please write the name of the program here: _________________________ Please mark if you CANNOT attend: __ Friday, April 10, 2:30-5pm OR Monday, March 30, 7-9:30pm: Dean’s Office Pre-Orientation
Training __ Sunday, April 13: Shakedown __ Saturday, April 19: Spring Equipment Day __ May 7 – 13: May Training (an extended training program – workshops and backpacking) __ August 12-22: FOOT!
_____________________(Sign name on print copy)
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Please answer the following questions thoughtfully. Your responses must be typed and limited to three pages. Please double-sided printing if possible. 1. Why do you want to be a FOOT leader? 2. Please share one experience in which you felt like a leader. How did that help you develop your leadership abilities? 3. Describe the strengths of your leadership style and how they would help you address the potential challenges of leading freshmen through the woods. 4. What would you do in each of the following scenarios? A. You and your co-leader are leading a group of eight freshmen on the trail. You just realized you’ve been walking in the wrong direction for the past two hours. What are some ways that you might handle the situation?
B. One of your freshmen is complaining about being too tired to continue hiking. Identify
some possible causes for this and how you would address them. C. It’s now October after you’ve led a FOOT trip and you’re having dinner with the
freshmen from your trip. One of them mentions that she does not like her suitemates, and she has not found extracurriculars she enjoys. How might you address her concerns? 5. Describe an experience when you felt uncomfortable. What or who helped you feel more comfortable? How would you use this experience to make others feel more welcome? 6. Describe a situation in which you had to work with a person or group of people different from yourself. What were the most important lessons you learned from the experience? 7. For fun, tell us something that makes you happy!
YOU’RE DONE!
It’s always tough to say everything you want to in an application – so this is an opportunity to share any additional thoughts or information. If you’ve said enough, then feel free to leave this portion blank!
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2015 Collegebound Participants in Grand Marais, MN
2015 Collegebound Facilitators in Grand Marais, MN