1. How will I know what to bring?
All kayaking, camping, and mountain biking gear will be provided by Franklin Pierce. We also take care of food for the week. Clothing, hiking boots, and a few basic essentials are yours to provide. You will receive a complete gear list on August 1 specifying the type of clothing and appropriate footwear that will leave you comfy and dry. The equipment list is also online

2. Do I have enough outdoor experience to participate on a Power Trip?
Absolutely. Your trip leaders have the knowledge you need to be successful in the woods. You will learn about tasty backcountry cooking, packing a backpack or a boat, managing blisters, purifying water and, yes, pooping in the woods. For any level of experience, this is a great opportunity to learn how to travel through the outdoors well.

3. Should I pick Week One or Week Two?
All participants who live in New England, within a few hours drive of campus, are encouraged to take part in week one. For those living outside of New England, unable to make multiple trips, sign up for week two. There will be a campus shuttle at the Manchester Airport for Week two participants – August 26th 2:00 pm. Please note that Week One participants will return home before beginning the fall semester. However, Week Two participants will return to campus for Freshmen Move-In Day.

4. What kind of training do the leaders have?
Our student-leaders are chosen for their love of the outdoors, judgment, leadership skills and lovely personalities! They go through two weeks of summer outdoor leadership training, including a 3-day Wilderness First Aid certification in emergency medicine.

5. What about food?
We will carry and prepare all of our meals until the closing BBQ on Thursday. There will be terrific vegetarian meals, but if you have food allergies, a strict vegan diet or a different food need, it’s important to inform your trip leader during the telephone call you will receive before your trip.

6. What are the physical demands of this trip and how should I prepare?
Prepare for the Power Trips by staying active this summer. Run, hike, do pushups, swim, or bike. Power Trips are four full days of activity, so be ready! Our first priority is safety and fun, but you’ll have more fun if you’re physically prepared to hike, paddle or climb.

7. Will there be shuttle transportation for students flying in?
Yes. A Franklin Pierce shuttle will arrive at Manchester Airport on Tuesday, Aug 26th for week two participants, at 2:00 pm. If you make flight arrangements, contact Doug Connelly (603-899-1057) to make sure the driver will be looking for you. The driver will be wearing a ‘Franklin Pierce’ shirt.

8. Where do we go?
The routes change a little each year, but we always like to stay in the beautiful Granite State. Paddlers often go north to Umbagog Lake, or paddle sections of the Magalloway, Androscoggin or Connecticut Rivers. Backpackers travel through the White Mountains – typically the Kinsman Ridge, Bondcliffs, or the Mahoosucs. Other cool spots are closer to home, like Mount Monadnock or the Wapack Range.