REGISTRATION & FINANCES
WHEN IS TREK?
TREK 2024 starts on August 16 and ends mid-day on August 21.
HOW DOES TREK REGISTRATION WORK?
The lottery for TREK 2024 will be open from April 8 – May 22, 2024. During this period, any incoming student can enter the lottery to participate in TREK. As part of the lottery process, you will be asked to rank your preferred trips. On May 8, we will close the lottery and no new entries will be accepted. We will draw names from the pool of submissions and place everyone on one of their top 4 trips. Please note that entering the lottery does not guarantee a spot on TREK. Those who are not drawn in the lottery will be placed on the TREK Waitlist. If you are placed on the waitlist, don't lose heart! All applicants will be notified in late May as to whether they have been drawn in the lottery or waitlisted. If you are notified that you've been drawn from the lottery, you must formally accept your spot by completing the registration form and paying the registration fee.
WHEN CAN I ENTER THE TREK LOTTERY?
Online lottery registration will open on April 8 and close on May 22. For more information about registration please visit our Registration page.
WILL THERE BE PREFERENCE GIVEN TO STUDENTS WHO APPLY EARLIER IN THE LOTTERY WINDOW?
No. Completing your lottery application early in the open enrollment period will not impact or improve your chances of selection.
WHEN WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF LOTTERY RESULTS?
All those who sign up for the lottery by the deadline will be notified of their status (i.e., selected or waitlist) by late May.
IF I AM SELECTED, DO I GET MY FIRST CHOICE TRIP?
No, not necessarily. Depending on your placement once the lottery is run, other selected participants may have already filled all the spots your top-ranked trip. In that case, we will move down your trip rankings until you can be matched with an available spot. Our goal is to match the most people with one of their top 4 trips. You may be placed on any of the trips you ranked, so it is important that you do not rank trips you would not be interested in participating in.
WHAT IS THE BEST STRATEGY FOR RANKING TRIPS ON THE LOTTERY FORM?
Truly, the best strategy is to rank the trips in the order that you would most want to participate in them! Please only rank trips that you would be willing and excited to go on!
HOW MUCH DOES TREK COST?
Costs for TREK vary depending on program type. For more information about trips and trip fees, and information on financial support, please see our Costs page.
DO I PICK ONE TRIP OR MULTIPLE TRIPS?
Within your lottery application, you will be able to rank up to four (4) trips that you would be interested in attending. You can view available trips on our TREK Trips page. Please only rank trips that you are interested in going on.
DO TRIPS FILL UP?
Yes. The UVM TREK program is a highly sought-after experience for new UVM students, and spaces typically fill to capacity. However, we do maintain waitlists for all trips into July.
CAN'T YOU ADD MORE SPACES? WHY ARE THERE CAPACITIES?
Unfortunately, we cannot add more spaces to our trips. We work hard to bring as many participants as possible on TREK each year, but a number of factors go into setting our capacities, including, but not limited to: the amount of gear we have available, the number of trained and experienced leaders we're able to hire, the amount of individuals our service organizations can accommodate, and state park/trail regulations which set a capacity on the size of a group hiking trails and using state park land.
We want TREK to be a fun and safe experience for everyone, including our service and outdoor partners throughout New England. Capacities help us achieve that goal!
WHY DID I RECEIVE A STRANGELY-FORMATTED EMAIL FROM TREK?
We're implementing a new footprints tracking system this year to ensure we are answering questions in a timely and complete manner. With that being said, the adjustment to our new process has been bumpy and we occasionally make errors. We appreciate you bearing with us as we learn this new software -- if you have any concerns about an email you received, always feel welcome to reach out by responding directly to the email, or giving us a call.
TRIP EXPERIENCE
WHO IS TREK FOR?
The TREK program specifically serves our newest Catamounts, meaning that only incoming First-Year and Transfer students are eligible to participate. However, there are plenty of opportunities for all students to engage in service work and outdoor adventures all year long through the Department of Student Life, as well as our many outdoors and/or service-based clubs and organizations.
WHO ARE TREK LEADERS?
TREK Leaders are trained students who will be with you throughout the TREK experience. They're here to serve as your guide, facilitator, mentor, instructor, and friend— and help you safely and comfortably navigate the TREK experience. Whether or not you wind up going on TREK, we encourage you to consider becoming a TREK leader later in your UVM career. Learn more on our TREK Leader page.
HOW MANY OTHER PARTICIPANTS ARE THERE?
TREK is intentionally a small group adventure. Group sizes vary from 6-10 participants (called TREKkies) and 2-3 TREK Leaders. Across all our trips, about 300 new students participate in TREK each year.
WHAT KIND OF FOOD WILL I BE EATING? CAN ACCOMODATIONS BE MADE?
Food is love while on TREK! The sample menu below will give you a good idea of what to expect. All food is vegetarian with options to add meat on occasion. If you have food any allergies, are kosher, or have other dietary restrictions, you will be prompted to share them on your registration form. If you would like to talk through options, please call us (802-656-2060) so we can discuss alternatives. The following are representative items that go out with every TREK trip: powdered milk, cocoa, salsa, cheese, tortillas, beans, pasta, sauce, parmesan, trail mix, granola, oatmeal, 7-grain cereal, rice & veggies, chili, macaroni & cheese, bagels, dried fruit, raisins, tang & lemonade powder, hard candy, pita bread, soup mixes, brown sugar, butter, apples, oranges, pepperoni, and tuna.
HOW PHYSICALLY CHALLENGING IS TREK?
Some TREK trips come in a variety of ‘flavors’: mild, medium, or spicy to accommodate a variety of desires for level of physical challenge. We encourage you to read the 'Recommended Abilities' listed for your trip on our TREK Trips page. If you’re nervous about your trip or have specific questions about the difficulty of your specific TREK trip, we encourage you to e-mail us (trek@uvm.edu) for specifics. These e-mails go directly to the logistics team who are busy setting up your TREK trips. They will have the best understanding of the nature of your specific trip and can provide you greater detail.
The one blanket recommendation we’ll make is for those going hiking or backpacking: If you’re buying new boots for your trip, be sure to wear them around as much as you can before going on your trip! Wearing fresh pair of boots that haven’t been ‘broken-in’ all day while hiking can cause blisters, ouch!
WILL I BE ABLE TO SHOWER DURING TREK?
All Service trips, Vermont Multi-Sport trips and Adirondack Rock & Hike trips have access to bathhouses with running water and coin operated showers. All other trips do not have access to showers, though many have access to natural bodies of water to jump in!
HEALTH & SAFETY
WHY DO I NEED TO SUBMIT MEDICAL FORMS? WHAT IF I HAVE ALLERGIES OR OTHER CONDITIONS REQUIRING MEDICATION OR FIELD-BASED TREATMENT?
To ensure your safety, we need to be aware of all medical conditions past and present, and those that may arise between the time you submit your medical form and the beginning of TREK. If you become ill or are injured leading up to TREK, please call to let us know. Though you may be healthy enough to participate, it may make sense for us to place you on a less demanding or less remote route. We also encourage you to call (802-656-2060) or e-mail (trek@uvm.edu) us with any concerns regarding food or dietary restrictions. In order to accommodate food allergies or other dietary restrictions, we need to know of them well in advance of your arrival.
For TREKkies currently on medication for chronic conditions and/or who have disclosed those medications to us upon registering, expect to receive a follow-up phone call to assess necessary field accommodations. Remember, no problem is too small to discuss! A short conversation before TREK will avoid potentially larger problems in the field. All medical information is confidential and will be shared only with your leader team.
BECAUSE I COMPLETE MEDICAL INFORMATION FORMS FOR TREK, DO I STILL HAVE TO COMPLETE MY CENTER FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING FORMS?
Yes. We are two different offices with different forms for different purposes. All incoming students are still required to complete the Center for Health and Wellbeing's health form, which can be completed at uvm.edu/health.
WHY DON'T YOU ALLOW SMOKING?
Firstly is for legal reasons. The legal age for consuming alcohol, flammable or non-flammable nicotine and cannabis products in Vermont is 21.
Secondly is for safety reasons. Many of our trips take place in environments where emergency medical services are more difficult to reach. Introducing any mind altering substances onto a trip increases the likelihood of an incident to occur and inhibits the leaders ability to determine the severity of an injury.
Finally is for ensuring healthy community standards on our trips. College is an amazing time of self-discovery. We hope to foster an environment where you are unencumbered by certain social pressures. The only caveat to this policy is for individuals who have an addiction. Starting college and meeting new friends is stressful enough without the added chemical changes to quitting nicotine cold turkey. If you are in need of an accommodation to this policy we invite you to indicate so on your registration form and we will be in touch with you to make the appropriate arrangements.
WHAT HAPPENS IF STUDENTS CHOOSE TO LEAVE TREK?
There are typically 3 circumstances in which TREKkies leave our program:
- Evacuation due to accident, illness or injury
- A family emergency arises
- A student is struggling physically or emotionally on the trip and asks to return to campus, or a student has repeatedly violated UVM or TREK community standards and is asked to leave the trip
In cases of student injury or family emergency, TREK staff will work with families to arrange appropriate treatment and/or transportation home. Families may be responsible for all transportation costs. Families of TREK students who leave the field for whatever reason are financially & logistically responsible for creating alternative lodging and eating options for their student. While residence hall rooms may be accessed, there is no residence hall staff supervision or food service available until the final day of TREK. There are no refunds available to students needing to leave TREK, regardless of circumstance.
HOW CAN FAMILY/FRIENDS CONTACT ME DURING TREK?
Family members can call the Student Life Office (802-656-2060) to send along a message to a TREK student. The office is open Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.
PACKING & GEAR QUESTIONS
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Depends on what trip you're going on! Check out our Packing Lists to see what you'll need.
Can I borrow gear from UVM?
Yes! In addition to what is already provided, we have a limited amount of equipment and clothing that can be requested to borrow. If you indicated on your registration form that you would like to borrow gear, you must complete a Gear Request Form linked in your confirmation email. The deadline to complete this form is June 30, 2023. Below is a list of what items are available to borrow.
Clothing
Hiking Boots
Rain Pants
Rain Jacket
Fleece Pants
Fleece Jacket
Insulated Jacket
Insulated Gloves
Work Gloves
Hat
Non-Clothing
Day Pack
Overnight Pack (~60 Liters)- For Backpacking Trips only
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Bag Liner
Sleeping Pad
What kind of weather can I expect? Do I really need to bring all of the warm clothes on the packing list?
The weather can be harsh in New England... even in August! YOU REALLY DO NEED all the gear recommended on our clothing and equipment list! If you are joining us for Adventure TREK, you can count on a couple of wet, chilly, windy days and nights with temperatures near freezing. Although it is summer, a fleece hat and gloves are required. For those on the water sea kayaking, canoeing, or rowing, cold air temperatures combined with wind and rain provides perfect hypothermia conditions.
DO I REALLY NEED ALL OF THE ITEMS ON THE LIST?
Yes. We get lots of calls about what gear you 'actually' need, and our answer will always be: ALL of it. We're very intentional about creating our packing lists and do so to ensure you and your TREK crew are able to experience your trip safely and comfortably.
WHY DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE PERSONAL EQUIPMENT? WHERE CAN I FIND THESE ITEMS WITH THE GREATEST SAVINGS?
Because of the size of the TREK program, and varying nature of each individual TREK trip, our program is unable to provide personal gear for all TREKkies. Shopping via discount outdoor equipment company catalogs online can save a significant amount of time and money. Particularly recommended with price, quality, selection and dependability in mind are local gear outfitters here in Vermont:
- Outdoor Gear Exchange: Based in Burlington and co-owned by former UVM Outing Club president Mike Donohue '97. The OGE crew can save you money on shipping by packing your order for pick-up when you arrive on the morning of TREK registration! They also have a great bargin basement to find second-hand clothing and equipment.
- Other nationwide web-based catalog companies & retailers known for savings and quality include: The Sierra Trading Post, REI, Campmor, and LLBean. There are physical stores of LLBean, Sierra Trading Post, and REI in Downtown Burlington, South Burlington, and Williston respectively.
BUT I PROBABLY DON'T NEED *EVERYTHING* ON THE LIST, RIGHT??
Wrong! You need everything on your packing list! We'll be checking packs when you check-in. If you're missing items, we will likely send you out to get them before letting you go on your trip. Avoid the stress and pack accordingly!
CAN I BRING MY CELLPHONE?
We understand that some family members may want to have contact with their student during TREK. If an emergency arises, TREK Interns will have cell phones to use to call for help. If family members need to get in touch with their student, they can call the Student Life office (802-656-2060). The TREK staff will be able to contact the leaders of that student’s trip and relay the message, or make arrangements in the event of an emergency. Note: if your student is on TREK and chooses to bring their cell phone, these official channels should still be used to contact the student in case of an emergency. It is important that the TREK Interns and staff be involved in conversations of this nature to best support the student.
We know that it might be hard to unplug for the week, but it’s a big part of what makes TREK such a unique and powerful experience!
WILL I NEED MONEY DURING TREK?
Strictly speaking, no, you will not need any money. The cost of the program covers everything: housing, group supplies, food, snacks, and beverages. There may be a rare occasion however, when you will have an unforeseen problem or issue that requires you to buy something you weren't planning. TREK Leaders have basic "emergency" supplies like extra anti-itch cream for bug bites and extra feminine hygiene products, but they do not have enough for a week supply for individual students. If a Service or Basecamp Trip student needs something along this line, a TREK leader will take them to the store to buy what they need.