FAQs

Story time! A poor confused WOOLFie walks into a room. “Oh gosh there are so many questions I have what ever will I do?!” they declare, exasperated.  To which an amazing and helpful WOOLF staffer replies: “Okay slay, you’ve come to the right spot! FAQs baby! Read below to answer all those nagging questions.”

  • No. There are WOOLF trips for all levels of experience as well as canoeing and rock climbing trips. We encourage everyone from those who have never gone on a day hike to those who spend all summer backpacking to participate!

    If you have any questions related to outdoor experience or ability, please reach out to the Student Directors (Kaleisha, [email protected], Amina, [email protected], Riku, [email protected])

  • No. WOC does a very good job of providing most of the gear. However, it is important that you bring all of the gear that you already own so that we have enough to go around. Also, WOC has a limited supply of clothing items (such as rain gear or fleece pants) so make sure you get in touch with the equipment team over the summer if you need those items!

    If you have any questions related to gear, please reach out to Fiona ([email protected]) or the Student Directors (Kaleisha, [email protected], Amina, [email protected], Riku, [email protected])

  • The miles hiked each day varies based on trip level (beginning trips go about 3 miles a day, intermediate trips travel 5-8 miles a day, and advanced trips generally hike 8-10 miles a day), but all trips spend much of the day on the trail (or the rocks or the water). The biggest difference between the trips is the pace.

    If you have any questions related to outdoor experience or ability, please reach out to the Student Directors (Kaleisha, [email protected], Amina, [email protected], Riku, [email protected])

  • WOOLF provides an excellent opportunity for you to get off campus and see the beautiful countryside surrounding Williams. Also, while the other EphVentures programs stay in the dorms, WOOLF allows you to connect with your new classmates in the wilderness. The bonds that many people form on WOOLF often lead to friendships that for the rest of one's Williams career and even beyond.

    If you have any questions related to orientation programming, please reach out to the Student Directors (Kaleisha, [email protected], Amina, [email protected], Riku, [email protected])

  • WOOLF groups generally have 8-10 incoming first years and two leaders who are generally sophomores. The two leaders are chosen from a competitive pool of applicants who are ready and excited to lead first years on an unforgettable  journey into the wilderness.

    If you have any questions about leaders or the trips in general, please reach out to the Student Directors (Kaleisha, [email protected], Amina, [email protected], Riku, [email protected])

  • All WOOLF trips are overnight trips excepts for BASE CAMPus. Frosh participating in BASE CAMPus will spend the nights in their dorms.

    If you have any questions related to outdoor experience or ability, please reach out to the Student Directors (Kaleisha, [email protected], Amina, [email protected], Riku, [email protected])

  • The WOOLF staff provides everyone with lots of delicious (especially for backpacking standards) food. You will be eating calzones, burritos, pasta, GORP (lots of GORP), bagels, hummus, and even some fresh fruits and vegetables. It's only the best for WOOLF - none of those freeze-dried, "just add hot water" meals for our WOOLFies. If you have dietary restrictions make sure you let the staff know over the summer and they will work with you to make sure there is plenty of delicious food for everyone.

    For water, everyone will start out leaving Williams with 2-3 liters of drinking water. As people run out of water we refill water bottles at any fast-moving water sources on the trail and purify the water with iodine. All the campsites have nearby water sources for cooking, etc.  The most important thing about water is to drink it (after its been purified of course)! We don't want anyone getting dehydrated or sick on the trail.

    If you have any questions related to food or dietary restrictions, please reach out to food staff Audrey ([email protected]). You can also contact the Student Directors (Kaleisha, [email protected], Amina, [email protected], Riku, [email protected]), and they can put you in touch with them.