Welcome to the 2008 Scrambles!

Update: Scrambles are almost full!

Notice: We regret to remind you all, that, as some of you may have discovered, the athlete/debate/international scramble will not work for men's soccer and volleyball but they will work for women's soccer and both cross country teams.

Registration Information:
Registration for the 2008 First-Year Scrambles has begun! Space is limited, so register right away! Scramble trips are extremely popular and fill up quickly so sign up right away.  Last year, many trips filled up within a few days of the Scramble booklets becoming available.  All trips are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.  So, if you plan to go on a Scramble, send your application and full payment soon. All registration forms should be mailed to:

We will notify you of your trip placement within two weeks.  Payment should be in the form of a check or money order payable to the Whitman College Outdoor Program.  We cannot take credit cards.  When signing up, pay for your first priority trip.  Paid “Scramblers” will have reserved spots.  Failure to pay will place you on the waiting list only.  All Fees are nonrefundable after July 15th. Forms for registration are available here.

Enrollment Update:
All scrambles are full except for the two Athlete/Debate/International Scrambles.

Scrambles!
Start your Whitman Career off right by participating in a Scramble! Each year, three upperclassmen take eight incoming students on an outdoor adventure! This year, you can choose from backpacking, sea kayaking, canoeing, climbing, or whitewater rafting; most trips are designed for participants with little or no outdoor experience, but there are some strenuous trips for the more seasoned hiker. The trips begin between August 17th and 20th and all trips end on the 27th. There will also be an early scramble for debate students, athletes, and international students August 12-17.

Scrambles provide an excellent opportunity for incoming students to meet students, learn about Whitman, and gain a greater understanding of what to expect when they begin college. Scrambles also ease the transition from summer activities to college life by giving you the chance to meet new friends before school begins. So, how about taking a week before school starts for a wilderness adventure?

Interested? We thought so!

Want a taste of what Scrambles are all about?

According to President George Bridges, "Scrambles are an exciting and integral way that new students come to know Whitman and one another. Not only do they see and experience the spectacular recreational outdoors in the Northwest, our students form close friendship networks that last throughout their Whitman education and beyond."

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Lydia Hayes, scramble intern, at scrambles@whitman.edu.

“My Scramble helped to ease me into the college atmosphere comfortably and helped me gain a small base of close friends before meeting everyone. It really helped me through my transition into college.” – Andrea Seymour, ‘09

“Not only did I meet some awesome upperclassmen (my leaders) who were a great help in showing me the ropes my first semester, I also met people who are currently some of my best friends. I also learned a totally new skill, which I can use for the rest of my life! Go Scrambles!”  - Emily Davis, ‘08

“Scrambles give you immediate connections to other students, old and new, which persist throughout your time at Whitman.  You meet people you may otherwise never meet, and forge great friendships with them.” - Ginny Robbins, ‘08 

“Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the outdoors or a first-time camper, the Scrambles program is an incredible and unique opportunity to ease into life at Whitman College.  I found some of my best friends on my Scramble and it helped make freshman orientation an enjoyable experience.” - Danny Kaplan, '10