Start your Whitman career off right by participating in a Scramble! Each year, three upperclassmen take nine incoming students on an outdoor adventure! Last year, you could choose from: backpacking in the Wallowas, Olympics, Mt. Adams or The North Cascades, sea kayaking in the San Juan Islands, canoeing on Ross Lake, climbing at Smith Rock, whitewater kayaking on the Salmon River, or whitewater rafting on the Salmon River.
Most trips are designed for participants with little or no outdoor experience, but there are
some strenuous trips for the more seasoned hiker.
There will also be two early scrambles for debate students, athletes, and international students, both trips will return with ample time for students to make any commitments to their sport, team or orientations).
Click here to look at dates and all the details from last years trips: 2011 Scrambles Brochure
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 the Scramble Coordinator Adam Michel 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
