Welcome!
Welcome to Whitman College. The Whitman College Outdoor Program takes students hiking, biking, rock climbing, mountaineering, kayaking, canoeing, rafting, cross-country skiing, telemark skiing, and snowshoeing throughout the year. This August, the Outdoor Program is sponsoring sixteen Scrambles designed to introduce new Whitman students to “Seasoned Whitties” and to offer some fun-filled, non-academic aspects of college life. 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 starting off your Whitman career with a canoeing, sea kayaking, climbing, hiking, or rafting trip in a spectacular Northwest wilderness setting? This brochure is your invitation to join us on one of the 31st Annual Whitman Scrambles, an experience you will never forget!
Many graduating seniors claim that their Scramble trip was one of the best experiences of their college career. These wilderness based trips are not only a lot of fun but a great opportunity to make new friends and start building a community. Students often claim that Scrambles helped them start school more confidently, and prepared them with a new set of friends and a better understanding of life at Whitman. Scramblers have the opportunity to ask their upperclassmen trip leaders numerous questions about college life, and find out about great things to do in Walla Walla: the best off campus getaways, the opportunities offered by various clubs and sports, what different classes are like, and many other helpful informative tidbits.
Unless otherwise noted, most Scrambles are geared toward beginners with little or no experience. Some of the trips are a bit more rigorous and adventurous, while others are more relaxed. As long as you are in reasonable shape, you should have an enjoyable time. Be sure to check the trip descriptions for more details and specific requirements. Experienced OP student outdoor leaders coordinate all of the Scramble trips.
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 (trip cost as well as damage deposit) soon.
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.
There are inherent risks and hazards in living and traveling in the remote wilderness areas through which Scrambles travel. Whitman is committed to minimizing these risks as much as possible, but risk cannot be entirely eliminated. Freezing temperatures, rivers, rock fall, lightning, and other hazards encountered during wilderness activities, can challenge even the most experienced outdoor leader. Errors in judgment or the unpredictable forces of nature can become potentially life threatening. Scramble leaders have been selected for their first aid training and backcountry experience. A four-day required Scramble leader training further prepares them. They carry first aid kits and are expected to follow Whitman evacuation procedures. Each group also carries a cell phone in their van, but these cannot be expected to work in remote areas.
The majority of medical incidents such as strains, sprains, scrapes, and minor cuts can be treated in the field. A more serious injury may require evacuation to a medical facility and would need to be covered by a student’s health insurance plan. It could take hours or days to reach definitive medical care depending upon where an injury occurs. It is important that you understand that there are risks. Scramble leaders and participants learn to identify hazards and adapt behavior. If you have any further questions about risk management on Scrambles, please contact the Outdoor Program Director or Assistant Director.
Expectations
Every student plays an important part in the success of their Scramble. Participants are expected to transport their own gear and share in all trip responsibilities. A positive attitude and good physical conditioning are important. You will also be sleeping outdoors and may be in a coed tent group. You are expected to take care of yourself in weather conditions that can sometimes be unpleasant and you will be involved with setting up and taking down camp, cooking, cleaning, and other group tasks. Leave No Trace (LNT) techniques will be practiced during all Scramble trips in order to help protect the beautiful wilderness areas of the Northwest. Expect the unexpected and be prepared to be flexible. Weather, trail conditions, and other things may not be what you expect. However, humor, a good attitude, hard work, and tolerance for adversity will help you tackle these challenges should they arise. Furthermore, good group dynamics don’t just happen but are the result of hard work, thoughtful interactions, good intentions, and a respect for people with diverse backgrounds. Please join us if you are interested in building a well-functioning, cohesive group. Scrambles are designed to ease your transition into life at Whitman College and are a great introduction to the popular Outdoor Program. You will get to develop friendships that will likely last your college career and beyond.
Start your college life off on the right foot by joining us on a trip!
The Scramble Program offers a scholarship to students receiving significant need-based financial aid. The Outdoor Program will work closely with the Offices of Financial Aid and Dean of Students to determine eligibility. We have a limited number of scholarships, and the scholarships will be available on a first-come first-served basis. Generally, the scholarships, if granted, will cover 50% of the scramble cost, but depending upon circumstances, some students may qualify for additional funding. When registering for your scramble, you must provide the remaining 50%. If you are applying for additional funds (beyond the 50%) you will need to contact the Dean of Students office for a waiver of this requirement. If you do not receive a scholarship, you may choose to receive a full refund of your registration fee and deposit or provide the remaining balance for your registration fee by July 15th.
There are a limited number of flights to Walla Walla, so you should make travel arrangements as soon as you are confirmed on a trip. In July, you will receive a letter from your Scramble leaders with additional trip details. Included in this letter will be a travel plans form. Please fill out this form and return it to the Outdoor Program. We will make arrangements to pick you up at the Walla Walla airport. You are on your own if you choose to travel to Walla Walla by other means. All Scrambles will start with a group meeting at 1pm in the Ballroom of the Reid Campus Center on the start date of the Scramble. For example, if your Scramble dates are August 19th-27th, you will meet for the first time at 1pm on August 19th. Your group will then spend the afternoon organizing group gear and food. Lodging will be provided in Walla Walla for the group and the Scramble will leave by van early the next morning. All Scrambles will return to Whitman on August 27th, and we will have the Scramble closure ceremony on the side lawn of Reid Campus Center at 6pm. Parents are welcome to join us for fun reminiscing. After the ceremony, scramblers will be allowed to check into their residence halls between 8pm and 9pm but will not be able to get access to Anderson storage until the morning of August 28th at 9am.
Is there an option for flying other than the Walla Walla Airport?
Scramble participants can also fly into the Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco, WA and ride the Grape Line Shuttle from the airport into downtown Walla Walla or to the Walla Walla Airport. The shuttle runs three times daily and costs $6.50. For more information or ticketing, visit the Grape Line website (www.grapeline.us) or call 1-877-433-4775.
Athlete/Debate/International Scrambles
The “Eagle Cap Conquistadors” and “Wallowa Varsity” Scrambles are for incoming students who need to be on campus early for activities. These trips are both scheduled for August 17th-22nd and will be completed in time for all fall sport pre-season, debate and international student activities. Due to housing challenges, this trip is only open for fall sport athletes, debaters and international students.
Food, transportation, and group gear are all included as part of the trip. Group gear includes such items as stoves, cook gear, tents, canoes, rafts, and kayaks. Personal gear is not included as part of the trip fee, but the OP Rental Shop can provide some personal equipment such as backpacks, rain gear, and sleeping bags for a nominal fee. Call the Outdoor Program Rental Shop at 509-527-5965 to check on rental rates and availability. A detailed list of necessary personal equipment will be included in your Scramble packet and is also available on the OP website. http://www.whitman.edu/outdoor_program/
We have no lodging on campus if you arrive early. Lodging will start on the start date for your trip. However, many Scramble leaders have off campus housing so you can talk with your leaders and most are happy to put you up. Otherwise, you can rent a hotel room for the night in Walla Walla or Pasco.
We will provide a place for you to store your belongings while on your Scramble. Your items must be well-labeled and will be placed in a storage room. You will not be allowed into your residence hall room until the evening of August 27th at 8pm to sleep but should not plan on moving things in until August 28th at 9am when all other First Year students get the opportunity to move in.
Drug, Alcohol, and Smoking Policy
No drugs or alcohol are allowed on Outdoor Program trips. Furthermore, smoking is also prohibited due to fire concerns and the strange dynamic that sometimes results from having a division between smokers and non-smokers in a group.
Be sure to send the following along with payment when you register (forms can be found here):
Additional Questions You May Have:
What training does my Scramble Leader have?
All Scramble leaders are required to possess current CPR certification, first aid, and the Whitman 15-passenger van driver training. Every Scramble is also required to have at least one leader with a more advanced first aid certification such as Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness EMT. Scramble leaders also participate in a required four-day backcountry Scramble Leader training provided by Whitman. Many students also take an optional two-credit Outdoor Leadership class to prepare themselves.
What safety and communication equipment do leaders carry?
Each Scramble carries a first aid kit, two epi-pens, and a cell phone in the van.
Could wildfire pose a problem to some Scrambles?
Some Scrambles in the past have had to change their routes or go to other areas. All leaders will check with the forest service or appropriate land management agency in their area before starting in order to obtain permits and assess conditions.
Whitman
College Outdoor Program
345 Boyer Ave
Walla Walla,
WA 99362
http://www.whitman.edu/outdoor_program
scrambles@whitman.edu
Lydia
Hayes – Scramble Intern
hayesln@whitman.edu
– (509) 527-5965
Alicia Riley – Rental Shop Manager
rileyab@whitman.edu
– (509) 527-5965
Brien Sheedy – Director of Outdoor Programs
sheedybr@whitman.edu
– (509) 522-4395
Salmon Norgaard-Stroich – Assistant Director of Outdoor
Programs
norgaas@whitman.edu
– (509) 386-7343
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