#  About 

 



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The First-Year Outdoor Program (FOP) is Harvard’s largest and oldest pre-orientation program. Since 1979, thousands of students have started their Harvard college experience by going on a FOP trip. In 2024, over 300 participants explored the Native Northeast's finest forests, mountains, and lakes in small groups. But FOP is not just an outdoors trip; it is an opportunity to build a sense of community, reflect on your hopes for college, and enter with both confidence and a network of close friends. **No outdoor experience is required!**

Our variety of week-long hiking, site-based, service, and switch (part hiking, part canoeing) provide an excellent learning environment where cooperation, initiative, and reflection lead to the development of a strong community and to personal insights that are helpful even in the urban setting of Harvard. Trips are designed for all levels of experience and fitness **(including accessible outdoor experiences)** and are led by Wilderness First Aid trained and experienced upperclassmen students. FOP is run by an undergraduate steering committee and a director, and is administratively operated through Harvard College's Dean of Students Office.