#  Harvard First-Year Outdoor Program 

 



##  Welcome to FOP! 

 [ FOR FIRST-YEARS arrow\_circle\_right ](https://fop.fas.harvard.edu/for-participants) 

 

       ![](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2025-12/Screenshot%202025-12-08%20at%2012.46.30%E2%80%AFAM.png?h=d9c8ac00&itok=CxTI0zA-) 

 

 



 

 



 

**Dear Harvard Class of 2030,**

Are you curious about FOP? Look no further:

 

 [ APPLY TO FOP 2026!!! arrow\_circle\_right ](https://harvard.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2to7BDWBBE4zSZg) 

 





 

 

 



 

 

 

    ![grass](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/styles/hwp_5_4__480x385/public/2025-12/IMG_DBA465614E85-1.jpeg?itok=VHZQGwzD) 

 



 

  

 

    ![jtt](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/styles/hwp_5_4__480x385/public/2025-12/IMG_5797.JPG?itok=ZXMTyFCd) 

 



 

  

 

    ![tt5](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/styles/hwp_5_4__480x385/public/2025-12/C2677C5A-5595-4ABF-BCFA-8C5AB80B0BCC.jpg?itok=wpx-xGNI) 

 



 

  

 

 

 

 

### Welcome to FOP! 

 

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 2025, 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.



 [ LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR FIRST-YEAR TRIPS arrow\_circle\_right ](https://fop.fas.harvard.edu/trip-types) 

 





 

 

 

    ![ontop](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/styles/hwp_5_4__480x385/public/2025-12/IMG_5787.JPG?itok=aDzJLBq1) 

 



 

  

 

    ![swimming](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/styles/hwp_5_4__480x385/public/2025-12/IMG_5793.JPG?itok=2EEa08lK) 

 



 

  

 

    ![fop36](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/styles/hwp_5_4__480x385/public/2025-12/IMG_3222.png?itok=7bUC9LS-) 

 



 

  

 

 

 

 

### Mission Statement 

 

The mission of FOP is to provide group adventure-based experiences that promote the development of social support and self-awareness for first-year students, and leadership development for members of the Harvard community. FOP should be a resource and support system throughout freshman year. FOP also maintains the following as central values:

- Compassion
- The equality and intrinsic worth of all people regardless of gender, age, race, sexual Orientation, religion, ethnic or socioeconomic background
- Responsibility to community
- Care and responsibility to the environment



 





 

 

 

    ![h](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/styles/hwp_5_4__480x385/public/fop/files/485208f4-3fd3-4d37-8bd0-659723fb9c30_2.jpg?itok=No2wrj48) 

 



 

  

 

    ![tarp1](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/styles/hwp_5_4__480x385/public/fop/files/tarp_1.jpg?itok=Tmmlr-SC) 

 



 

  

 

    ![tt1+2](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/styles/hwp_5_4__480x385/public/2025-07/IMG_5381_3.jpg?itok=lN8FbJOL) 

 



 

  

 

 

 

 

### Goals of the Program 

 

The goals of FOP for each participant are as follows:

- Improve the transition from high school to Harvard
- Make friends with fellow first-years and upperclassmen who can support and encourage each other
- Learn about cooperation, initiative, and endurance in a wilderness setting, leading to insights which may transfer to life at Harvard
- Develop a sense of community and a positive connection with Harvard as a whole



 





 

 

 

  ![apples](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/fop/files/apple_picking.jpeg)

 



 

  

 

  ![before](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/2025-02/BeforeCanoe.jpg)

 



 

  

 

  ![peak](/sites/g/files/omnuum5596/files/2025-02/Peak.jpg)

 



 

  

 

 

 

 

### FOP 2026! Coming Soon... 

 

Hey Class of 2030! We can't wait for you to join us on FOP this year! Official dates will be announced soon. Last year, move-in was August 18th and trips ran from August 20th to August 25!

Until then, as always, please feel free to reach out to us by email at <fop@fas.harvard.edu> with any questions, concerns, or cookies :)