TREK: Outdoor Adventure takes place over the five days prior to Clark's on-campus orientation program and is held at the Bement Camp and Conference Center in Charlton, Mass., just 25 minutes from Clark University. Bement Camp is home to one of the largest high- and low-ropes courses in New England and offers more than 60 different challenge activities, such as a zip wire, climbing wall and spider web. The camp is rustic, but includes some comforts of home. The program is staffed by Clark student leaders and camp facilitators.
Clark TREK is for students of all abilities. You choose just how much you want to be challenged, and you're never forced to do something that makes you too uncomfortable. If the high-ropes course isn't for you, then you can try the low-ropes course or one of the other climbing activities. If heights just aren't your thing, there are plenty of challenging activities that keep your feet firmly on the ground. Please keep in mind-you will get wet and dirty. One of the activities involves water, and all of the activities will be held rain or shine. Activities will only be canceled in the event of lightning. So, be prepared to be outdoors in all kinds of weather.
Although TREK: Outdoor Adventure is designed for everyone, it helps if you are in good physical condition. You will be part of a team, and your teammates will rely on you to do your best in meeting the challenges. If you can play a vigorous set of tennis or basketball game, you should be in sufficient physical condition. If not, you can prepare for TREK by walking a brisk mile in less than 15 minutes at least three times per week.
More information about Bement Camp and photos of the facilities and activities are available online at www.bementcenter.com.
Team and individual challenges will help you with the transition to a new phase of your life and help prepare you for the challenges of college, such as solving complex problems, taking intellectual risks and working with others as a team. You will also have a chance to talk with your classmates, Clark student leaders and camp facilitators about issues related to the transition from high school to college life.
TREK: Outdoor Adventure is an "outdoor" experience much like camping. You will sleep indoors on bunk beds in wooden cabins. Restrooms are located close to all cabins and include private, heated showers. You will eat in a dining hall, and all meals are prepared by the Clark TREK chef! Vegetarian and vegan meal options are available. Electricity is also available in the cabins for hair dryers, radios, etc. We do not, however, recommend that you bring ANY valuables with you as the cabins do not lock and there is no secure place to store valuables.
If you still have questions, please let us know. You can call our office at (508) 793-7423 or drop Jason Zelesky, Assistant Dean of Students an email at jzelesky@clarku.edu.
Space on TREK: Expedition is VERY limited. The program costs $350 and includes EVERYTHING (transportation to and from Camp Bement, all meals upon your arrival to Clark on August 18, and the program course costs). A limited number of full and half scholarships are available.
If you are interested in being a part of this amazing experience, follow this link to the application!