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.
Roles
Club Roles
Comments