On Saturday August 19th, 2017 Andrew Tregurtha of Ridgefield, along with over 250 first-year University of Vermont students, were led by 80 upper class peers as they began their UVM experience as part of the UVM TREK program, a unique, seven-day first year enrichment program sponsored by the University's Department of Student Life.
Andrew Tregurtha participated in Rock Climbing TREK. A part of the Wilderness TREK program which provides students the opportunity to build lasting friendships, initiate self-discovery, and explore the people and landscapes that are Vermont, Rock Climbing TREK provides incoming students an opportunity to learn the basics of rock climbing -from safety, equipment, belay techniques, climbing techniques and top roped anchor system while visit legendary rock climbing sites throughout Vermont and the Adirondacks.
For 38 years, UVM's TREK program has sent new students all over the state of Vermont to explore the region's wilderness, develop leadership skills, and work on community service projects. TREK is one of the biggest and most diverse new-student, collegiate, community building programs in the north east region.
The UVM TREK program offers first-year students diverse experiences and self-directed opportunities to learn about themselves, future classmates and student life at the University of Vermont. Working in small, cooperative groups with upper class leaders, TREK gives students with similar co-curricular interest an opportunity to develop teamwork skills, meet new friends, build community and make transition to life at UVM. This year consisted of twelve different trips in the areas of community service, leadership development (Animal Rescue, Better Burlington, Catamount Trail, Farm & Food, Habitat for Humanity, and State Park) and wilderness exploration (Hiking, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Sea Kayaking, Whitewater Kayaking, and ALANA Trek for students of color interested in the outdoors).
For more information on the TREK program, please click here or contact TREK directors: John Abbott (Wilderness) jdabbott@uvm.edu or Laura Megivern (Service TREK) lmegivern@uvm.edu in the Department of Student Life at (802) 656-2060.