Although August 28th marked the official Stockton Move-In Day, some 250 incoming freshmen moved in a few days early. These freshmen arrived to campus on August 25th, three days before the start of Welcome Week, to participate in Stockton’s Outdoor Adventure Retreat, or S.O.A.R. S.O.A.R. is something of a camping trip that lasts three days and two nights. First held in 2005, S.O.A.R. is a pre-orientation program that offers incoming students the opportunity to exercise both teamwork and leadership skills, as well as meet new people and begin their college journey with close friends. This memorable experience takes place at Camp Ockanickon, about 45 minutes from campus.
Before students are moved in and bussed to Camp Ockanickon, they are assigned a tribe. There are a total of eight tribes that make up S.O.A.R: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Navy, Sky, and Purple. Each tribe is led by four or five T.A.L.O.N.S., or The Activity Leaders of New Students. T.A.L.O.N.S. are upperclassmen who work to help new students assimilate to college life; they assist during both S.O.A.R. and Welcome Week. Once students are assigned their tribe and bussed to camp, the real fun begins.
The first day of S.O.A.R. is an introduction day. Students move into their living quarters, which are cabins containing bunk beds. Students also get the opportunity to meet fellow tribe members and participate in a variety of recreational activities. On the second day of S.O.A.R. students participate in low-ropes, which are trust building activities with members of their own tribe, as well as other tribes. The third day is designated for high-ropes, which are more difficult and personal challenges. Most of these challenges take place at least ten feet off of the ground and require the use of a harness. Some challenges, for instance, include rock climbing and tightrope walking. Students were encouraged to challenge themselves, but not to the extent of discomfort.
S.O.A.R. is an excellent way to meet other incoming freshmen. Camp Ockanickon offers the perfect opportunity to participate in a thrilling camping experience where students can go canoeing or kayaking, swimming, hiking, practice archery, and socialize with fellow students. Perhaps most important of all, S.O.A.R. teaches students to challenge themselves and to persevere in the face of difficulty, something that incoming college students may need to hear every now and then when they are discouraged or overwhelmed.