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FOP – K: First-year Outdoors Program – Kayaking

Looking for an adventure that will assist you as you segue into your MIT experience? The First Year Outdoor Program (FOP) – Kayaking will promote community, self-discovery, relationship building and fun. FOP Kayaking will build strong friendships, expand your potential, and help others grow, all while part of an unforgettable outdoor experience.

The FOP Kayaking program is offered through the Thompson Island Outward Bound School. The program takes place on Thompson island and the surrounding Boston Harbor islands. Participants will reside on the harbor islands and kayak between them for the duration of the program. The full program is guided by experienced Outward Bound instructors.

**This program involves extensive outdoors time including lodging in a tent.

Physical Education Points

MIT has a Physical Education requirement. Students must complete 8 points (4 classes) and pass the swim requirement. Students are responsible for completing the Physical Education General Institute Requirement by the end of their sophomore year. The First-year Outdoor Program will grant 2 Physical Education points upon completion of the program and submitting the journal assignment by Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

What Will We Do?

FOP experiences will teach self-reliance, offer the strength and freedom that comes with knowing how to care for oneself and one’s group. Instructors will enable learning by guiding FOP participants in value forming experiences – to ensure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an indefatigable spirit, tenacity in pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denial, and above all compassion. Wilderness skills, working in small groups, environmental stewardship, team dynamics, service, and a solo are designed into the programs. All this in five days and in a safe environment.

Kayaks are highly maneuverable, easy to learn, and allow access to little nooks and crannies where other types of vessels are limited. Students will learn and demonstrate the ability to “wet exit”, a simple escape from an overturned boat, plus rescue procedures before they set off on expedition. Skills taught include open water navigation with charts and compass, all the necessary strokes to effectively pilot a kayak, reading the water, proper rescue techniques, and group travel. There will be substantial paddling each day, and there will also be an opportunity to learn about the marine environment.

FOP – Kayaking Specifics

  • Dates: Tuesday, August 22 – Saturday, August 26, 2023
  • Cost: $585
  • Available Space: 11