Greenwood Furnace Basecamping & Climbing
Challenge Level: MODERATE
This trip will take you to Greenwood Furnace State Park in the heart of Rothrock State Forest. The site of a 19th century ironmaking community, this area offers rich history hidden among a scenic parkland. On this adventure you will camp under the stars at your site each night, and by day you'll go on day hikes and go rock climbing as weather allows. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning about outdoor rock climbing, including both top-rope and bouldering, as well as for those seeking a retreat into nature. Get to know your fellow Bucknellians and make lasting connections throughout this unforgettable experience.
How to Prepare
You don't need to be an experienced camper, hiker, or climber to participate, but a baseline amount of fitness and comfort/eagerness to be outdoors will serve you well. During this trip, you will experience two kinds of climbing: top-roping and bouldering. The top-rope climbing portion of this trip will be guided and taught by experienced climbing instructors. This portion of the trip will take place on beginner to intermediate single-pitch (40–80 feet in height) rope-supported rock climbing terrain. The bouldering portion will consist of a wide range of difficulty, and will take place on shorter (8–12 feet in height), crash-pad-supported boulders. Hikes may range from 2–8 miles in length at a leisurely pace.
Expedition Itinerary
The experience below is only an example. Trips are subject to change based on weather, local conditions and other circumstances.
Day 1
7–11 a.m. Move into your residence hall. Breakfast on your own. Once you have moved in, leave the items you packed specifically for Buckwild in a separate bag in your room. You will have time to come back to get your things after your Pre-Orientation group initially meets. Any equipment that you will be borrowing from the program will be picked up later in the day once you are with your Pre-Orientation leaders.
11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Lunch at Bostwick Marketplace for all Pre-Orientation participants, their families and friends as guests of the University (no charge).
12:30 p.m. Meet with the associate dean, the professional staff members of Outdoor Education & Leadership and BuckWild student trip leaders in the Weis Center for the Performing Arts.
1:30 p.m. Family goodbyes. BuckWild officially begins! Students meet their trip leaders and head off to play games, pack and prepare for their adventures. Families can stay at the Weis Center to meet with the president, provost and dean of students for a welcome and reception.
Students will spend the rest of the day with their trip groups. They will have the opportunity to retrieve their gear and items from their dorm. That night, they’ll camp outdoors on Bucknell's campus.
1:45 p.m. Report to Malesardi Quad to meet with your BuckWild student trip leaders.
2 p.m. Families meet with the president, provost and dean of students in the Weis Center.
Day 2
Wake up, pack up your equipment and depart for your trip. Arrive at Greenwood Furnace State Park and set up camp. Travel to a nearby outdoor bouldering area and climb for the afternoon, weather depending!
Day 3
Wake up and enjoy breakfast. On this day, you will go on a day hike, play games, and relax in camp. Enjoy fun activities prepared by BuckWild trip leaders.
Day 4
Wake up and enjoy breakfast. Travel to a nearby rock-climbing site. Spend the day climbing before returning to camp for an evening of fun activities prepared by BuckWild student trip leaders. If weather doesn't allow for outdoor climbing, students will visit a local indoor rock climbing gym.
Day 5
Wake up, break down camp, and enjoy morning activities before departing for campus. Unpack from the trip. Go back to your residence hall to shower and relax before meeting up with your BuckWild leaders and enjoy a celebratory dinner with all BuckWild participants. Say goodbyes and return to your residence hall to rest before New Student Orientation begins tomorrow.