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Pathways 2026
A Â鶹Æƽâ°æ Tradition
| Pathways Dates |
Session I 8/9-13 |
|---|---|
| Application Dates |
Applications Open: May 21, 2026 - |
| Eligibility |
Pathways is open to all freshmen and transfers who will be studying on campus for the first time in the Fall of 2026. If you have already been on campus, even for just one class, we invite you to join one of our TAP Trips in the Fall. |
| Fee |
$215 Payment instructions will be provided by email once you have been placed on a trip. |
| Cancellation & Refund Policy |
Exceptions will be made for health and family emergencies. All cancellations must be made in writing by the dates indicated above. |
2026 Pathways Trips:
- Backpacking the Appalachian
- 4 days and 3 glorious nights backpacking in the Appalachian Mountains of VA. Participants will carry 45-60lb packs, camping in primitive campsites along the way. This trip is physically demanding but does not require previous backpacking experience.
- Canoe and Camp
- Learn basic canoeing techniques and enjoy paddling and camping. Participants will visit Lake Matoaka, the James River, and Holliday Lake State Park in Appomattox, VA. Participants will travel from one location to another by van and paddle a wide variety of VA waters.
- Intro. to VA Rock Climbing
- Learn basic rock climbing skills and techniques while camping across Virginia. Enjoy a combination of indoor and outdoor top rope climbing. Open to all experience levels, including those new to climbing. Participants will travel by van from site to site camping along the way.
- Surf'SUP
- Camp at First Landing State Park and enjoy the benefits of beach camping. Participants will have a surfing lesson by one of our VA Beach partners. Participants will also have opportunities to hike, Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) and visit the ghost ships of Kiptopeke State Park.
- Base Camp (Bears Den)
- Travel to a base camp location near the Appalachian Trail where you will camp and experience a historic mountain lodge. Each day you will depart from your base camp to participate in a variety of adventures to include hiking, rafting, and visiting historical Harpers Ferry
What is Pathways?
Pathways is a unique way to start your W&M experience. During Pathways, you will meet other new W&M students and form lasting friendships. You will be led by experienced W&M students and learn valuable lessons. You will do all of this while participating in adventures, from the comfort of a tent to sitting around the campfire.
Campus Recreation's Tribe Adventure Program has historically offered incoming students a unique and transformative pre-orientation experience. Prospective participants can choose from a list of week-long outdoor activities such as hiking, paddling, biking, rock climbing, and more. Each Pathways program is designed to cultivate self-efficacy and ease the daunting transition into college life. During their week of adventure, students will be challenged to try new skills, engage in powerful outdoor experiences, and develop valuable social connections -- all before the semester even begins!
Pathways programs are led by Tribe Adventure Program (TAP) student trip leaders. Our Trip Leaders are all current Â鶹Æƽâ°æ students. TAP Trip Leaders undergo rigorous training in outdoor skills and are certified in Wilderness First Aid. Throughout the week of Pathways, participants are able to learn about life at W&M first-hand from their trip leaders. Each participant is personally welcomed into the Tribe community through the Pathways tradition.
No Experience Necessary. All are welcome on Pathways, no matter your previous level of outdoor experience. We would love to have you along on this pre-orientation adventure -- come TAP into the Outdoors with us!
Travel Considerations
Pathways Session II Check-in and Early Drop-off
The Tribe Adventure Program has worked very closely with Residence Life to schedule Session II to create a seamless transition from Pathways into Move-in and Orientation.
Students who are scheduled for Session II are encouraged to take advantage of the "Early Drop Off" on Sunday, 8/16. Pathways check-in will take place in the Bee McLeod Recreation Center lobby. When you arrive to check in for Pathways, Residence Life will provide you with information and a key to your room. You will have approximately 30 minutes to drop your belongings off in the room. There will not be time to set up your room. That will happen when you return to campus on Thursday. It is important to note that parents may not stay behind to set up the room. This is a security policy. Students will be expected to return the key to the Residence Life Staff asap. Parents are invited to return to the Recreation Center with their student for an informational presentation.
In some rare cases, a room may not be available for early drop-off. In that case, Campus Recreation will provide Pathways participants with a 4' x 4' secure space to put their belongings. Transportation for the student and their belongings will be provided when they return from Pathways.
If you are contacted to schedule a time for move-in, please inform them that you are a Pathways participant. Pathways participants have an exclusive group check-in already scheduled on the morning of Thursday, 8/20.
TAP staff will transport all Pathways participants to the Campus Living Center once they return from the field Thursday morning. Parents are invited to meet their student outside of the Campus Living Center between 8AM and 9AM on 8/20. Parents are asked to meet their student outside of the building.
Questions:
Email us at [[pathways]].
