Frequent Questions and Answers

As the student coordinator of SCOOP, I am pleased to invite you to participate in a fun-filled Adirondack outdoor adventure.  SCOOP is an optional four-day program that precedes the mandatory New Student Orientation, and is designed to offer new students the opportunity to meet fellow first-year classmates and upper class student advisors while spending quality time in the majestic Adirondack Mountains.  The program offers a wonderful beginning to the first-year student experience at Skidmore College and offers a unique and exciting dimension to your first days as a Skidmore student--an experience which we believe will be especially enjoyable and rewarding. 

The Great Camp Sagamore (pictured above), a national historic site in the Adirondack wilderness near Raquette Lake, New York, offers a beautiful and adventure-filled setting for SCOOP. The Sagamore Instiute, which offers a year-round program of environmental education and Adirondack history, culture, and crafts, is especially excited to be collaborating with us. SCOOP is now entering its 17th year and is the longest running Skidmore pre-orientation program.  SCOOP can accommodate up to 90 first-year students, 10 upper class peer advisors, a student coordinator, Skidmore staff  and administrators, and a host of Great Camp Sagamore staff and licensed New York State hiking and canoeing guides.

Participation is on a first-come, first-serve basis, so I encourage your immediate response if you would like to participate in SCOOP.  Listed below are a series of common questions and answers regarding SCOOP for your information.  

Icebreakers on Case Green, SCOOP Class of 2013

Who can participate in SCOOP?

Do I need outdoor experience to participate in SCOOP?

When is SCOOP?

How do I sign up?

I sent in my SCOOP reservation form, authorization form, and payment... now what?

I look forward to meeting you in September!

Office of the Dean of Student Affairs
518-580-5760
June, July & August: Mon - Fri

Who can participate in SCOOP?

While we wish we could accommodate the entire incoming class of students, SCOOP is limited to 90 first-year student participants, and reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants are accompanied by upper class students selected to return to SCOOP as peer advisors after their participation in SCOOP as a first-year student. Once at the Great Camp Sagamore, the trip is run by one student coordinator and two staff administrators.

Do I need outdoor experience to participate in SCOOP?

You DO NOT need to be an experienced outdoor enthusiast to participate in this program. The Great Camp Sagamore provides lodging (beds and showers) for approximately 60 students. However, for those who prefer a complete outdoor camping experience, we have designed three wilderness options (Wilderness - Hiking OR Wilderness - Canoeing OR Wilderness - Hiking and Canoeing) for approximately 30 first-year students. Do not be discouraged if you are not an experienced outdoor enthusiast - SCOOP is designed for all levels of outdoor experience. A positive attitude, reasonable physical condition, and a desire to establish friendships that will continue throughout your years at Skidmore are the main ingredients for a successful venture.

How do I sign up?

Registration opens on May 1, 2010.  SCOOP:  Sign up.

When is SCOOP?

Pre-orientation for the Class of 2014 begins on Wednesday, September 1, 2009 (you will have access to your room to drop off your things).  You will return to campus by noon on Saturday, September 4, 2010 prior to the mandatory New Student Orientation (09/04/10).

I sent in my SCOOP reservation form, authorization form, and payment... now what?

All students who secure a place in the program will receive a confirmation letter in the mail along with specific information regarding SCOOP's schedule, trip details, and what to pack for the Adirondack adventure.  Please note:  confirmation will be after June 1.  Once you have reviewed this confirmation letter and enclosed packet of information, we are happy to answer any further questions you may have. Please direct questions to:

Hannah Mode '11, SCOOP Student Coordinator
Office of Dean of Student Affairs
Monday - Friday, 10a.m. to 4p.m.
518-580-5760
hmode@skidmore.edu