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To contact the Fireside Program
Email: fireside@unh.edu

Phone:
603-862-4378

The Summer Fireside Program is an excellent opportunity for you to learn about UNH by interacting with faculty, older students and other incoming students before school starts. During the academic year Fireside continues to provide weekend re-union trips to its alumni.

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Research on the summer Fireside experience

Research conducted on this program has shown that Summer Fireside help participants develop autonomy, interdependence and better working relations with others. Gains in these areas have often assisted students in adjusting to University life. Fireside participants have been shown to achieve HIGHER GPAs when compared to participants of other orientation programs and alumni often describe the Fireside experience as one of the best experiences of their college career!

Long Term Effects of Fireside Orientation Program (PDF)

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The Fireside Difference!

Fireside is not just an outdoor adventure experience, although much of the program is conducted in a wilderness setting. Fireside is an exploration of the college experience by meeting other students and accepting and sharing challenges together. The experiences expose students to challenge and adventure in the wilderness setting and utilize those shared experiences to focus upon the challenge of college life. Fireside brings university faculty, successful student leaders and first year-students together in a shared experience.

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Experience needed:

While Summer Fireside requires individuals to reach beyond any self-imposed limits, all tasks are within the capability of the average healthy student. Previous outdoor experience is NOT necessary. Required skills are taught as part of the program. It is important to note that being in good condition will make the experience a lot more enjoyable.

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Trip Outline:

The Summer Fireside backpacking and rock climbing trips consist of three-day experiences. Originating in Durham, participants will be using the various natural settings of New Hampshire during the Fireside Adventure Experience Program.

The Browne Center Challenge Course, Durham: A challenge course is an “obstacle course in the trees” providing physical activities that focus on stretching personal boundaries and solving problems as a group.

Rock Climbing:
Rock climbing is used by Fireside to help students learn to set goals, make decisions and trust themselves and each other. Through this activity, students come face to face with personal strengths and weaknesses and develop a better understanding of how they deal with stressful situations.

Backpacking, White Mountain National Forest: Explore New Hampshire’s beautiful White Mountains. Look out over tree filled valleys, hike through the clouds over the highest mountains east of the Mississippi, all while making friends for life. In fact, many Fireside alum are still in contact after 20 years!

Magical Mystery Tour, University of New Hampshire: A tour of the UNH campus with an adventurous twist provides students with first hand exposure to the university and a personal meeting with the faculty and staff.

Managing Risk

Instructors are highly qualified in risk management procedures and are knowledgeable about each activity and the risks involved. While the dangers associated with the wilderness are real, minimizing those risks is a major and constant concern of the Fireside Adventure Experience. Often underestimated are the social risks involved in participating in a small group experience. Instructors strive to create an emotionally supportive atmosphere where participants can take risks, challenge themselves, and grow.

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Instructors

The Fireside Experience Program is directed and administered by professionals who supervise a talented group of student instructors. Fireside trip leaders are selected for their technical competence, leadership skills, and teaching excellence. They are well prepared to facilitate your wilderness experience, help you learn about UNH, answer your questions, and help you meet new people.

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Equipment List

We have attached a list that details the equipment and clothing necessary for the trip.  Much of the equipment is provided by Fireside and the Outdoor Education Program of UNH.  Please refer to the list for exactly what gear we can provide.  Please limit yourself to the items on the list and note that Walkmans, radios, makeup, shampoo etc. are excluded from the list intentionally.  You may be surprised at how liberating it is to live without so much clutter.  Do not worry though.  We will do a thorough equipment check before we leave campus.  We will be happy to answer any equipment questions before you arrive or at the equipment check.

BRING

DON'T BRING
Electronics (walkman’s, cell phones)
Drugs, alcohol or tobacco products 

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Registration

If you fill out the early registration form and return it before July 1st, you will have the priority when the trip rosters are formed. Fireside trips have logistical, budgetary and programmatic constraints therefore filing out the early registration form does not guarantee you a spot. If you are in a trip roster, you will be notified by the third week of July. After you are notified you will be asked to finalize your registration by sending your non-refundable check to fireside.

If I miss the early registration will I get another chance? Yes! You will get another chance. Enclosed with your residential life package, which you should receive by the third week of July, you will receive another Fireside brochure. The registration form below should be returned before July 30th to the Fireside office.

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Please mail the falling form to:
Summer Fireside Orientation Program
University of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Hall
124 Main Street
Durham, NH 0382

Name:__________________________________________

Address:________________________________________

Email:__________________________________________

Phone:_________________________________________

For more information or questions:
Call: 603-862-4378
Email: fireside@unh.edu

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Forms

Needs and Request Form
Medical Information Form
General Release and Assumption of Risk

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there showers on the trip?
Nope! There is biodegradable soap for washing your hands during the meal time.

Can I bring my cell-phone?
Nope. Many of the places we will be visiting don't have reception for phones and weight is a critical issue as you will be carrying all of your belongings.

Can I bring cigarettes?
Fireside has a no drugs policy which includes cigarettes, alcohol, and any illegal substances.

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