Backpack buddies

On Aug. 14, 16 Wright State students, including 12 freshmen, traveled south to Hampton, Tennessee, for a week to take part in the Freshmen Outdoor Orientation Trip (FOOT).

FOOT is a unique wilderness experience that is led by trained upperclassmen along the Appalachian Trail.

The trip gives incoming students the opportunity to meet a small group of new classmates and establish relationships with older student leaders.

“This trip helped me make new friends,” said Maureen Roddy, a freshman majoring in medical laboratory science.

Participants hiked Roan Mountain, camped under the stars, cooked outdoors, played games, swam in waterfalls and maintained and repaired hiking trails in the area.

This was the 15-year for the FOOT trip, which is organized by Wright State’s Outdoor Resource Center. The trip is designed for students with all levels of hiking experience.