Welcome Class of 2016!

"Now the time had come in the courses of the seasons when the gods ordained that he should return home to Ithaca."

Coming to college can be exciting—and a little daunting—which is why we'd like to invite you to spend 4-8 days relaxing, enjoying the outdoors, and getting to know 6-8 other incoming freshman or transfer "trippers" and your 2 or 3 upperclass guides. Since Outdoor Odyssey (Odyssey) was founded in 1972, generations of new students have enjoyed new friendships, beautiful scenery, late nights under the stars, gourmet back-country cooking, and sage advice from their guides on Odyssey trips. The most enduring part of the Odyssey experience is undoubtedly the lasting friendships that emerge within a group. Many Odyssey trippers remain friends throughout all four years at Cornell, many choosing to live together as upperclassmen. We offer a variety of trips, from backpacking to canoeing to rock climbing to a base camp/day hiking trip and more! NO EXPERIENCE IS NECESSARY to participate.

Our mission is to provide Cornell students with pre-orientation trips that will serve as a fun and meaningful transition to life at Cornell. We'll help you stay comfortable and challenge yourself as much or as little as you'd like during your trip, regardless of whether you've climbed in the Himalayas or never spent a night camping. We hope you'll choose to join us for this unique and wonderful introduction to the many opportunities at Cornell!