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Pathways 2026 (Dates TBA)
A William & Mary Tradition
| Pathways Dates |
Session I TBA |
|---|---|
| Application Dates |
Applications Open: May 21, 2026 Applications Close: July 13, 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 Financial aid is available for eligible applicants. |
|
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:
TBA
2025 Pathways Trips
- Backpacking the Appalachian
- Spend 4 days and 3 glorious nights backpacking in the Appalachian Mountains of VA.
- Backpacking Grayson Highlands
- Spend 4 days and 3 nights backpacking with wild ponies in Grayson Highlands SP, VA.
- Canoe and Camp
- Learn basic canoeing techniques and enjoy paddling and camping on Lake Matoaka, the James River and Holliday Lake State Park in Appomattox, VA.
- 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 sea kayak at 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 on the Shenandoah River, hike on the AT, explore caverns, gorgeous sunsets, and more.
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.
Watch a video from a past Pathways!
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 William & Mary 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 Check-In & Session II Early Drop-off
TBA
Questions:
Email us at [[pathways]].
