Registration for NRB Overnights opens June 5, 2026!
Kick off your RPI experience with one of our Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond Overnight Trips! We offer four different types of overnight trips: summer camp-style experiences, small group excursions, peer-led adventures, and a community service focused trip. Check out the details for each below as you start to plan for Fall 2026!
Questions? Reach out to fye@rpi.edu.
Fall 2026 NRB Overnight Summer Camp-Style Experiences
Looking for a more structured experience in an outdoor summer camp-style environment? This might be the trip type for you! Hosted at YMCA and private summer camps throughout upstate New York, these trips give you the chance to connect with peers through camp staff facilitated activities, meals cooked in an actual kitchen, and large cabin or tent style sleeping arrangements, all while staying “on the grid” and having access to modern bathroom facilities. These trips are generally larger, with some having up to 100 participants. Check out our Fall 2026 NRB Overnight Summer Camp-Style Experiences below.
You should go on this trip if you like camping but still want a real bathroom, you’re interested in sustainability, planets, and the stars. Your stay at Camp Fowler will include rustic cabin accommodations with your fellow classmates. Explore outdoor adventure-based activities including guided hiking and boating, campfires, and night sky tours. Free swim will also be available throughout the trip on beautiful Sacandaga Lake in the Southern Adirondacks region of New York.
Capacity = 126 students
You should go on this trip if you like camping but still want a real bathroom and enjoy outdoor based activities including hiking, campfires, swimming and more. In addition to these activities, Camp Echo Lake features an aerial adventure course and rock climbing wall. Your stay at Camp Echo Lake will include cabin style accommodations with your fellow classmates.
Capacity = 96 students
Fall 2026 NRB Overnight Small Group Excursions
Interested in connecting with a smaller group while enjoying the outdoors? Consider our small group excursions! These trips allow students to engage with one another and explore activities such as whitewater rafting, hiking and canoeing, or even fresh water science. Sleeping arrangements vary per trip, but include pop-up tents, lean-tos, and lodge style accommodations. Some trips allow for a maximum of 24 participants, while others allow for up to 10. Check out our Fall 2026 NRB Overnight Small Group Excursions below.
You should go on this trip if you like adventure, you’re not afraid of getting wet, and you want to meet other first-year students who enjoy the outdoors and sleeping in tents riverside without the conveniences of modern bathroom facilities. This trip is a fantastic way to see the Adirondacks and get connected with classmates. The trip begins with a full day of Class III rafting to a campsite on the Hudson River. The second day has opportunities for hiking and swimming. Day three, you'll pack up camp and rail bike out alongside the river. During this adventure, you’ll become an integral part of a team that must work collaboratively to overcome challenges such as lighting a fire, setting up camp, and transporting gear.
Capacity = 24 students
You should go on this trip if you like adventure, you’re not afraid of getting wet, you want to meet other first-year students who enjoy these activities, and you wouldn’t mind sleeping lakeside in a tent or lean-to without modern conveniences. This trip is an excellent way to see the Adirondacks and get connected with classmates. You will begin day one by paddling to your campsite. On day two, we'll be hiking or canoeing, and day three we'll break down camp and canoe back to the launch. During this adventure, each person becomes an integral part of a team that must work collaboratively to overcome challenges such as lighting a fire, setting up camp, and transporting gear.
Capacity = 24 students
You should go on this trip if you like adventure, you’re not afraid of getting wet, and you want to meet other first-year students who enjoy the outdoors and sleeping lakeside in a tent or lean-to without modern conveniences. This trip is a fantastic way to see the Adirondacks and get connected with classmates. The trip begins with a full day of Class III rafting. The second day includes a guided hike with opportunities for swimming and on day three, you'll kick off the morning with a guided kayaking trip before departing for campus. During this adventure, you’ll become an integral part of a team that must work collaboratively to overcome challenges such as lighting a fire, setting up camp, and transporting gear.
Capacity = 24 students
You should go on this trip if you have an interest in biology, ecology, and the environment, or just like being outside. During this trip, you’ll spend time learning about the research performed at the Darrin Fresh Water Institute. You’ll also be presented with environmentally based team-building activities, all at the foot of the Tongue Mountain Range and the historic Narrows of Lake George. Friendships begin immediately as you plan your meals and choose activities like canoeing, kayaking, hiking, or swimming. You’ll experience all of this while learning the basic practices of limnology (fresh water science) and aquatic species identification. Lodging accommodations have been arranged in the newly renovated Education Center, which was originally an Adirondack lodge built in 1896. This center offers warmth with beautiful Adirondack décor, a large modern kitchen, and a recreation room with full computer media capabilities. The communal nature of your stay at the Darrin Fresh Water Institute will foster long-lasting skills, friendships, and experiences.
Capacity = 10 students
Fall 2026 NRB Overnight Peer-Led Adventures
Want a more “off the grid” adventure? Be sure to look into our peer-led adventures! From mountain biking, hiking beautiful Adirondack trails, canoeing and more, these adventures are led by RPI Outdoor Program trained student leaders. These trips are recommended for those who don’t mind the full outdoor experience, including cooking meals over a camp stove, sleeping in tents, and having little to no access to modern bathroom facilities. Participant numbers for these trips range from 6 to 10 students.
You should go on this trip if you like adventure, aren’t afraid of getting dirty, and like going underground! Join fellow first-year students and explore the area’s best underground caves, local geology, and beautiful trails. During your time in the caves, you will be crawling through tight and muddy spaces, walking through a knee-deep water passage, and exploring natural rock formations, fossils, and stalactites. Your above-ground experiences will have you exploring Thatcher State Park while you hike the Escarpment to waterfalls and stunning views! On this trip, you will become an integral part of a team, working collaboratively on outdoor skills such as setting up tents, lighting a fire, preparing group meals, and properly caring for outdoor equipment. Camping in tents at a State Park, you will have the conveniences of modern bathroom facilities at the campground.
Capacity = 8 students
You must by 18+ to participate in this overnight trip.
You should go on this all-levels backpacking trip if you like adventure, you’re not afraid of getting dirty, and you want to meet other first-year students who love the outdoors! This trip is a fantastic way to hike some of the coolest mountains in the area, take in gorgeous views, and embrace the freedom of being completely self-reliant. During this adventure, you’ll become an integral part of a team, working collaboratively on outdoor skills such as backcountry navigation, preparing group meals, and properly caring for outdoor equipment. Camping in tents or lean-tos, be prepared to hike in all your supplies and use a privy (no modern bathroom facilities).
Capacity = 6 students
You must by 18+ to participate in this overnight trip.
You should go on this all-levels backpacking trip if you like adventure, you enjoy the thrill of the wilderness, and you want to meet other first-year students who love the outdoors! This trip is a fantastic way to hike in a rugged environment, take in the beautiful surroundings, and embrace the freedom of being completely self-reliant. During this adventure, you’ll become an integral part of a team, working collaboratively on outdoor skills such as backcountry navigation, preparing group meals, and properly caring for outdoor equipment. Camping in tents, be prepared to backpack in all your supplies and use a privy (no modern bathroom facilities).
Capacity = 6 students
You must by 18+ to participate in this overnight trip.
You should go on this trip if you like adventure, have previous biking experience, and want to meet other first-year students who enjoy a challenge! Whether you are newer to mountain biking or ride downhill like a pro, this all-levels adventure will have your adrenaline pumping on one of the best trail networks in the southern Adirondacks! During your trip, you will also explore scenic Adirondack hiking trails and become an integral part of a team, working collaboratively on outdoor skills such as fundamentals of mountain biking, preparing group meals, and properly caring for outdoor equipment. Camping in tents, you will have access to modern bathroom facilities at the Caroga Lake Campground. If you have a mountain bike, you are welcome to bring it.
Capacity = 12 students
You must by 18+ to participate in this overnight trip.
You should consider going on this trip if you enjoy adventure, have previous backpacking experience, and want to meet other first-year students who share your enthusiasm for physical challenges. Primitive camping in tents in the Adirondack Mountains, be prepared to hike with all your supplies and dig a cat hole (no modern bathroom facilities). This moderate to advanced trip is a fantastic way to hike some of the harder mountains in the Adirondacks, see gorgeous views, and embrace the freedom of being completely self-reliant. During this adventure, you’ll become an integral part of a team that must work collaboratively to overcome challenges such as backcountry navigation, sharing group equipment, setting up tents, lighting a fire, and preparing group meals.
Capacity = 6 students
Previous backpacking experience is highly recommended for this trip.
You must by 18+ to participate in this overnight trip.
You should go on this trip if you like adventure, you’re not afraid of getting dirty, and you want to meet other first-year students who enjoy paddling on open water. Camping in tents around Little Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks, be prepared to canoe in all your supplies and use a privy (no modern bathroom facilities). This trip is a fantastic way to canoe on one of the Adirondacks’ prized lakes, see gorgeous views, and embrace the freedom of being completely self-reliant. You might even hear an early morning Loon! During this adventure, you’ll become an integral part of a team that must work collaboratively to overcome challenges such as water navigation, setting up tents, preparing group meals, and paddling together as a group.
Capacity = 8 students
You must by 18+ to participate in this overnight trip.
Explore the rugged beauty of the Lake George Wilderness Area on this immersive backpacking trip with other incoming students. Covering just under 10 miles over three days, this true backpacking experience challenges participants to carry their gear and move to a new campsite each day, building both skills and confidence in the backcountry. Ideal for those with prior hiking and camping experience, this trip offers a rewarding opportunity to connect with nature and fellow students while kicking off your RPI journey. During this adventure, you’ll become an integral part of a team that must work collaboratively to overcome challenges such as backcountry navigation, sharing group equipment, setting up tents, lighting a fire, and preparing group meals.
Capacity = 7 students
You must by 18+ to participate in this overnight trip.
Kick off your RPI experience with an into-level rock-climbing and hiking adventure through some of the area's most stunning wild landscapes. Led by experienced RPI student trip leaders, this is your chance to challenge yourself, build confidence, and connect with a tight-knit group of fellow incoming freshmen. It’s more than just a climbing trip; it’s one of your very first college memories, setting the tone for friendships and experiences that will last well beyond your first semester. During this adventure, you’ll become an integral part of a team that must work collaboratively to overcome challenges such as backcountry navigation, crag etiquette, sharing group equipment, setting up tents, and preparing group meals.
Capacity = 6 students
You must by 18+ to participate in this overnight trip.
Fall 2026 NRB Overnight Community Service Focused Trip
In addition to these experiences, FYE also hosts the Bellardo Community Service Experience. Students selected for this trip participate in community service-based activities and projects. This trip is by application only and students will be selected for this trip by the Office of the First-Year Experience with input from the trip leaders representing RPI Habitat for Humanity. This trip is sponsored by the Patty and Lou Bellardo '67 Fund for the First-Year Experience. Our Fall 2026 NRB Overnight Community Service Focused Trip will be announced soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost for your trip will be charged to your Fall 2026 Student Bill as "Navigating Rensselaer & Beyond". If cost is a barrier to attending an overnight trip, grants are available for need-based applicants. The grant application will be available when registration opens.
Program Fee Includes:
- Welcome dinner for students and families on arrival day.
- Round-trip transportation from campus to all aspects of your adventure.
- Lodging for the duration of the program.
- All associated meals and program costs.
- All activities are subject to change, weather permitting.
Recommended packing lists for trips will be available in April 2026. Not every trip has an extensive packing list and it is important to consider the activities you will be doing when packing clothes. Most trips will require a sleeping bag and, in some cases, a pad or yoga mat for underneath.
Some of our trip sites require a separate waiver. Completing this prior to arriving on campus is VERY important, especially if you are under 18. Site release forms will be available in April 2026.
Students participating in an NRB Overnight Trip move into campus earlier than students not participating in an NRB Overnight Trip. Dates and details on this will be provided soon.
