A freshman’s reflection on the best NSOP immersion experience.

The Columbia Outdoor Orientation Program, more commonly known as COÖP, is one of four new student orientation programs available to first years at CC and SEAS, and is notorious for being the most “cult-like” of all the NSOP groups. As a first-year participant, I will say it is not as mysterious as the rumors may suggest, but is most certainly an unforgettable experience. 

It starts the day after convocation with a to-go lunch and a lively two-hour bus ride to a campground on the Delaware River in Barryville, New York. Each student is only allowed to bring what fits in a university-provided drawstring bag, and notably, no phones. The rationale is simple: 1) there’s no service, and 2) this is the only way to actually get people to interact with each other. 

Once the bus arrives, it’s basically drop your stuff and head straight to the river for tubing. Around four hours later with only a few casualties (apparently rocks and inflatable flotation devices don’t always mix well), everyone is back at camp and ready for a late-night-dinner. After an organized group effort to prepare a basic meal from various cans of food, the day ends with a campfire, s’mores, and sleeping under the stars. 

The next day brings one final adventure: the rafting trip. Groups of five or six head out on the river, awkwardly struggling with steering the boat, avoiding rocks to the best of their abilities, and trying (and failing) to keep their lunch dry. By the time the raft reaches the destination, everyone is soaked and tired, but glad to have had the experience and to be leaving with a strong sense of camaraderie with those around them.

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