Denison Canoeing Orientation (DCO)

Denison Canoeing Orientation (DCO) is a wonderful welcome to Denison that takes you out into the wilderness of Ohio for an unforgettable adventure.

Students will take part in a wilderness, paddling, and camping experience. DCO is also an outdoor learning experience, designed to help students develop safe paddling skills, practice valuable skills in “Leave No Trace” camping, and learn about Ohio’s natural history and geography. The team will paddle canoes down the Mohican River and sleep at primitive campsites along its banks. DCO is a physically demanding trip that entails sustained paddling for most of each day. Previous canoeing experience is preferred.

The Schedule

Pre-O Welcome Day is Saturday, August 19, 2023. Participants coming from abroad will move-in on August 16 or 17, and participants from the United States will move in between 9am and 1pm on August 19. On Sunday, August 20, participants will travel by bus to the Mohican River at Perrysville, OH. Participants will return to campus on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. Induction Day for Pre-O participants and all other first-year students will take place on Thursday, August 24, 2023, and August Orientation (Aug-O) will begin on Friday, August 25, 2023.

Safety & Experience

Participants must be able to swim.

To maintain the quality of this small group experience and to minimize the risks, we ask that you abide by the following policies: non-prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are not permitted on the trip. Student cell phones are not permitted on DCO. Trip leaders will have cell phones in case of emergencies.

What Equipment Do I Need?

Participants will be sent a packing list with their acceptance packet in the summer. Any necessary camping equipment not owned by the participant will be provided by Denison.

Fees

The cost of DCO is $300. Denison-Columbus Alliance Scholars and students with significant financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid who wish to participate may have their fees waived.