VEGA Expedition

VEGA is not currently offered. View active AURORA expeditions on the AURORA homepage.

Join VEGA out West

Yeah, we’re from Pennsylvania, but we once heard a rumor that the West Coast is the best coast so we decided to find out. And you’re invited to come along!

VEGA sends you backpacking through the incredible Olympic National Park in Washington State, where you’ll experience the unique ecology of the Olympic Peninsula. Explore the beautiful coast or ascend the lofty mountains! VEGA also offers you the opportunity to go kayaking, on top of earning three credits and easing your transition into Penn State. Offered only to students enrolling at University Park who are at least 18 years old at the time of the trip.

This expedition is not currently offered.

During VEGA, you will:

Engage in fun, challenging outdoor experiences
Meet other incoming students and explore together
Foster your personal wellness; bolster your self-esteem
Learn for life the skills of backpacking and camping and kayaking
Discover a stronger appreciation of the natural world
Gain insight into life at Penn State and how to succeed

VEGA FAQs

Why VEGA?: Just imagine yourself hiking along wild coastlines, camping on beaches, and exploring the old growth forests of the Olympic Peninsula. Picture hiking past streams and waterfalls, climbing from temperate rain forest to alpine tundra, and experiencing breathtaking views of both Mount Olympus and ancient glaciers. VEGA offers it all, thanks to the unique natural features and ecosystem of Olympic National Park. And did we mention kayaking?

Co-designed with a group of undergraduate students, VEGA is the culmination of a nation-wide search for the most desirable backpacking adventure. We decided to add kayaking as a final touch — the proverbial cherry on the top. Oh yeah, and it culminates in a delicious cookout where all groups come together to celebrate the expedition!

I have to be 18 years old at the time of the trip?: Unfortunately, yes. The trip is limited to legal adults due to a waiver signed by AURORA for the use of the campground where VEGA is based.

Does it cost money?: VEGA is a three-credit course. Full-time students are billed the flat full-time rate; part-time students are billed the credit rate. The VEGA expedition is billed to the fall semester.

There is a class fee. This fee will be billed directly to your student account upon registration, and it covers the cost of instruction, special equipment, transportation, camping gear, kayaking, and food for the expedition.

If you must cancel, please do so by emailing aurora.registration@psu.edu. If you cancel on or after June 1, you will be charged a cancellation fee.

Where do we meet?: You’ll meet up with the VEGA expedition at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Whether you fly or drive, transportation to the airport is your responsibility. More detailed information regarding arrival will be given after registration.

I registered! Now what?: You will receive, via email, the Essential Information Packet containing all necessary information, including detailed travel information and a list of required items.

Pay attention to your course schedule. Due to the nature of Penn State’s registration policies and timeline, RPTM 89/KINES 89 will be added to your LionPath schedule no later than then first week of classes for the semester in which you are enrolled. RPTM 89/KINES 89 is VEGA. If you have submitted your application and received confirmation of your acceptance into the program, consider yourself registered! Do not drop this course or you will lose your spot!

Lastly, check out what we’re up to on Instagram and Facebook as you wait desperately in anticipation for your expedition!

Have you learned about AURORA?: This page covers information regarding VEGA, AURORA’s expedition that takes place in Olympic National Park, Washington. To learn about general AURORA issues and concerns regarding physical fitness, required equipment, expected level of experience, and more, visit the AURORA FAQ.