EPIC Experiences

Orientation Experience Descriptions – Fall 2024

There will be no additional cost for any experience and all materials will be provided.  

Higher Dimensions in Math and Physics: In all realms of science, the idea of dimension is incredibly important. But you probably never learned it in school! Do you know an example of an 18-dimensional space? What’s it like to move through 5-dimensional space? In this experience, we will learn about higher dimensions in math and science, while wandering around the 3-dimensional spaces on campus and nearby off-campus. Exploring, we will look for nice places to study, walk, or relax. By the end, you will feel familiar with the 3-dimensional space nearby campus, and also with higher-dimensional spaces occurring in nature. (All students are welcome. No previous math or physics experience needed.)

What's your Wild Idea?: How many times have you been asked, "What are you going to do when you get older? What job or career are you going to have?" Answering these types of questions, and thus making these types of decision, can be tough. We want you to have new "tools in your toolbox" for decision-making, no matter how big or small, using design thinking. You'll learn a bit more about yourself, how to embrace your inner WILD ideas, and how to get yourself unstuck when making decisions...like Elsa sings, "Let it go!" Come join us for a fun dive into life design thinking! (All students are welcome.)

Musical Theatre Anyone? Students will work together to create and share a short musical theatre performance during dinner that evening. They’ll collaborate and bring their creative ideas to life. This experience is perfect for those who enjoy being in the spotlight and are comfortable singing and moving. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just eager to try something new, this is a fun and supportive opportunity in a dynamic group setting.

Building your rejuvenation station: Are you curious why your body feels different after your favorite self-care activity? Join us to learn how different self-care and wellness practices change your body on the molecular level. We will explore possible calming spaces around campus and then test the effect of a selfcare practice in one of the wellness spaces on your physiology. As a group, our results will help us see which practices and spaces have the greatest impact on our bodies and our minds so you can use them throughout your time at Lawrence and beyond! (All students are welcome)

Create Your Own Custom Apparel: T-Shirts, Stickers, and More! Unleash your creativity in this hands-on workshop where you'll learn to design and create your own custom apparel items! Whether you want to craft a unique t-shirt, design eye-catching stickers, or personalize other apparel, this session is for you. We'll explore vinyl cutting and screen-printing techniques, guiding you through the process from start to finish. By the end of the session, you'll have your own custom-made items to take home and wear with pride. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your ideas and enthusiasm!

Let's Get Creative! Ready feed your inner creative spirit? Join us for some artsy experiences at local venues in the Fox Cities that will allow you to create, design and paint different pieces on different mediums - canvas, clay & ceramics. (No previous artistic experience required.)

Making your First Chapter: Join for a creative workshop where you’ll learn the art of book making form scratch with the guidance of our friendly librarians and a talented studio art professor. You’ll use tools and materials to design, bind and craft your very own book. Whether it’s a journal, sketchbook, or a custom creation, this hands-on experience will teach you the traditional techniques of bookmaking in a fun and supportive environment. Perfect for all skill levels, come explore your creativity and leave with a beautifully crafted book that’s uniquely yours!  

Clay Creations:  Get your hands dirty and unleash your creativity. A hands-on workshop where you'll learn to sculpt and shape clay into functional everyday items while connecting with your new peers. No experience required.

You’re a “Rock”star!  Join us for an afternoon of indoor rock climbing at Odyssey Climbing and Fitness. Connect with each other and the Fox Cities climbing community. No experience or lots of experience? Everyone will have a great time! A 15-minute orientation will be required prior to climbing, and gear will be provided. Wear your comfy clothes and come ready to “rock your socks”!

Outdoor Recess: Learn the ins and outs of the fastest growing game - Pickleball. During this experience you’ll learn the rules, strategy, practice, play and complete against your new peers. You are sure to be an intramural star after this! (All students are welcome. No previous experience or knowledge required. Will required physical movements and being outdoors.)

Connect & Serve in the Fox Cities: Volunteering is an important part of student life at Lawrence. Not only does it allow you to give back to the community that surrounds us, but it also helps you build meaningful connections and foster a sense of belonging. Whether you're tutoring local students, participating in community clean-up events, or helping out at a local food bank, volunteering will enrich your college experience and contribute to the vibrant community we have here in Appleton. So, get involved, make a difference, and have some fun while doing it!

STEM all around us: STEM all around us. Let’s change the way you look at Science. Join us for on and off campus STEM explorations that are fun and connect you to the history of our community. Exploring the evolution of the Fox River that runs through campus, to the paper industry in the Fox Valley, and an exploration of caffeine! (All students are welcome. Will involve some short walks near campus.)

Bird-Brained Flights of Fancy (bird-watching, birds in the arts looking/reading/making): Embark on a whimsical adventure through the charming landscapes surrounding Lawrence’s campus! Join us for an afternoon brimming with laughter, new friendships, and a shared love for our feathered friends (literal, literary, and artistic). We will start off by learning about the many different birds that also call Lawrence home before heading outside to birdwatch, enjoy nature, and make connections with each other. Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars ready for glimpses of Lawrence's winged inhabitants and compete for exciting prizes in a spirited game of birdwatching bingo. Join us for an experience that promises to leave your heart aflutter and your spirits soaring high!

"Whodunit? An Afternoon of Mystery Madness: Join us for an afternoon of thrilling mystery and adventure, where each student will unlock their own superpower! In this immersive roleplaying game, students will become part of an interactive storyline filled with twists, turns, and suspense. Prepare to unlock clues, solve puzzles, and uncover secrets as you work together to crack the case. Whether you're a seasoned detective or new to the world of roleplaying games, there's excitement and intrigue for everyone to enjoy!

Let's Feast! An Introduction to Russian Cooking: Join us for a delightful culinary adventure into the heart of Russia! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, there's something for everyone to learn and enjoy in this immersive culinary experience. During this event you will learn about traditional Russian cuisine, cook a few staples together, and then enjoy the meal you helped prepare! We will finish the event with traditional Russian treats and tea-drinking. This event is more than just a cooking class—it's an opportunity to connect with others, explore a new culture, and savor the joy of shared meals. Come join us and let's make memories and friendships as we delve into the flavors of Russia together! In the follow-up meetings, we will explore other cuisines from the region.  Vegetarians and meat-eaters are welcome! Gluten free options will be available although the kitchen we prepare food in is not gluten-free.

Personal Safety & Awareness: An exploration of personal safety and situational awareness and accompanying discussion around the differences between uncomfortable and unsafe. Lean into a tactical exploration of the mental and physical requirements to keep one’s self safe. Learn what your body language is telling others, and address the concepts of personal space under the direction of the Director of Campus Safety

Make Lawrence Your Space- Starting with the Makerspace!: Make fun stuff and gain useful skills in the makerspace! In this experience, you'll learn how to use the laser cutter, embroidery machine, 3D printers, sewing machine, and vinyl cutter as well as learn how to solder! Several fun projects have been planned to teach you how to use this awesome campus resource. (All students are welcome. No previous experience or knowledge required.)

The Art of Appleton Thrift: Sustainability-CHECK. Money Savings-CHECK. Hitting the hot spots around town – CHECK. When you learn the massive benefits of thrifting, and the best places to go on and around campus, you not only get yourself set up for success, but also connect to the Lawrence and Appleton community in a unique way. (All students are welcome.)

Deck Out Your Dorm: Ready to level up your dorm game? Unleash your creativity and add your personality to your new dorm digs! Choose your option: crafting a whimsical paper chandelier, jazzing things up with a personalized disco ball, weaving boho vibes with macrame wall art, or framing memories with a custom picture frame. Let's turn your dorm into the ultimate expression of YOU!

Botanical Adventures: Come connect with fellow garden groupies and explore the outdoor places around the Fox Valley. Visit local gardens, and botanical places on and off campus. In the winter, this group will explore through watercolors by utilizing your favorite pix from the Fall adventure. In the Spring, come veg-out by learning how to plant your own garden from seed. Think about growth and all it means to you.

Exploring Trek: Viewing of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. The group will view and discuss the movie's themes such as the human condition, mortality, friendship, sacrifice, revenge and the nature of power.

Knot a Frayed Adventure Course: Imagine being blindfolded and silenced, yet still expected to express yourself. Now imagine that you must do this with a stranger that you barely know. While this may seem terrifying, working with a team to navigate through a ropes-course provides significant opportunities for growth. Consisting of high and low elements, you and your team will work through on-ground and above-ground challenges that may seem insurmountable but elevate you to apply experiential leadership to the classroom and beyond! (This experience will involve some outdoor activities with physical and height components.)

Title Town Thrills: Ready to explore Green Bay's iconic sports and entertainment scene? Dive into the heart of Titletown with an unforgettable tour highlighting Lambeau Field's rich history and legendary moments. Take on new friends in friendly competition and team building in the Title Town district. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan or just looking for some active fun, Titletown has something to satisfy your adventurous spirit. All students are invited to join in the excitement and make memories in this sports-loving community.

Brick by Brick: Buckle up, future scholars! This session uses LEGO bricks to explore the exciting world of college and introduce you to your classmates. We'll build, collaborate, and have fun as we prepare to launch into a successful academic journey!

Vinyl is Vital: Let's dive into the vinyl experience. Spend some time with a group interested in vinyl records - both for the enjoyment and collection of them. What is it about listening to vinyl that offers a different experience than other media? Gather with others that love vinyl and hang out with our favorite campus dogs, Carl and Finn. We'll wrap up the experience with a trip to our downtown record store.

Escape Room Design: Escape rooms can improve your fine motor skills, communication and social skills, problem solving, memory, mood and stress. They rely on game theory and brain science to immerse you in a truly EPIC Experience. But how do they create these experiences? Escape Room Design will begin with an escape room challenge and then take you behind the scenes of how escape rooms are designed. Throughout the year, students would engage in creating pop-up escape rooms.

Outdoor Adventures-Hiking: Join us for an outdoor adventure that is sure to be a great time! This will include a trip High Cliff State Park to explore various hiking trails, participate in team building activities, and enjoy some by Lake Winnebago. (You must be able to participate in a short, easy-moderate hike of varying terrains to participate in this experience.)

Outdoor Adventures-Biking: Join us for an outdoor adventure that is sure to be a great time! This will include a bike tour and exploration of Appleton through its different bike trails. Stops at various locations through out the tour will also include team building activities and othe surprises. (You must be able to ride a bike to fully participate in this experience.)

Outdoor Adventures- Kayaking: Join us for an outdoor adventure that is sure to be a great time! This will include a kayak trip down the Fox River with some historical background of the area, team building activities, and some friendly competition. (You must be able swim/tread water to fully participate in this experience.)

Make Museums Your Thing: There’s so much to look at in museums, they can seem overwhelming. But you can make a trip to a museum fun and meaningful for you! We'll visit the History Museum near campus to look at historical objects, try out interesting ways to engage with exhibitions, and meet with staff to hear what it’s like to work in a museum. We'll culminate our experience at the Building for Kids to see the exhibit the Lawrence students were part of creating! Continued opportunities throughout the year will include visits to the Trout Museum, Wriston Art Gallery, and other on campus events. (All students are welcome. No previous museum experience required. This will be a walking tour, accommodations are available if requested.)

Bond, Thrive, Shine: BTS Fan Meet-up: Join us for an unforgettable BTS ARMY fan gathering! Immerse yourself in the world of BTS as we listen to BTS music, watch Run BTS (variety show), view concert footage, dive into discussions about the group, and get creative with Bangtan-themed crafts and stickers. Whether you're a seasoned fan or just starting your BTS journey, join us to share your love for the Tannies and make new connections with your classmates. It's a celebration of music, friendship, and the bond that unites us all!

Strike and Solve: Unleash your inner adventurer through this experience. Channel your precision and whit while connecting with your new peers. This experience will blend the excitement of axe throwing and the challenge of solving an escape room. Are you ready to chop your way to victory and escape in time?