GORP FAQs

How do I register for a GORP event?

1. Call the La Vida office at 978.867.4111 or email lavidagordon.edu to inquire about available dates and discuss program possibilities.
2. Send in the GORP application found in the GORP brochure along with a $100 deposit.
3. After receiving the confirmation packet, return the GORP Confirmation Form and Participant/Leader List to the La Vida office by mail or fax at 978.867.4110.

What is your weather cancellation policy?
GORP events occasionally will be canceled by the GORP director due to bad weather. Cancellation can be caused by a prediction of heavy rain, lightning or severe winds.The weather forecast on the North Shore changes frequently. Therefore, we do not decide to re-schedule or cancel GORP until one to two days before the event. Safety is the main factor when making the decision to cancel an event. In case of a weather cancellation, groups may reschedule and use their $100 deposit for a rain date.

What is the minimum/maximum number of people for a GORP day?
Minimum group size is eight. Maximum size for a GORP day is 100. For larger groups, GORP divides into small groups ranging from eight to 14 people per group. Maximum size for overnight groups is 35 people. Leaders and chaperones should be included in the group size. Please note that GORP hires staff based on the group size reserved.

How old to GORP participants need to be?
The minimum age is 11 or 5th grade.

Does GORP offer any discounts?
The majority of GORP groups are non-profit groups. We do not offer group discounts or group scholarships at this time. However, we allow for one leader to come for free with every 10 paying participants. 

Does GORP serve meals?
The GORP program does not provide meals for ropes course day programs. Occasionally, groups will request to eat at Gordon College's dining center. For pricing of on-campus cafeteria lunches, please contact the La Vida office. 

Overnight camping groups have meals provided at $5/person/meal. Lunches consist of sandwich foods, fruit, chips and cookies. Dinners consist of a pasta dish, salad and S'mores. Breakfasts consist of cereal, fruit and bagels.

What forms do leaders need to turn in prior to the GORP experience?
After receiving the confirmation packet, leaders should return the GORP Confirmation Form and Participant/Leader List. In addition to this form, every GORP group is required to send or fax a certificate of insurance from the insurance company. All individual participants are required to fill out a risk release and medical form.

What do participants need to bring?
Each participant should bring a lunch, water bottle and warm layers of clothing. Participants are also encouraged to bring sunscreen and insect repellent. Please note that groups will carry everything a quarter of a mile into the woods to the ropes course. Overnight participants will receive an overnight packing list.

What equipment do you provide for overnight experiences?
GORP provides tents, tarps and ground pads for participants to sleep on. Camping stoves are also provided to cook dinners. Sleeping bags are not provided for the overnight experience but may be rented for $5.

Does GORP have a good safety record?
La Vida and the GORP experience have had excellent safety records for over 38 years. All physical challenges are well within the safety limits, and standard safety procedures are strictly enforced. All participants are required to complete a risk-release form and a basic medical history form.