As new Juniatians, we have designed a series of events and activities throughout the summer to help prepare you to be an Eagle!

Summer Orientation

is a required one and a half day experience where you will receive vital information on how to be a successful student inside and outside of the classroom, begin making social connections with your peers, and start to orient yourself to campus spaces.

Families and supporters are requested to take part in Orientation and will have their own series of informational sessions throughout the day and half. 

Registration and move in for the program begins at 8:25 a.m. with Orientation running from 9:30 a.m. on day 1 until 12 p.m. the following day. All times are Eastern Time. Students will stay on campus in our first-year residential spaces. Families will need to find lodging in the area. 

Register for one of the Orientation dates listed below at least 2 weeks in advance of that date. Space for each session is limited!

Summer Orientation Session Dates:

Session 1 - Friday, June 26th- Saturday, June 27th
Session 2 - Monday, July 20th- Tuesday, July 21st (Followed by Inbound 1 Tuesday-Thursday)
Session 3 - Friday, July 24th- Saturday, July 25th

You will need to register for both an Orientation Session AND an Inbound Session, each separately.

*Please note: international students are automatically registered for International Student Orientation, August 17 - 19, and transfer students should register for Orientation Session 2 from July 20 – July 21.

Being located in a rural area, we understand that traveling to Huntingdon, PA can have logistical challenges. Please refer to the Traveling to Juniata College and Huntingdon, PA section of your new student information booklet for details on travel options, and as always feel free to reach out to us at campuslife@juniata.edu.  

Inbound

is a three-day immersive retreat designed to help you build social connections through fun experiences and learning about being a Juniatian. We know that engaging before the semester begins through our Inbound retreats will help you build skills and connections, succeed academically, and foster your sense of well-being as you begin your Juniata journey! For this reason we highly encourage all new students, including transfer students, to participate in this valuable opportunity that will support your transition to campus. 

Inbound 1 -- Choose this session especially if you are a Fall Athlete! This session begins directly following Orientation Session 2 with registration from 2:00 p.m  - 3:30 p.m. that Tuesday. Inbound runs from 3:30pm July 21st until 5pm, Thursday, July 23rd. Housing is provided for student participants throughout Inbound. Students on any of Juniata's fall varsity athletic teams will need to register for this July session. *Space for this session is limited!*

Inbound 2 begins right before the start of the semester. All participants will move into their campus housing on Wednesday, August 19th between 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. Students and families have until 2pm to get settled in their rooms and then transition into their Inbound activities. Inbound retreats will last through Friday, August 21st, at which point you will transition right into New Student Onboarding Programs through the start of classes.

Register for one Inbound session below at least 2 weeks in advance of the start date.*

Inbound is for students only, and Juniata is unable to provide any housing or transportation for families and supporters during your Inbound experience.

We understand that there may be circumstances that prevent you from being able to participate in Inbound. If you would like to request to be exempt from Inbound please complete this form.

Please select and register for one Summer Orientation session and one Inbound session using the links below. You will need to register separately for both an Orientation session and an Inbound Session.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

 

  • Orientation Session 1

    June

    26-27

    Register
  • Orientation Session 2

    July

    20-21

    Register
  • Inbound Session 1

    July

    21-23

    Register
  • Orientation Session 3

    July

    24-25

    Register
  • Inbound Session 2

    August

    19-21

    Register

When registering for Inbound you will indicate your top three interest areas. We do our best to place you into one of your retreat theme preferences, but space in each retreat is limited. During your Inbound, you will participate in small group activities in your theme, as well as other community-building, community-expectation, and getting-to-know campus activities.

"Travel Time" and "Activity Level" are rated on a high, moderate, low scale to help you select the best possible retreat for you. Retreats with high travel time will travel more than an hour from campus or include multiple activity locations per day that require a bus ride. Retreats with high activity levels will have activities that require physical exertion for at least 6+ hours per day.

All experience levels are welcome on all our retreats – college is a great time to try new things, share what you love, and learn through playful curiosity! 

*Please note that some retreat themes may only be offered during one of the two sessions.

Inbound Retreat Descriptions

Note:  Descriptions include examples of activities that may not be exact activities on your schedule.

Arts and Crafts  

It's arts and crafts time! You will have the chance to visit art locales in the nearby area, explore Juniata's art museum, paint, sip, & create your dream vision boards in this retreat. You’ll get to produce something meaningful with all of your new friends!  Be sure to check out the Juniata Creators Club, Fashion Club and Mud Junkies club at Lobsterfest later this fall!

Travel time: Low
Activity level: Low

Camping  

Enjoy the great outdoors by going off-campus to Juniata’s Raystown Field Station. Slow down and soak up three days of lake-life-activities such as kayaking, swimming, hiking, and cooking over a campfire.  

Travel time: Low
Activity level: Medium to High

Come Curious, Leave Connected (*August Session Only)  

Come Curious, Leave Connected

Start your college journey by exploring your new community. This interactive experience introduces you to the people, places, stories, and hidden gems that make Huntingdon County special — from connecting with local business owners to sharing meaningful moments with Juniata alumni and exploring iconic spots like Raystown Lake and the Isett Heritage Museum. You’ll build friendships, explore new places, and leave feeling confident, connected, and excited to call this community home.

Travel time: Medium
Activity level: Low to Medium

Connecting through Community Service (*July Session Only)  

Ready to roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and make a real impact? This retreat takes you into the Huntingdon community for a day of hands-on service with our local community partners. You might help clear trails, perform acts of care, work on indoor or outdoor improvement projects, lend a hand with making improvements to community spaces, or tackle other projects that make a tangible difference.

Along the way, you’ll meet new friends, work alongside community members, share stories, and begin to see how service can be a powerful way to connect with the place you’ll call home during your time as a Juniata student. You’ll also have opportunities to explore parts of the community—experiencing local places and getting a feel for the businesses, spaces, and people that make Huntingdon unique. By the end of the day, you won’t just know more about Huntingdon County—you’ll feel more connected to it and the people who make this community what it is.


Travel time: Low
Activity level: Medium to High (dependent on service work project)

Food & Drink  

Transition to college through your taste buds! This retreat will explore local restaurants and the craft experience of several different foods and drinks. Uncover the notes of specialty coffee with our local roaster, Standing Stone Coffee Company, appreciate nature’s sweetness through maple syrup, and indulge in rich local creamery cheese and ice cream! If you like this retreat, the Juniata Tea Club could be a great RSO for you to join this fall!

Travel time: High
Activity level: Low

Fun & Games  

For those students who enjoy games, arcades, and other similar activities, this retreat will take excursions to an escape room, laser tag, and mini golf by day and then cozy-up for classic boardgames by night. To keep the fun going every week on campus you should join the Ministry Of Games or Esports student organizations this fall at Lobsterfest! 

Travel time: High
Activity level: Medium

Outdoor Adventures  

Incorporating some favorite activities, this retreat is for those with a high energy for seeking plenty of time in wild spaces enjoying the thrill of adventure sports. Some example activities include river-tubing, biking, paddling, hiking, and exploring the best recreation locales around Huntingdon! You may also want to connect with our Kayak Club or Juniata Cycling Club at Lobsterfest this fall!

Travel time: High
Activity level: High

Performing Arts  

Kick-off college with creative energy! This retreat allows students to share & express themselves through creative movement, music, acting and more! Enjoy acting workshops, learn a dance, and sing your favorite karaoke song while doing so. Be sure to stop by Musical Performance Association, Juniata Student Theater Ensemble, and Juniata College Dance Ensemble's tables at lobsterfest this fall!

Travel time: Medium
Activity level: High

Pep Band (*July Session Only)  

Bring the noise. Bring the energy. Bring yourself. 

Juniata College Pep Band is now an inbound activity, which means you can jump right into one of the most electric, spirit-driven experiences on campus from day one! Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just someone who loves hype, community, and unforgettable game-day moments, Pep Band is where sound meets campus culture. Perform at exciting athletic events, travel with friends, make instant connections across POEs, and be part of the heartbeat that fuels Juniata’s biggest moments. No pressure, all passion — just great music, big vibes, and a front-row seat to the action. 

Travel time: Low
Activity level: Medium

Plexus  

Taken from the Latin plectere, meaning to plait or braid, "Plexus" is a network of interwoven elements and parts.


Plexus Inbound is where your Juniata story truly begins—and it starts with finding your people. We’re on a mission to create a true home away from home where every student feels a deep sense of belonging from day one.
While the focus of Plexus is intended to give new students an opportunity to connect with those who have had similar experiences, it is open to any student with concerns related to finding a sense of belonging.

Get ready to hit the ground running with an itinerary designed to fuel both your body and your friendships!

We’re diving into the local food scene, exploring the unique craft behind regional flavors, and embarking on a culinary quest through State College to uncover culturally relevant resources, food, supplies and hidden gems. But the real magic happens when we shift from tasting to teamwork; whether you’re cracking codes in an escape room, conquering high-energy obstacle courses, or unwinding with stories around a glowing bonfire, you’ll be doing more than just meeting classmates. You’re joining a family that celebrates your background, supports your journey, and ensures you never have to navigate college life alone.



Travel time: Medium
Acitivity level: Medium

Rock Climbing  

Juniata rocks! Explore local natural rocks through hiking, rock climbing, and bouldering. You’ll also get to visit a nearby indoor rock gym to connect you with year-round fun! The Juniata Climbing Club will be a great club for you to join to keep up your grip-strength and continue to connect you to these opportunities.

Travel time: High
Activity level: High

Team Sports  

Kick! Run! Shoot! Score! If you love friendly competition and the energy of playing on a team, this retreat allows you to play a variety of team-oriented sports: soccer, volleyball, basketball to name a few—and even try some of our club sports you may want to join this fall!  

Travel time: Low
Activity level: High

Well-Being  

Being well at Juniata is a holistic practice and community value. This retreat will guide you to resources, build healthy habits, practice your values, and grow with a new group of supportive friends as you learn to take good care of yourself and the Juniata community as you begin your college journey. Come learn Tai Chi, try out forest bathing, meditate in the deep ring of singing bowls, and build a mini-green space for your dorm room!

Travel time: Low to Medium
Activity level: Low to Medium

Wildlife (*August Session ONLY)  

For students that are interested in environmental studies or who enjoy “critters”, this retreat is based out of the Juniata Raystown Field Station and will give you opportunities to encounter local wildlife and some of the conservation organizations who care for their management. You'll want to join the Juniata Chapter of The Wildlife Society at Lobsterfest too!

Travel time: Medium to High
Activity level: Medium

 

Have any questions about Inbound or a retreat? Email campuslife@juniata.edu.