Overland’s January Presentations

We’re thrilled to connect with Overland prospective and alumni students at in person and virtual presentations across the country.

Presentations have been an Overland tradition since 1984, and we’re thrilled to be back to it this winter! We sat down as a team to discuss what Overland presentations are, and what we’re most looking forward to about them. 

Katie Cullen, Admissions: As we enter 2025, in the coldest months of the year, it’s hard to not think about the exciting summer adventures that are to come this year! The Overland team will be traveling around the country and holding virtual Zoom-Ins throughout the month of January, in hopes of sharing the joy of Overland and building on this summer excitement! It’s one of our favorite times of year: we’re connecting with long-time Overland alumni families and introducing prospective families to the magic of a summer with Overland. We can’t wait to meet you all this January. Check out our presentation page and find an event near you, or online!

What is an Overland presentation?

Overland presentations are a time to connect our office with our families virtually or in person to share Overland experiences and learn more about Overland’s mission and programs. The event begins with a short presentation given by two of our year-round staff members. A Q&A will follow our presentation where families have the opportunity to ask questions about Overland meals, traditions, logistics, and everything in between! The event will last for one hour, but if further questions arise, we can certainly continue the conversation! 

Who can go to an Overland presentation?

The whole family is welcome— parents, kids, and grandparents! Whether families are new to Overland or seasoned Overland veterans, presentations are events meant to connect as a community.

What does Overland hope families will take away from a presentation? 

Luke Costley, Director: I hope families who attend a Zoom or in-person presentation leave with three key takeaways: 1) they have a chance to hear about Overland from alumni families and former leaders, 2) they understand clearly Overland’s mission, and 3) they understand, as best as possible, the experience of being on an Overland trip. We could never be comprehensive about the details – Overland offers so many different itineraries to such a wide range of students – but that’s not the point. If families would like to get into the nitty-gritty about trip-by-trip specifics, we invite them to check out our website or give our office a call! We hope families and students will leave the presentation with a clear sense of the themes and through-lines present on every Overland trip.

Alongside the Admissions team, staff members on the Leader Hiring and Trip Planning teams are also highly involved in these presentations. Is there a reason why everyone is involved this year? 

Beth Larcom, Leader Hiring: While the Leader Hiring team is most directly focused on our leading staff in our day-to-day work, everything we do comes back to our students and families. Understanding what our families are looking for in their summer experiences, as well as being able to connect with and get to know those families, is essential in shaping a great summer. Our most successful leaders are the ones who understand Overland’s mission and purpose, which has been and always will be family-focused. Taking time to connect with families is an important reminder for the Leader Hiring team.

Meg Pandiscio, Trip Planning: Trip Planners spend most of our year putting together the details of each particular trip and itinerary. However, the most important part of any trip is the students who come together to make the experience! Throughout the spring and summer, families frequently reach out to Trip Planners with questions ranging from details about the sleeping bag their child will need, all the way to the mileage of a challenging hike. I’m eager to continue developing these connections in the winter, and I hope that families catch a glimpse of who is working all year to ensure the safety of their students. I look forward to connecting with families and starting the ongoing conversation about the trip that their child is interested in!

If a family can’t make it to a presentation, are there other ways to inquire about Overland’s programs?

Absolutely— a lot of ways! Families are always welcome to call the office (413-458-9672) or email [email protected] if they’d like to chat about Overland at large or a specific trip. We’re always happy and eager to connect with families. As the cold weather rolls in, we’re already dreaming about summer 2025!