KAOS 2005: Back and Better Than Ever

(Originally published in The Merger, February 2007)

While our Kellogg experience has certainly been shaped by the craziness of CIM week, the outrageousness of activities at The Keg, and the endless hours at Jacobs, for many of us, our defining Kellogg experience was KAOS (or KOA/KSI for ‘05ers). It served as the jumping off point for a whole new life of sorts, as we transitioned out of our lives in the real world and into being a student once again.

KAOS 2004 provided the incoming ‘06ers with a rousing start to the new school year, despite the best efforts of Hurricane Frances to derail the festivities. From the ski slopes in Bariloche, Argentina to the icebergs in Iceland, and all of the Arubian beaches and Ibizan clubs in-between, memories were instantly created and new friendships were born. Although it would take a whole issue of Merger Chatter to discuss all of the really interesting stories that originated from ’04 trips, it is safe to say that these experiences served as the catalyst for an unprecedented KAOS 2005.

Next year, incoming first-years will have a record number of trips to choose from. Over 180 people, or one-third of the class of 2006, will be leading a trip. The KAOS Executive Committee selected trips based on the diversity of location and activities, quality of community service, and overall enthusiasm of the leadership team.

In the spirit of Kellogg, KAOS 2005 will have a decidedly international flavor to it. Mexico is the most common destination with four trips, and trips will be heading to ten different Latin American countries, as well as ten separate locations in the Caribbean.

Continuing the tradition of adventure, some of the trips to be offered include biking through the Scottish highlands, backpacking through the Swiss Alps, whitewater rafting along the Amazon River, sailing throughout the British Virgin Islands, and scuba diving in the Bahamas.

The class of ’06 clearly sought originality in creating trips this year, with many new destinations like the Greek Isles, Corsica, Brazil, and Curacao. Ironically, in an effort to be original, prospective leaders chose many of the same exotic locations, such as Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela (notice a theme here?). However, several memorable trips of the past will be revisited, including Costa Rica, Machu Picchu (Peru), and the Dominican Republic.

Students looking for an American experience will be able to choose from destinations among Alaska, San Juan Islands (Washington), and the Carolinas. And lest we forget the perennially most popular trip, the 2005 Mystery Trip will be truly special, as long as the secret location can remain under wraps.
In an attempt to revive the tradition of KSI, two service trips will also be offered. One trip will head to Jamaica to construct a school for a rural village, while another group will be living a true Western-style experience in Montana by restoring a federally-owned dude ranch.

If you’re a first-year that hasn’t committed to leading a trip, it’s not too late to sign up. We still have room for additional domestic trips, as well as a handful of select spots on existing international trips. Not sure if it’s worthwhile to be a leader? Ask the 160 second-years around you how memorable their experience was leading a KAOS 2004 trip.

Final trip itineraries for previously submitted trips are due to the KAOS Executive Committee on Monday, January 24. Key tasks to come for leaders will be marketing the trips to prospective students at DAK and in the brochure to be sent out in the months ahead, as well as securing first aid and CPR training.

KAOS 2005 will take place from Sunday, August 28 to Sunday, September 4.

Top 10 Things About Going on a KAOS Trip

10. Not having to disclose anything about your sordid past, at least until the last night.
9. Traveling to exotic locations you’d otherwise never go to on your own.
8. It’s cheaper than eating lunch at Kafe Kellogg.
7. The opportunity to serve and interact with local people and culture.
6. All of the “bonding” activities, both scheduled and, ahem, unscheduled.
5. Seeing the finest natural wonders the world has to offer.
4. Excellent preparation for late nights at The Deuce.
3. Trying out activities that would qualify you for Fear Factor.
2. Those wise, knowledgeable, and dare I say it, HOT second-year leaders.

And finally, the best thing about going on a KAOS trip:

1. Making a whole group of new friends you’ll keep not only during your time at Kellogg, but long after you have parted ways.