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Tours and Other Fun Things

Take a guided tour to explore the campus at its bucolic best. And take advantage of opportunities throughout the weekend to have a little fun!

Note: When registering, you will be asked to indicate which events you plan to attend so that we can plan appropriately.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • McCABE LIBRARY FALL BOOK SALE

    This popular sale offers bargains for every age but specializes in the scholarly, artistic, and unusual. This year’s highlights include fiction, classics, social sciences, and videos. Not to be missed: the free table.

    Friday, Noon–5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in McCabe Library, Lobby
  • JAPANESE ORIGAMI AND CALLIGRAPHY WORKSHOP

    How can you turn an ordinary piece of paper into a beautiful work of art? How do you write your name in Japanese? How do you hold a calligraphy brush? Drop by our Japanese program workshop for a quick lesson from our students. No prior knowledge of calligraphy or origami needed. Children are welcome.

    Friday, 2–4 p.m., Kohlberg Hall, Room 318
  • QUAKERS, SWARTHMORE, AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: A WALKING TOUR

    Christopher Densmore, curator of Friends Historical Library, will lead a walking tour of campus and share stories about important families in Swarthmore’s history—Parrish, Magill, Bond, Clothier, and Laing—and their connections to abolitionism, African-American education, and the Underground Railroad.

    Friday, 2–3 p.m., meet in McCabe Library
  • GREEN ROOF TOURS

Learn about the inner workings, benefits, and beauty of Swarthmore College's green roofs. Please note the level of difficulty on these tours is higher than others we offer; a brisk walk and several steps are required to access each roof. Children under the age of 12 are not permitted on the roofs.

Saturday, 10:30 a.m.–Noon, meet in the Scott Arboretum Office

  • FALL AT THE SCOTT ARBORETUM TOUR

    Join the Curator and Plant Recorder of the Scott Arboretum Mary Tipping to learn about some of the notable gardens and plants on campus and about Arboretum programs and horticultural practices. The tour will cover areas of north campus. In the case of inclement weather, meet in the Gillespie Room of the Wister Center for an Arboretum Show-and-Tell and Q and A session,

    Saturday, 1–3 p.m., meet in the Dean Bond Rose Garden
  • CRUM WOODS TOUR

    The Crum Woods encompass 220 acres of mostly forested land straddling the Crum Creek. Join members of the Scott Arboretum staff to learn about the ecology of the woods. Note: Sections of this tour will be over rough, uneven, wooded trails. Sturdy shoes and long pants are recommended. In case of inclement weather, the tour will be canceled.

    Saturday, 4–5 p.m., meet in the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater
  • SWARTHMORE FUN RUN

    This 3-mile course, which begins and ends in front of The Matchbox runs through the campus and Crum Woods. It was designed by women's cross-country runner Natalie McLaughlin '17. Prizes will be awarded.

    Sunday, runners should gather at the Matchbox at 9 a.m. for a 9:15 a.m. start
  • CRUM REGATTA

    The Crum Regatta, a College tradition since 1972, will be held during Garnet Homecoming and Family Weekend. To keep the tradition alive during construction in the Crum, Ware Pool will be hosting the event in 2016. 

    Sunday, 10:30–11 a.m., Ware Pool