Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question and answer time

What are the dates and how much does it cost?

Long courses: July 26th-August 20th, 2009.  The cost ($3,000) covers tuition, food, transportation, all group equipment, and instruction.  Three credits are earned (EDU 110) toward overall graduation requirements (however, no general education requirements are met).
Short courses: June 19th – 28th 2009.  The cost ($1,500) covers tuition, food, transportation, all group equipment, and instruction.  1 credit is earned toward overall graduation requirements (however, no general education requirements are met).

What happens on Arrival Day?

Long Courses: Registration takes place on Sunday, July 26th from 9:30-11:00 am EDT (New York Time). Students will have time to place items in storage at that time. An opening ceremony commences at 11:30 am that parents and friends are welcome to attend. Students are “on course” at lunch-time (approximately 12:15 pm).
Short Courses: Registration takes place on Friday, June 19th from 9:30 – 11 am EDT (New York Time). 

My son/daughter needs to fly to Indiana-how does that work?

Long Courses: We will offer a shuttle service to campus from the Dayton airport only. Shuttle times vary but are typically run from 12noon to 8pm the day before the course starts. We do not recommend flying in on arrival day due to the risk of a flight cancellation prohibiting a student from making the trip. We have a special group rate at the Quaker Hill Conference Center (765-962-5741) for students arriving on Saturday and will shuttle them to campus on Sunday for Arrival Day.
Short Courses: shuttle services will be coordinated through the pre-registration process.

What kind of financial aid is available?

Long Courses: We offer need-based scholarships to all qualified students.  The award is calculated through the financial aid office and, at its maximum, can account for a 60% reduction in program tuition.  The deadline for financial aid is May 1st each year. Award announcements will be mailed out approximately 2 weeks after the deadline. Scholarships do not affect a students’ financial package from the College.
Short Courses: There is no financial aid available for short courses.

How long are we really in the woods?

Long Courses: The 24-day program breaks down to approximately three to four travel days to and from the activity site, two logistics days at the beginning and end, and 19 days on trail.
Short Courses: The 10-day program breaks down to approximately 3 days of travel to and from the activity, one day of logistics total between the beginning and end, and 6 days on trail. 

Do we bring all our school items with us?

Long Courses: You can. Students will have the opportunity to store a reasonable amount of their belongings upon arrival. The program will end on the day before New Student Week begins (Friday) and students will have time to retrieve their items, move into their dorm rooms, and settle in the day before the other new students arrive.
Short Courses:  Space will only be provided to store a few items while on course, no long term storage will be available.

What is the schedule when students return?

Long Courses: Students will return to Indiana on the evening of August 19th and will camp on a farm near campus. The following morning (Thurs., Aug. 20th) students will arrive back on campus and will complete a gear clean-up and program wrap-up. A final closing ceremony will be held at approximately 11:30 am on the Heart at the center of campus (family and friends are invited).
Short Courses: Students will arrive back on campus around noon on June 28th. Pick-ups and airport shuttles will be coordinated that afternoon.

What are the payment, cancellation, and refund policies?

Long Courses: The bill for the program charges (minus deposit and scholarship awards) will be mailed out in August/September as part of your Earlham monthly statement. Due to the specialized nature of the course, there will be NO REFUNDS AFTER JULY 1st each year. Trip cancellations must be received in writing to the Wilderness office.  Deposits are non-refundable after June 1st each year.
Short Courses: The bill for the program charges (minus deposit and scholarship awards) will be mailed out in July/August as part of your Earlham monthly statement. Due to the specialized nature of the course, there will be NO REFUNDS AFTER June 1st each year. Trip cancellations must be received in writing to the Wilderness office.  Deposits are non-refundable after May 1st each year.

What kind of equipment do I need?

All common group gear (backpacks, cooking equipment, tents, sleeping bags, etc) is provided by the program. Students need only provide their own clothing and personal camping supplies (see equipment list).

Should my son/daughter take his/her cell phone?

We ask that students not take cell phones with them for several reasons. First, since not every student will have one, they can be exclusive. Second, they will not work in most of the areas we will be traveling through. Finally, staff members will have satellite phones with them in the case of emergency.

Is this program for experienced folks only?

Absolutely not! In fact the vast majority of students who participate in June or August Wilderness have little to no experience on a trip of this type. We design the route and activities to ensure that everyone can feel successful on the program.

How do I ensure a spot on the course of my choice?

Applications are received on a rolling basis.  Positions are filled first-come, first-served so the earlier you turn in your application and deposit the better the chance of being placed on your first choice program.  Occasionally, students are wait-listed on their first choice and placed on their second choice. While every effort is made to place students, heavy enrollment can leave late applicants without a position on either program.

How do we get to the course areas?

Groups on all courses will travel by 12-passenger van to course areas. We will use the travel time to get to know each other and experience the subtle changes in terrain and vegetation while camping at state parks along the way

Contact Us:

Wilderness Programs
801 National Road West, Drawer 87
Richmond, IN 47374
phone:(765) 983-1327; fax: (765) 983-1207
Wilderness@earlham.edu