Which Course is for Me?

Both the Alpine Backpacking and Caribou Forest Canoeing courses are our longer, more immersive and intensive wilderness experiences. Our most "historic" courses, they have operated continuously since 1971. Both involve an extended and immersive three-week wilderness experience that combines physical challenge with academic, intra and interpersonal inquiry. Both course areas (Utah and Canada) allow for travel to remote, wilderness areas that you simply cannot get to on a shorter trip. The vast majority of wilderness pre-orientation programs at other colleges and universities are 3-5 days in length (the average, nationwide, is about 4 days). In essence, these courses are "trips of a lifetime" in the fact that few people will have the opportunity to experience this much time in a remote, backcountry setting. Even though they are intensive, both courses are purposefully designed for the beginner. Any student in reasonable physical shape can succeed on these courses (over one thousand wilderness alums can attest to that!). What are the benefits of this significant investment in time and money? Both courses offer 3 semester hours of academic credit. In addition, you will get to know fellow classmates, student trip leaders, and college faculty leaders at a much deeper level. Finally, these courses are an investment in yourself. You will come aware more self-confident and prepared for the challenges and possibilities of college. For these and many more reasons, we highly recommend the longer courses for every student.

If you have prior commitments during the summer and just cannot get away for the longer courses, you might want to consider our shorter courses. Both the canoeing and backpacking courses in the Adirondacks are 11 days in total length and involve approximately 6-7 days on trail. Students will arrive at Earlham in mid-June and participate in a short version of pre-orientation, getting a chance to meet faculty members and learn more about the curriculum and registration process. Then, we will travel to the Adirondacks in up-state New York for an opportunity to either canoe or backpack in the area. The scenery is beautiful and, while not as remote, offers the chance for solitude and a wilderness experience. The program provides similar physical activity, personal, and group development as our longer August courses, just over a shorter time frame. Brigades will be led by trained student leaders as well as faculty from the Wilderness program. Students will receive 1 academic credit for participating on the course.

What about the differences between backpacking and canoeing?

This is the perrenial question that we have a hard time answering. BOTH ways of experiencing the wilderness are great- we honestly cannot make a choice between them. There are some differences though. Backpacking courses, by definition, involve more time on your feet, more "ups and downs" and you will camp in different ways than canoeing because of Leave No Trace principles we follow (typically, backpacking groups sleep and cook in tarps/tents separated from each other while canoeists concentrate impact on a smaller area and cook together). Canoeing can involve more of a "zen-like" feel with the consistency of terrain, water, and sky but there are ample opportunities for novelty and difference physical challenges on the portages (trails between lakes). Our best advice? If you have more experience with one or the other, maybe think about trying something new. If you have no experience with either, don't fret about it too much-- simply choose whichever one comes to mind and know that either one will be the adventure of a lifetime!

Can I wait and do this next year?

These courses are offered to any student but, in our experience, students rarely go as Sophomores or Juniors. The single greatest thing we hear from students who did not participate is that they really regret that they did not go! Almost every student who goes on a course returns grateful for the chance to start college with a new group of friends, an incredible adventure, and lasting lessons in self-confidence and self sufficiency. So... our advice? Seize the day!

Contact Us:

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