Wilderness Journey for First Year Students is an extended wilderness experience program that utilizes the wilderness for a personal growth experience focused on your relationship with God, others, yourself, and your natural surrounding.

It is a unique opportunity to begin your preparation for college as you reflect on your life, the lessons you have been learning, and the relationships you have developed. The demands of the wilderness will push you outside of your comfort zone and stretch you to the limit. In the end, you will gain increased honesty with yourself and others, faith in God, discipline, and depth of character.

For more information or to reserve a spot for Wilderness Journey for First Year Students please contact Dr. Andrew Bobilya or print off the registration form (PDF) and return it with your deposit to reserve a space.

Who Should Attend?

Any first-year student attending Montreat College (including transfer students).
Anyone interested in an extended wilderness trip prior to the start of college – no prior wilderness trip experience necessary.

Why Should You Attend?

Develop friendships with students and faculty.
Learn about yourself, others, God, and his creation.
Complete 2 academic credits before starting the semester.

What's the area like?

Montreat’s campus borders the Pisgah National Forest.
World-class rock climbing and whitewater paddling are within minutes of campus.
Montreat College is a 14-mile hike from the highest point in the eastern United States – Mt. Mitchell.

Program Leadership

Montreat College has been offering wilderness programs for over 30 years.
Your instructors are committed to providing a safe and exciting learning environment.
Your instructors provide an individual assessment and personalized program activities.

Dr. Andrew Bobilya
Phone: 828-669-8012 ext. 3412
Email: abobilya@montreat.edu
P.O. Box 1267
Montreat, NC 28757

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Important Dates

Click Here to fill out necessary forms

Dates for Wilderness Journey for First Year Students

Submit Registration Form (found on brochure) along with $200 deposit to reserve a space!

Before June 29: All Course Forms Due! (click on link above to find all necessary forms for registration)

August 7th: Wilderness Journey begins with advance reading and physical conditioning before you arrive on campus. When you arrive, students and parents attend a brief orientation and begin to prepare for your expedition with your leaders and members of your expedition group.

August 7th– 18th: Each small expedition group engages in activities that may include backpacking, canoeing, rock climbing, rappelling, group initiatives, Bible studies, running, map and compass skills, outdoor cooking, camping, wilderness solitude (solo), journaling, and leadership training. Each activity is tailored to the group’s abilities, current weather, and other important considerations. Upon completion of the expedition, students return to campus for a reunion with other Wilderness Journey participants and a day of debriefing, celebrating, cleaning, and evaluation.

August 19th: Students have a day to rest, do laundry, and take care of personal business before beginning New Student Orientation (NSO) on August 20th, 2010.

Fees for Wilderness Journey for First Year Students

The $1,200 fee includes 2 Montreat College course credits (OE 181), all group equipment, permits, food, transportation during the program, and lodging on campus on August 18th and 19th. Students are responsible for their personal clothing, equipment ,and course texts. Enrollment is limited; space is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. A $200 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve a spot. The remaining fee, $1,000, will be billed to the student's account for the fall semester.

Wilderness Journey Practicum Discovery Immersion Semester Wilderness Journey for First Year Students