The Calvin Wilderness Orientation program is a collaboration between the Student Life Division and the HPERDS Department of Calvin College. Wilderness Orientation exists to create and accomplish the following opportunities:
- Establish Relationships: Build lasting friendships and initial “Calvin Community” with other first year students!
- Adventure: Share an amazing and memorable adventure experience in a remarkable wilderness setting!
- Wilderness Skills: Build outdoor proficiency in the areas of backpacking, sea kayaking, rock climbing, and/or cycling (all students will receive their first required PE credit).
- Growth and Goal Setting: Offer time and space for spiritual reflection and goal setting regarding the transition into college life.
- "Epic" Experience: Leave the experience knowing that you accomplished something “epic” through physical challenge, intentional community living, personal reflection, acquisition of new adventure based skills, and having made meaningful and lasting connections with other incoming Calvin students!
Information for your specific trip will be emailed to your Calvin email closer to the date of your trip. Be sure to check your email regularly for important information.
Students are required to have a passport or passport card to cross the border into Canada. This can be a fairly long process, so you will want start the process right away. For more information regarding this change, please visit the government's website: http://travel.state.gov/passport/ .
Accommodations
Accommodations range from rustic cabins to a tent in the great outdoors. Tents are provided.
What to Pack
Trip-specific packing lists will be provided prior to your trip. Extensive gear is not required for Wilderness.
Meals
All meals during the trip are included—except for the two meals during travel days. You are encouraged to bring $25 for those meals.