Experiential Orientation

What to expect

The Calvin Experiential Orientation program is a collaboration between the Student Life Division and the HPERDS Department of Calvin College.

• Establish relationships: Build lasting friendships and initial "Calvin Community" with other new 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!

Receive class credit exemption

PER 138 Wilderness Pursuits Exemption

All students will receive an exemption from one of three Heath and Fitness core requirements. Each trip is directed and instructed by a full-time faculty/staff member who specializes in Outdoor Recreation and Experiential Education. Along with gaining comprehensive skills in back country travel and living, students will gain specific skill sets in the focused outdoor pursuits around which the trip is built.As a part of the Calvin Core curriculum, students will also spend time discussing and journaling on

• stewardship
• stress management
• goal setting focused on personal wellness and developing lifetime "healthy habits".

Be surrounded by carefully selected and highly trained course instructors

Each trip is directed by a full time faculty/staff member of Calvin College. Along with full time staff, up to 3 highly trained and certified upper class or graduate students will act as trip instructors/leaders. These leaders are selected for their

• commitment to safety,
• ability to exercise strong judgment and decision making,
• love for working directly with incoming students, and
• passion for creating a highly memorable experience in a wilderness context.

All staff members are highly trained in general wilderness skills and the specific activities that they are leading/instructing.Staff have taken a ten day wilderness medicine course through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS/WMI), being certified as Wilderness First Responders. All rock climbing sites are supervised by an individual who is a certified Top Rope Site Manager/Guide with the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA).Paddle instructors have completed an American Canoe Association (ACA) open water/coastal sea kayaking course.

Experience epic routes and spectacular locations

All locations have been selected based on the unmatched natural beauty, memorable setting, historic significance, environmental appropriateness for the specific outdoor pursuit, and ability to offer a challenging, but not overwhelming wilderness-based experience.

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 Experiential Orientation.

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.