This May, Campus Rec will offer the Wilderness Perspectives Backpacking Trip to all rising sophomores, juniors and seniors. From May 6th-11th, Student Expedition Instructors will lead the group through the Wilson Creek area in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Participants will travel six to eight miles per day while exploring the old-growth forest, abundant waterfalls and steep terrain.
This intensive wilderness experience will offer an unparalleled opportunity for self-reflection by escaping the responsibilities and distractions of civilization.
“Campus Recreation has introduced this trip to provide students with a transformational experience during their college careers that may allow them to recognize their potential through increased self-awareness and compassion for others, said Dave Yeargan, Expedition Program Manager.
The group will function as a self-reliant community as it explores the wilderness of the Southern Appalachians. Instructors will teach students the skills to succeed and allow participants to lead their own experiences. Students will be allowed to make their own decisions and will learn from the consequences of those choices. Nightly debriefs, solo time and evening conversations will encourage students to reflect on who they are, what they’re doing and where they’re going in life.
“Students should expect to gain increased self-confidence, self-knowledge, tolerance for adversity and appreciation for others,” said Yeargan.
There are nine slots available for this trip, six of which are still open! No experience is required and all food, equipment and transportation will be provided as part of the $325 fee. For information on how to register, visit http://campusrec.unc.edu/expeditions.
