What is it?

Whitworth Wilderness is an opportunity for a select group of incoming students to embark on a 3-day 2-night backpacking adventure in the Northwest’s beautiful Selkirk Mountains. The program includes an alpine lakeside camping experience.

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Why should I do it?

Participating students will be able to develop and foster new relationships with one another through an outdoor experience; creating bonds that will transition with them into their first year at Whitworth University.

Students will have the opportunity to learn outdoor skills related to backpacking. Some of these skills will include:

• Water filtration techniques

• Backcountry cooking

• Trail etiquette

• Leave No Trace practices

• Astronomy

• Animal and plant identification

• and much more!

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When and Where is it?

The Selkirks are two-and-a-half hours northeast of Whitworth University. Students meet at Whitworth University Recreation Center (building 56 on campus map) on the morning of Thursday, September 1st at 9:00 AM. The trip will return to campus on Saturday morning (by noon at the latest), September 3rd, just in time for the incoming student festivities!

 

Who leads it?

Whitworth Outdoors employs a team of skilled student leaders who will be guiding the backpacking groups. These student leaders have extensive experience leading Whitworth Outdoors trips and are Wilderness First Aid certified.

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How much does it cost?

The cost of the pre-orientation program is $165 per student. Once accepted, we will notify students on how to pay for the program. Whitworth Outdoors can provide all group gear such as stoves, pots, tents, water filters, and food, as well as the essential individual backpacking gear:

• Backpack

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad

• Trekking poles