Posted by Lily
Wilderness Welcome has been a highlight of the college experience for many students at UAF. Participants enjoy the opportunity to explore remote locations, and make friends before the semester starts.
Wilderness Welcome is a four day wilderness orientation trip put on by Outdoor Adventures, part of the Department of Recreation, Adventure, and Wellness. New students arrive at UAF one week ahead of regular student orientation. They get picked up from the airport, and move into their dorm rooms early. Prior to the start of the trip students spend an orientation day on campus with their trip leaders. Guides give brief tours, help student find places on campus, take them to get polar express cards, and ensure all participants are ready for their trip. This day is filled with new faces, and opportunities to get to know your fellow participants.
The following day begins the outdoor adventures. There are a variety of trips offered, which in the past have included backpacking, Canoeing, Rafting, and Kayaking. Each trip is special in its own way, whether it includes a little white water paddling, wildlife viewing, or breath taking vistas of Denali. Students return to campus after four days and three nights in the wilderness of Alaska, just in time for New Student Orientation to begin the next day. Wilderness Welcome participants have something extra to start the new school year with. They have experiences, and a friend base that they can value for their entire college career, and more.
For more information on Wilderness Welcome you can check out the website of Outdoor Adventures here:
You can also find UAF Outdoor Adventures on Facebook.