Mikaela Osler ’13 Shatters Colorado Trail Record
READ STORY
The Wilderness Program helps students connect with each other through shared experience in rugged and remote backcountry terrain. It doesn’t matter if you speak the same language or practice the same religion when you’re setting up a tent together as a thunderstorm comes barreling down the mountain.
Students develop a sense of mutual accountability and increased confidence when our highly trained and enthusiastic wilderness leaders help them learn a new set of skills. Alumni who reflect on their experiences at UWC-USA almost universally believe the Wilderness Program helped them develop stronger, more confident voices as leaders and mentors.
Students extend themselves physically, experience discomfort, and prevail. The payoff? Learning what they’re capable of.
The scale and beauty of the landscapes of the US Southwest inspire reflection and a sense of our place in the universe.
Wilderness trips require each student to take responsibility for themselves and understand their responsibility to the group.
Wilderness trips offer students the chance to forge deep connections with their peers, as well as opportunities for personal development and growth.
Setting up shelter, cooking on the trail, taking only what you can carry—all of these skills become second nature after just a few trips.
Even the best planned trips may encounter unexpected conditions. Students take pride in persevering , then sharing these tales on the next trip.
Trips follow Leave No Trace principles, prompting an examination of our impact on nature and how to enjoy it sustainably.
Alumni cite the development of a relationship with the natural world as a key benefit of their time at UWC-USA, turning to nature as a way to self-regulate
All students participate in the Wilderness Program, even those who have little outdoor experience. It is a core community-building experience, and, for many students, the highlight of their time at UWC-USA. Participation is required for first-years, optional for second-years.
While wilderness trips are optional for second-years, approximately 30-40% of all students choose to become second-year wilderness leaders, undergoing further courses in wilderness skills and first-aid in preparation for for the role.
A few days after arriving on campus, all first-year students participate in a 3-day backpacking trip led by second-year wilderness leaders and trained adults. As the semester progresses they participate in an experiential education program to learn the campus trails.
The October Southwest Studies week has six to eight expeditions students can choose from, one of which is a five-day backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon.
First year students must participate in two additional wilderness trips during the academic year. Options include several two-day, one-night rock climbing or mountain biking trips, a snow camping expedition, or the five-day Grand Canyon trip during Southwest Studies week. First-year students who have applied to be wilderness leaders take the required certification courses and help lead one of the weekend trips.
Students who have been selected as wilderness leaders return to Montezuma at the end of July for a two-week backpacking trip. They learn wilderness first aid, equipment repair and maintenance, and how to respond to unexpected situations such as shelter repair or extreme weather. Second-year students who are not wilderness leaders may elect to take any of the weekend rock-climbing and mountain biking trips.
Second-year students may elect any of the weekend rock-climbing and mountain biking trips or the snow camping trip. In the spring, a small number of second-year students have the option to take a self-directed group trip.
Yes. While there is a requirement for students to participate in a minimum number of activities throughout the year, most students find they enjoy the program so much that they sign up for additional trips.
Students with equipment are encouraged to bring it to Montezuma when they come in the fall. The school provides equipment for all students who do not have it.
The US Southwest provides limitless hiking, camping, and outdoor activities. Almost half of all UWC-USA first-year students go on a Southwest Studies trip to the Grand Canyon in Northern Arizona. The Wilderness Program also sponsors day hikes close to the UWC-USA campus, longer excursions for the purpose of training wilderness leaders, and rock climbing and mountain biking trips around the region.
One of our fundamental beliefs at UWC-USA is that every student is capable of more than they think they are. We encourage students to find activities that match — and challenge — their skill level. More importantly we provide extensive training to help students learn the basics of campcraft and wilderness survival. We know that being challenged by the outdoors and being a little uncomfortable creates great learning opportunities provided students have the necessary support and encouragement.
United World College-USA
P.O. Box 248
Montezuma, NM 87731
