November 2008
Dear Future Wilderness Welcome Participant,
You should be excited that you are going to be participating in this wonderful experience. This program is a once in a lifetime chance, and it is really a great way to start off college.
Seriously, I was entering the program as a timid guy who didn’t know what he was in for. Yet, truly, the experience is phenomenal! You will meet lifelong friends, create valuable connections with the leaders and discover something new about yourself that you will love.
Mostly, I prepared for the Desert Exploration trip by buying camping gear and even doing a little bit of camping myself- you know, to kind of get the hang of it. My biggest tip to you, though, is that you should not be worried. Although, a tent and some nice, warm clothes are pretty helpful too.
My timid feelings were relieved by being in the program. On the Canyonlands Exploration trip, you live with 15 or so other people, outdoors, for a week. Not only do you develop priceless relationships, you rediscover yourself. Most of my closest friends in college are now from the Wilderness Welcome program. Even during the trip you all are right there to back each other up.
You will have a great time and though you may feel shy and unprepared for it, don’t worry. Everyone feels this way. You will have the time of your life and you will never forget ( and I mean NEVER) about the Wilderness Welcome!
Chris
November 2008
To Future Wilderness Welcome Student,
The Wilderness Welcome Canyonlands Exploration was awesome. We went to so many cool places, some that I had never heard of before.
The biggest thing that I did to prepare was making sure I had most everything I needed for the trip. The most valuable piece of gear that I brought was probably my sleeping bag. Even with my 40°summer bag, I was still cold at Bryce Canyon, since it is at 8,000 ft.
I didn’t really have any fears about college or the program, but Wilderness Welcome did help me meet people and calm some of my nerves for the first day of school. I am still good friends with some of the people that I met on my trip. Others I don’t don’t talk to anymore other than when I see them around campus.
Have Fun!
Cooper