<p>DS, an incoming freshman, will be doing the August</a> Wilderness Program. I'm a bit anxious about his being unreachable for 25 days, but he is really looking forward to it, and it does sound like an amazing experience.</p>
<p>Is there anyone else on this forum whose S or D will be doing this program, or has done it in the past?</p>
<p>August Wilderness is fantastic! I went on August Wilderness, so let me know if you have any questions about anything!</p>
<p>Thanks, rightacross! I do have some questions that I have been meaning to contact the Program about, but since I have not gotten around to that, I will take you up on your kind offer.</p>
<p>Q 1: The [website</a> description](<a href=“http://legacy.earlham.edu/wilderness/summer/aug-wtr-course-info.shtml]website”>http://legacy.earlham.edu/wilderness/summer/aug-wtr-course-info.shtml) says “Trip Duration: 24 days (18 field days).” What happens on the six non-field days? I assume a couple of those days are for travel. What about the other four?</p>
<p>Q 2: The website also says: “There will be several ‘solo’ contemplative opportunities where you will get the chance to experience a period of time in solitude and reflection.” As an admittedly over-protective mom, I worry a bit about the “solo” part of the trip. I assume no one gets lost during these solo activities, right? Can you tell me what these “solo contemplative opportunities” do involve?</p>
<p>It takes about 2.5 days to get to Utah/Canada, and the same time to get back. The extra half-day is spent at the trailhead, packing packs, getting lessons about the trip, etc. No wasted time! :)</p>
<p>Regarding solo–I haven’t heard of anyone ever getting lost, so no worries! Each student is basically “placed” in a location, and given borders–I did mountain wilderness in Utah, and we were all placed alongside a small creek, about 30 feet away from each other. We were in thick trees, though, so we couldn’t see each other, and we weren’t supposed to really wander anywhere (just stay in the general area, only about 10x10 feet or so), so you would have to try really hard to get lost. The students communicate with the instructors via a bandana tied to a tree (tying and untying knots in it to signify that everything is okay/or not, etc.). For me, Solo was two nights, and it was wonderful! Lots of journaling, solitude, reflection, etc.</p>
<p>Thanks, rightacross! The program starts this Sunday, and DS is very excited!</p>
<p>I did it in 1978, and expect my son will do the canoeing Wilderness too…presuming he’s accepted, of course…As I am seeing this thread quite late, how did your son’s trip go?</p>
<p>Jobiska, my son had a wonderful time on the canoeing trip. I was a bit worried that he might not be in good enough physical shape, but that just wasn’t a problem. He loved the whole camping and canoeing experience, but I think one of the best things was the friends he made. One of the kids on the trip, although in a different dorm, became his best friend when they were back at Earlham. </p>
<p>If you have any specific questions, let me know!</p>
<p>By the way, my husband was a graduate of the Earlham class of 1976. It looks as if you missed each other by just a couple years!</p>