Wilderness to Wake or Any Other Pre-Orientation Program?

Wondering if anyone has any insight into Wilderness to Wake? DD is a strong athlete, but of course we worry! How about Deacon Camp? Would appreciate all comments – the good, the bad and the ugly!

@DDSurff Hi, I’m an incoming student, so I do know a little bit about the programs you mentioned. Wilderness to Wake appears to be one of the more popular preorientation options— it has generated a lot of buzz amongst the incoming students from what I’ve seen! The program splits students into groups of ten freshmen (I think) along with one upperclassmen with experience and training in outdoor explorations. (The program is actually sponsored and run by the WFU Outdoor Pursuits Club!) As for the program itself, it’s five days long and is the real deal— students are climbing, exploring, hiking, and making friends by living outside! With that said, it’s not like running an Iron Man, either; that is, if your daughter is a strong athlete, she will be perfectly fine. I think that more than anything, it’s important that your DD likes the outdoors/hiking/etc. For example, I would not reccomend the program for people who dislike the outdoors; that would be a long week for them!

Now for Deacon Camp… I will actually be attending this program myself, so please pardon any bias I have! Deacon Camp is another really popular program amongst freshmen. Groups are set up with eight freshmen and two upperclass mentors. Past years’ schedules have included a kickoff night with a group dinner, ice breakers, and fun games, followed in the next few days by a tour of the old campus in Wake Forest, NC, a behind-the-scenes tour of BB&T Field, a tour of Old Salem in Winston-Salem, a visit to President Hatch’s residence, and a trip to the top of Wait Chapel. Dave Clawson and Danny Manning have made guest appearances in the past, too. Since the Traditions Council and Pro Humanitate Institute sponsor the program, there is also a strong focus on building community; each group works on a legacy project that builds upon the traditions that they have learned about.

Either way, I believe all the preorientation programs are great because they appeal to all different types of people. I’ve never seen/read/heard anything negative about them. At the end of the day, both Wilderness to Wake and Deacon Camp share missions of building community amongst classmates. They both look like a great deal of fun, and I can’t wait to go in August! I hope that I was somewhat helpful, but I know that a current Wake parent or student would be more useful. Best wishes!

@wfufan Thank you so much for the good info! DD is very into Wilderness to Wake with Deacon Camp a close second. She just sent her app off for Wilderness – let’s see what happens – we are thinking good thoughts. Thanks again!

@DDSurff That’s awesome! They accept most of the applicants that apply, so I wouldn’t worry too much. Worst case, she can always apply to Deacon Camp (app is due 7/15), but that probably won’t be necessary. Best of luck!