Wilderness Pre-Orientation Retreat: August 10–13, 2009

Begin your Naropa Experience on a new student wilderness trip

Before new student orientation (August 16–21) begins, we will spend four days and three nights exploring the majestic Rocky Mountains. Just a short one-hour drive from campus, we will lead two trips into Rocky Mountain National Park, which will be the landscape for our fun, learning, gathering and reflection. Two Naropa staff members will be there to guide and support you on your trip, and to develop connections to support you through your college experience. What better way to get grounded and ready for your college experience? Begin to sink your roots in Colorado. No experience is necessary to participate, but you will need to be able to carry a 45lb load.

What will we be doing on this wilderness adventure?

On August 10, we will drive to Sandbeach Lake and Finch Lake trailheads to begin our four-mile backpacking trips. This will be our home for the next three days. The wilderness adventure will include:

Hiking/Backpacking: Students will backpack in a group of twelve. The first day will be a trail hike into Rocky Mountain National Park, where we will set a basecamp. During our stay, there will be time to relax and to traverse alpine basins and high mountain ridges for a possible peak ascent,
for those who are interested. During day four, we will backpack out, invigorated to start the
school year.

• Skill Building. Students will learn camp craft, Leave No Trace camping and basic back country skills, as well.
• Community Building. Back at camp, we will have general hang out time, evening and morning council gatherings in a circle of supportive community.
• Reflection. There will also be time for journaling, solos and personal reflection. Students will be introduced to basic contemplative practices in nature, as you connect with the natural wonders, big and small, of the Colorado wilderness.

Naropa provides:

• tents and cooking supplies
• all meals
• transportation from Naropa and back
• first aid kit

Participants provide:

• sleeping bag
• rain gear
• boots
• warm non-cotton clothes

We will send a complete gear list when you register. If you do not have have some of the supplies, we will assist you in purchasing or renting what you need. Students will not be able to go unless they have the proper gear.

The Guides

Your guides for this trip will be two Naropa staff members and a current student who have extensive, professional, back-country guiding experience. Thus, you will also begin to know some of the "on campus guides" that you will see through your experience at Naropa. The guides are Wilderness First Responder certified.

Registration

This trip is open to a limited number of students and spots are given on a first come first serve basis. To reserve your spot fill out and return:

• Registration Form
• Nonrefundable deposit of $50 by June 26 (Full payment of $300 is due by July 10)

Refund Policy

Cancellations before July 31 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be given after July 31.

Limited scholarships are available. For more information about scholarships, contact Bob Cillo at bcillo@naropa.edu.