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2013 First Ascent WILDERNESS Dates: |
First Ascent WILDERNESS is a small group (6-12people) extended backpacking trip for
incoming students. Get away from all the distractions of civilization and go deep
into the mountains around WCU. You'll leave the trailhead on day 1 with everything
you need for 6 days in your backpack. You'll come out the other side on day 6 a different
person. Travel from camp to camp and explore mountains, waterfalls, swimming holes,
and amazing views. Along the way, you'll work as a team and accomplish the challenges
of outdoor living, navigation, and terrain, together as a group. You'll also spend
a day rock climbing in a remote location.
Goals:
- Develop sense of community among trip participants - CONNECT
- Learn strategies for success when being immersed in a new environment (outdoors as a metaphor for college life) - LEARN
- Challenge students to do more than they thought possible (in a supportive environment) - CHALLENGE
- Explore the mountains around WCU - EXPLORE
- Learn and practice leadership skills - LEADERSHIP
Trip Staff:
This trip is lead by a team of of the most experienced student staff of Base Camp
Cullowhee. These professional staff have gone through a rigorous training regimen
including wilderness emergency medicine, training trips, and apprenticeship to qualify
to work these trips. Many of them are former First Ascent participants themselves.
Cost: $225 (early registration) $250 (late registration) due with trip registration.
click HERE for registration information
*Minimum enrollment is 6 people per trip, Maximum of 12 per group
**Cancellation Policy: There are no full refunds once registered. %50 of
your registration fee is refundable if you cancel before 2 weeks before your trip.
Within 2 weeks of the trip, no refund will be issued.
Dates: July 12-17: Early Registration Ends June 21st, Final Registration Ends July 5th
August 9-14: Early Registration Ends July 19th, Final Registration Ends
August 2nd.
Sample 
Schedule: *may change depending on weather or alternate route planning by staff
Day 1 - Arrive on campus (am), welcome lunch, gear and food issue, go over expectations,
set goals, etc. Transport to trail head and set up camp.
Day 2 - Learn Navigation (map and compass), Hike (days are 2-5miles), Camp
Day 3 - Explore waterfalls, swimming holes, and amazing views on route to next camp
Day 4 - Short moving day, Rock Climb in route to next camp
Day 5 - Peak ascent and sleep under the stars
Day 6 - Hike out to trailhead, Return to Campus, Clean Gear, Debrief
Rock Climbing:
One day of the trip will be spent rock climbing. Challenge yourself on this 70ft tall
cliff with routes suitable for first timers and accomplished climbers. Base Camp staff
are safety experts, so trust your rope and your belayer and climb with confidence.
Learn how to challenge yourself in the face of adversity, just like at college.
What experience do I need?
None, your instructors will teach and provide you with the skills to make "life in
the woods" fun. No worries. Already have experience? Excellent, share you knowledge
with others and learn a few new tricks from Base Camp's super-experienced backcountry
gurus.
How hard will this trip be?
You should be in good physical shape for this First Ascent program. We will be traveling
2-5 miles a day with 45lb backpacks in mountainous terrain. Contact Base Camp if you
have questions about the physical requirements of the program.
What do I need to bring with me?
Here is a packing list of personal items (clothing, boots, etc.) you will be responsible for bringing. We
do have equipment like sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, etc that you can use free
of charge (see the packing list for details).
