Abstract:
The purpose of this creative project was to develop a unique orientation option for incoming students at Ball State University. This project supports the ideas of a wilderness orientation. In a wilderness setting, students can create connections from the challenges they face to the challenges they will face as they enter school. The program was designed for freshmen students, but could be used for transfer students or graduate students. Goals of the program1 include retention of students, personal growth, adjustment to college, and establishing connections with both faculty and friends.This program was designed to take place in Canada's Algonquin Provincial Park. Students will paddle with a faculty or staff member and two upper class students in a trail crew. For seven days, the students will remain in the wilderness. They will paddle and portage throughout the park carrying all they need to survive with them.The research for this program was supported by the author's personal experiences with wilderness trips while attending Salisbury University.