MONTREAT COLLEGE’S OUTDOOR EDUCATION MISSION
Our program emphasizes outdoor skills, leadership training, and environmental knowledge, giving students the training and experience necessary to lead adventure activities, wilderness trips, team building, and environmental awareness from a biblical worldview.
BRIEF HISTORY OF HOW MONTREAT COLLEGE OUTDOOR EDUCATION GOT STARTED AND WHY IT EXISTS
First launched in 1976, the Discovery Wilderness Expedition was added to the Outdoor Recreation Program at Montreat College. Started by Jake Wetzel from HoneyRock Camp, this is annual trip takes groups of 5-10 participants to backpack, climb, canoe, and “do a solo” in the backcountry of Western North Carolina. The program has been going strong since 1976.
The current Bachelor of Science in Outdoor Education combines elements of adventure and environmental education into one unique program of study and all students complete the Discovery program. The program offers two distinct concentrations, either in Outdoor Leadership or Environmental Education and Interpretation. Both include a strong emphasis in outdoor skills, leadership training and environmental awareness. The Outdoor Education curriculum is designed to give students the skills, knowledge and training necessary to both facilitate personal growth and interpret the natural world.
DURATION OF TRIPS OFFERED
Trips are 14+ days.
EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING ELEMENTS INCLUDED ON TRIPS
- Daily devotion or quiet times
- Solo experience (either a few hours or day-long solos)
- Teachable moments or trail talks along the journey
- Having participants share their testimony or life story
- Peak climbs
- Rock climbing
- Canoeing
- Backpacking
- Practicing and Teaching Leave No Trace Ethics
WHAT MAKES A SUCCESSFUL WILDERNESS TRIP?
A successful wilderness/adventure trip is an expedition that offers opportunities for solitude, adventure, cooperation, teamwork, character-building, and interacting with the natural world. Daily life is reduced to the basics of eating, sleeping, and working together to travel from one destination to another. Through challenging experiences, students are encouraged to make self-discoveries that are basic to self-esteem, self-confidence, and an insight into the qualities of their own being and with their creator.
HOW MONTREAT COLLEGE’S OUTDOOR EDUCATION POINTS PEOPLE TO CHRIST AND HELPS THEM GROW IN THEIR FAITH
We introduce our students to the love and grace that we have gained from Jesus Christ and offer those same gifts to our students.
COST
Trips cost $900+
WEBSITE
Montreat College Outdoor Education
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TESTIMONIAL
“Outdoor Education at Montreat College is more than a degree program. It was one of the richest, most informative experiences in my life.” Misty Varnell, 2013
