The Wilderness Experience

The Wilderness Experience is designed to place students in wilderness environment in small groups where their success will be dependent on the ability of the group to work together effectively. Participants learn by direct experience how groups function and, more importantly, how to utilize their individual strengths to succeed in a wilderness setting.

 The trip involves backpacking, camping, a ropes course and a solo experience. These activities are intended to be physically and emotionally challenging for participants. A typical day on the trip may involve hiking over various terrains, orienteering, preparing meals, setting up camp, leading the group on the trail, and evening discussions. Participants are expected to cover approximately eight to ten miles of rugged trails each day. Achieving this goal requires a group effort. During the trip, the members of the group learn to live together, cooperate, and trust one another despite their diverse backgrounds.

 The majority of the trip takes place in Adirondack State Park in New York and takes place in early August.The Wilderness Experience was developed as an experiential component of the Group Dynamics course which is cross-listed in both psychology and sociology. The course is listed as PY 360 or SO 360 and can be taken for either one or three semester hours of credit. For one hour of credit, students go on the trip and write a paper after returning. For three credit hours, students go on the trip and participate in class weekly for the first ten weeks of the fall term. Having gone on the trip together, students in Group Dynamics have the unique opportunity to bring their real life experience in groups to their study of how groups function. Students should emerge from the trip and the course with a greater sense of self-confidence and a deeper understanding of group processes. In addition, students will gain skills in personal awareness, interpersonal relations, and environmental awareness.

18 students are selected to participate in the Wilderness Experience each year. Groups of six to eight students then go out into the wilderness led by a faculty or staff member who is assisted by a student leader. Student leaders have typically been on the trip previously. The Wilderness Experience is led by Dr. Sarah Torok, a member of the Mount Union College Psychology Department. Dr. Torok has organized and participated in the trip for the past two years. She has worked with Dr. Steve Kramer, long-time member of the Psychology department, and the trip’s creator and coordinator for the last 33 years. Dr. Kramer is also the instructor for the Group Dynamics course.

Any Mount Union College student, regardless of major, may apply to participate in the Wilderness Experience. Students must have taken PY 110 or SO 100 in order to apply. Applications are due near the end of February and selections are announced in March. The cost of the trip is $300 per student. This fee includes food, transportation, and supplies needed for the trip. Participants are responsible for most of their own individual equipment although backpacks, sleeping bags, and tents can be rented for $15 per item.

For more information contact Dr. Sarah Torok at torokse@muc.edu.