JU Wilderness Leadership Utah Grand Gulch Expedition

Utah wildernessLearn valuable leadership and wilderness self-reliance skills while earning experiential learning credits on this expedition in the beautiful, remote and rugged Grand Gulch region of southeastern Utah.

Students will learn wilderness travel skills and prepare for the expedition during the expedition orientation class during the Spring II 2022 term. In May, the group will gather in Grand Junction Colorado and spend one night before embarking on a six-day base camp-style expedition in the remote wilderness. Following the expedition, participants will spend a final night in Grand Junction to celebrate their journey and accomplishments!

The program provides application of concepts and theory related to leadership, team building, conflict resolution, communication, decision-making, and expedition management. Health and safety competencies specific to wilderness expeditions will be developed and applied, including first aid and backpacking in a wilderness setting. Environmental skills and an understanding of the complexity, diversity, and fragility of wild-lands will be developed through application of the guiding principles behind Leave No Trace (LNT) and land managers’ decisions and regulations.

Participants must demonstrate appropriate physical preparedness including the ability to carry a fully loaded pack under moderately strenuous conditions. Physical readiness screening decisions are made at the discretion of the course faculty. No previous backpacking experience is required, but would be advantageous.

Course(s)

JU 330: JU Experience Special Topics: Discovering the Leader Within – Utah Wilderness Study Away Expedition
(3 credit hours).

JU 144: Utah Wilderness Study Away Expedition (0 credit hours).

JU 409: Fulfills JU Experiential Learning requirement.

Prerequisites for Expedition

  • At least a C grade in JU 330 - JU Experience Special Topics: Discovering the Leader within – Utah Wilderness Study Away Expedition
  • Demonstrated ability to carry a fully loaded pack under moderately strenuous conditions
  • No previous backpacking experience required 

Program Dates

Spring/Orientation Course Dates: March 3 - May 1, 2022 (Spring II)

Travel Dates: May 2 - 10, 2022

Program Fees

Spring course - billed as part of regular semester tuition & fees
Program Fees: $1,450 - $2,000

Application and $400 non-refundable deposit due: February 14, 2022.
(Deposit is not additional to program fee)

Price range is determined based on enrollment. The final program price will be determined after the application and deposit deadline has passed.

Included in Program Fees:

  • First and last night motel accommodations in Grand Junction, CO
  • Ground transportation from Grand Junction to Grand Gulch, UT
  • Wilderness guide staff and wilderness instructor
  • All meals while on expedition in Grand Gulch
  • Post expedition celebration dinner in Grand Junction
  • Bureau of Land Management permitting
  • On-Site Support

Not Included in Program Fees:

  • Transportation to Grand Junction Colorado
  • Backpacking gear (the Outing club has some loaner equipment)
  • Some meals (Arrival and departure day)
  • Incidentals

Faculty Leaders & Contacts

Dr. Mike Nancarrow
Professor of Mathematics
Outing Club Faculty Advisor
(904) 256-7315
mnancar@ju.edu

 

Mr. Scott Egolf
Owner/Operator, South Park Adventure Guides
Adjunct Instructor of Adventure Education & Wilderness Medicine
JU Outing Club Community Advisor
southparkadventureguides@gmail.com 


Ginny Garzón
Study Abroad & Away Coordinator
ghughes1@ju.edu

How to Apply


Apply Now

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