Outdoor Orientation is a multi-sport, outdoor adventure program that uses the wilderness as the classroom. Over the course of six days, you will have opportunities to climb, hike, camp out and experience some of the best whitewater in the South.

Why Outdoor Orientation?

This program is designed to give you a head start on building connections with your new Montreat Community.
Get to know your surroundings and learn about opportunities for outdoor adventures at Montreat.
Have fun while completing challenges and pushing yourself to learn the true meaning of character.

Who Should Attend? - Any new student who wants to:

Build connections and friendships with other students, staff, and Faculty.
Try some new things and get acquainted with the natural beauty around Montreat.
Learn more about yourself, others, and God.

What's the area like?

Montreat’s campus borders the Pisgah National Forest.
World-class rock climbing and whitewater paddling are within minutes of campus.
Montreat College is a 14-mile hike from the highest point in the eastern United States – Mt. Mitchell.

Program Leadership

Montreat College has been offering wilderness programs for over 30 years.
Your instructors are committed to providing as safe and exciting a learning environment as possible, however, an element of risk exists on wilderness trips and is an integral component of teaching methodology on this course.
Your instructors are trained not only in the technical skills you'll participate in, but also in the areas of group development and engaging discussions.

All operations on National Forest System Lands are authorized under Special Use Permit by the Pisgah National Forest

To reserve a place on Outdoor Orientation please print off and return the required forms:

College Medical Form – This may be submitted directly to the Nurse or to Backcountry
Assumption of Risk Form
Application Form
$100 deposit – this is non-refundable unless we deny you acceptance into the program. The balance will be due 7 days before the program, but you are welcome to pay in full when you submit your deposit.

All materials should be sent to:

Backcountry at Montreat College
PO Box 1267
Montreat, NC 28757
backcountry@montreat.edu

Phone: 828-669-8012 ext. 3406
Email: backcountry@montreat.edu
P.O. Box 1267
Montreat, NC 28757

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Important Dates

Submit Application Form along with $100 deposit to reserve a space!

Before July 15: All Course Forms due. Click here to fill out necessary forms.

Early July: Outdoor Orientation begins with notification of acceptance into the course. When you arrive, students and parents attend a brief orientation and begin to prepare for your expedition with your leaders and members of your expedition group.

July 26-August 1: These dates are designed to be compatible for students on sports teams, but this program is also open to anyone. You'll meet your group and instructors on the 26th, do a quick check in process and head out to the wilderness for a few days of outdoor adventures. You'll arrive back to campus in time to get connected with the sports team check in on August 2.

August 13-19: This option is open to any incoming student. The program will be the same as the July option except you will arrive back on campus in time to join the entire New Student Orientation program.

Fees for Wilderness Orientation for First Year Students

The $450 fee includes all group equipment, permits, food, transportation during the program, and lodging on campus the night before student check-in. Students are responsible for their personal clothing, equipment, and course texts. Enrollment is limited; space is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. A $100 nonrefundable deposit is required to reserve a spot. The remaining fee of $350 will be expected within a week of arrival. (You can also pay the full amount with your deposit and the $350 balance will be refundable up to a week before the program.)

Wilderness Journey Practicum Discovery Immersion Semester Wilderness Journey 1st Years