Students complete a 25-day NOLS expedition in western Wyoming.
In total, approximately 79 miles were hiked through scenic fields, over boulders, around lakes and to the tops of mountains. Students learned about their leadership styles, how to work with others, Leave No Trace principles, and how to live comfortably in the wilderness, among other life lessons. They also examined their environment as they hiked their course, learning about edible and medical plants, other plants native to the area and which ones to stay away from for various reasons.
“I have had a great time with NOLS and I think every last one of us has grown from this experience,” freshman Riley Aparicio writes. “NOLS has taught me that personal growth is a never-ending process.”
Freshman Muriel Zino adds that she has “a new found confidence in (her) own abilities and skills.”
Upon preparing to finish the expedition, Laura Brockington writes: “We had to wake up at 5 this morning so we could be at the trailhead in time for the bus. It was an incredibly bittersweet hike because we all knew it was the end. I’m so sad to be leaving the wilderness and our instructors but I can’t wait to continue on this journey, especially since I’ll still be with my Gap family.”
Students will be joined by faculty and staff over the next 5.5 weeks to travel across the country performing week long service projects while learning about the changing issues facing our country.
With stops planned in South Dakota, Missouri, Kentucky, and Washington, D.C., 
Follow our experience on facebook (Elon Gap Semester Program) and twitter (@ElonGapPrograms)