Wilderness Welcome
Congratulations on your acceptance. Now that you are a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, this is the program to start your college experience off on the right foot. Wilderness Welcome has been introducing students to each other and the Alaskan Wilderness for over 15 years. Whether you are coming to Alaska to explore the “Last Frontier” or you are from Fairbanks itself, Wilderness Welcome gives you the opportunity to make friends, challenge yourself and see some of Alaska’s amazing wild areas. This is an excellent way to transition into life at UAF.
No experience is required for Wilderness Welcome trips, but all students must be in good physical condition. Whether you are an experienced outdoors person or looking to learn a new activity, you will be challenged on Wilderness Welcome. It's your gateway to UAF's 360+ million-acre classroom.
What does a Wilderness Welcome trip consist of?
This itinerary varies for the August Orientation program.
August 20 - Arrival Day: Students should arrive in Fairbanks on this day. Transportation from the airport can be arranged. Students who plan to live on campus can move into their room that night. Students living off-campus will need to provide their own housing. Anyone arriving early will need to provide their own housing before this day.
Day 1, Tuesday: This day will consist of pre-trip meetings, brief tours of campus and Fairbanks as well as take care of most student business; polar express and post office. It will also serve as a day to allow students to escape some jet-lag. Students will spend time in their dorms or in their off-campus housing. Personal errands should be taken care of pior to 10:00am this day. Once the program for today begins, students will be very busy and need to be here for the day's activites, there won't be time for off campus engagements.
Day 2-4, Wednesday-Friday: Students will depart for the field on one of three different four-day adventures. The morning will be driving, but students will be hiking or canoeing by lunch time.
Day 5, Saturday: Students will return from their trips in the late afternoon. We will have a large group BBQ after all the gear has been cleaned up and stored away. You'll spend the night in your dorm room.
Sunday, August 26:First day of traditional Orientation.
Price
Each August trip costs $300. This includes transportation, food, equipment, instructors, housing. Students must provide footwear, clothing and personal items. A complete packing list will be mailed after we receive your registration. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. We accept cash, check and Visa/MasterCard.
Register Now! Just complete THIS FORM and mail it back with a deposit. Any questions, call us (907)474-6027.