Wilderness Studies Frequently Asked Questions

Select any of the questions below to see the accompanying answer. If you have questions not listed below, please revisit the course description to read more or contact your BlendEd Coordinator or the Wilderness Studies Instructor Noah Orgish.

In order to be considered for the Summer/Fall 2023 Wilderness Studies cohort, please be sure to thoroughly review the course description, important dates, and FAQs. Then complete and submit the online application by Friday 4/28/2023. We will announce the roster of selected student participants by mid-May and follow up with additional information at that time.

Due to the rigorous nature of Wilderness Studies, it is very important that participants will be ready in mind, body and spirit to make the most of this unique opportunity. To that end, your online application will be reviewed by the course leaders as well as the BlendEd Coordinators. We will speak with your chosen faculty spokesperson about your collaborative abilities, commitment level, and resilience. We will be looking for students who are prepared mentally and physically to engage with all the aspects and requirements of the Wilderness Studies course. We will also do our best to ensure the student cohort is a diverse representation of our schools.

Once selected, you will confirm participation by completing a range of important forms, including:

  • Student Behavior & Disciplinary Policy
  • Travel/Outing Risk Waiver
  • Proof of Health Insurance
  • Health/Medical Information
  • Participant Survey (meals, other preferences)

Yes, the Wilderness Studies course is UC approved as a College Preparatory “G – Interdisciplinary” Elective, so you will receive elective credit.

Wilderness Studies (Summer/Fall 2023) will be funded by the Consortium, so there is no cost/fee involved.  The following costs are included for all participants:

  • transportation
  • food
  • books
  • group gear/equipment

The costs associated with individual gear and equipment for field expeditions are not included. NOTE: If you don’t have any items from the Wilderness Studies gear list (link coming soon!), the MA Outings Program maintains a collection of clean and quality gear available for students to borrow through MA’s gear checkout system. Please do not let access to gear keep you from participating in this course.

It is important that you feel genuinely ready and enthusiastic to take part in both the academic activities and field learning experiences involved in this course. You will be hiking/backpacking 3-7 miles a day for 4 days with a 30-45 lb pack while in Yosemite (compared to 2 to 3 miles a day in Pt. Reyes). You will need to be up for sleeping in tents outdoors! Note that we will be outdoors in a variety of terrain and weather conditions. Temperatures could range from 40s at night to 70s and low 80s during the day.

Other than that, if you can commit to engage regularly with the curriculum, communicate proactively, and collaborate with your leaders and classmates, then you are ready for this course.

Note that, aside from the required field experiences, this course should not impact your ability to participate in after school activities such as sports, theater, etc.

We anticipate enrolling a maximum of 14, with 2 students from each of the 7 Consortium schools to be determined by school and course leadership.

The health and well-being of students is our top priority. An orientation and risk management protocol is built into the Wilderness Studies course. The course leaders will cover communication, hygiene, cultural norms, access to emergency care and related topics with all students. They will review potential risks for the area and continue this practice at each specific location.

Furthermore, we have a range of Field Emergency Plans in place to handle the following types of scenarios:

  • If a student needs to leave early due to personal emergency
  • If a student violates established rules
  • If weather or transportation delays or cancellations

Our adult leaders have extensive safety training and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification and will be well equipped with various communication equipment including mobile phones, GPS devices and satellite phones in case of emergencies.

Yes, all field experiences serve educational purposes and are essential to passing this course. You must be able to commit to the following schedule and dates in order to participate in this course:

  • June 10 (12-5pm): Pre-Course Hike to Stinson on the Dipsea. Give out forms, summer reading, answer FAQs, do gear-pickup.
  • July 6 (7-8pm): Virtual Course Kick-Off (intros, connections, and pre-trip work)
  • July 13 (7-8pm): Zoom #2
  • July 29 (7am) – August 6 (12pm): Expedition #1: Yosemite Weeklong Expedition
  • August 17 (7-8pm): Zoom #3
  • August 24 (7-8pm): Zoom #4
  • September 2 (11am) – September 4 (2pm): Expedition #2 – Pt. Reyes Weekend Expedition
  • September 12 (7-8pm): Zoom #5
  • September 19 (7-8pm): Zoom #6
  • October 1st (12-3pm): Expedition #3 – Final Expedition & Celebration