The two-week immersive experience takes place in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and is designed to combine academic learning with hands-on outdoor experiences.
Ray Winter is the program coordinator of wilderness studies programs at Fresno Pacific University.
"So the program is very experiential learning-based," Winter said. "That's really the heart of what we're doing, is getting outside of the four walls of the traditional learning space, being kind of hands-on, being present and being immersed, and something special kind of always happens."
Launched in 2018, the program allows participants to earn college credit while exploring the outdoors. Courses offered include introduction to wilderness studies, introduction to philosophy and backpacking. No prior outdoor experience is required, and all necessary supplies and gear are provided.
"It's safe, it's planned," Winter said. "We really want people to realize that it's not something to be afraid of."
Enrollment is not limited to Fresno Pacific University students. Participants from Fresno City College and Clovis Community College are also planning to take part.
Beyond college-level coursework, the wilderness studies program supports outdoor education for younger students. "Inspire" is similar to a wilderness club.
Instructors work with kindergarten through eighth-grade students, visiting school campuses to teach leave-no-trace ethics and principles. High school students can also participate in three-day backpacking trips through a program called "Elevate."
"I think that's pretty profound in terms of learning the content," Winter said. "It goes from a book to hands-on, so that's something that we just love."
This year, Summer in the Sierra will offer two sessions, one in June and one in July. Winter said the program is designed to challenge students to step outside their comfort zones while exploring identity, purpose, faith, calling and community.
"It's more than just an academic journey," he said. "It's really more about the whole person."
Registration for Summer in the Sierra remains open. You can register and find more information by clicking here.
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