The WALK: Freshman Wilderness Experience 2025

“I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

-John 1:23

FPU and the Wilderness Studies Program invite you to go on The Walk, a transformative journey that takes you to the tops of mountains and the inner-most parts of yourself. Just as Jesus went into the wilderness to prepare himself for his ministry, this is an exploration of the inner wilderness of your soul, preparing you for what God has planned for you in the next phase of your life—the college journey at FPU. The next four years you will grow in mind, body and spirit, and this wilderness experience will guide you into your new community of friends, into a deeper understanding of your gifts, calling, and identity in Christ and ultimately toward God’s plan for your life.

Take The Walk.

Dates (choose one):

Session One: Wednesday, July 30th – Sunday, August 3rd
Session Two: Wednesday, August 6th – Sunday, August 10th

Who:

Incoming Freshman or transfers to FPU
Up to 12 students per session

Details:

We will be in the wilderness of the Western Sierra Nevada Mountains. All supplies necessary are provided by the Wilderness Studies Program—a truly all-inclusive experience. All you bring is your packing list of clothes and personal items. We will confirm dietary needs before the trip, and there will be some thinking and writing to do before Day One.

General Itinerary

Day 1: The Unknown — midday gather at Retreat Center; group connections and meal; The Unmasking; dial in packs for backpacking
Day 2: Community — trailhead; hike; basecamp; day adventure; communal meal; My Story
Day 3: Serve and Lead — group expeditions; giftings exploration; The Purifying Water; The Fire of Truth
Day 4: Soul and Solitude — Truth Statement; the I AM rock; Solo experience
Day 5: Humility and Joy — return to Retreat Center; serving ceremony; meal ceremony; unity ceremony; reunite