Accommodations
You will live closely with your peers as a traveling community of scholars, with everyone actively contributing to the community. You can expect to build lasting friendships and profound memories while on the expedition.
About 4 of every 5 days will be spent camping, with the fifth day spent in a motel/lodge. At each stop, you will meet with residents and experts (Native leaders, writers, scholars, activists, elected officials, and government land managers) and will sometimes perform services for the community, such as wilderness trail maintenance. About every 2 weeks, the expedition will visit a larger “city.”
What to Bring
You will be expected to bring versatile, outdoor clothing for weather from warm sun to snow, as well as a sleeping bag and sleeping pad. A week’s worth of clean clothes should be enough to use between laundry stops. You may also want to bring a camera, games, music for the van, etc. A complete packing list will be provided later in the spring.
Group gear such as cooking and dining equipment, tents, etc., will be provided by Westminster. Most meals will be prepared by you and your peers using this equipment. When you are in town, you will have a stipend you can use to find food on your own.
Health and Safety
Maintaining a healthy and safe atmosphere and committing to accessibility is a top priority of the expedition. While you will be camping on the trip, and may take hikes, this trip is not a wilderness outdoor recreation trip. You will never be far from the vans or medical care. At least 1 member of the leadership team will be a wilderness first responder, and the other members of the team will be wilderness first aid certified. If necessary, medications can be kept cool, and regular access to medical care can be provided. If you have dietary restrictions, they can be accommodated. Keep in mind that this trip may also be emotionally challenging for you at times.
Off-setting Emissions
The expedition will work on off-setting the trip’s entire carbon footprint. More info will be available on this later.