Explore. Challenge. Lead.
Learn to lead by stepping outside the classroom. Through wilderness experiences and outdoor adventure, you'll build practical leadership skills, lasting friendships, and confidence that will serve you wherever life takes you.
Who Can Apply?
- Those entering ÐßÐßÊÓƵ as a first‑year student in Fall 2027
- Students from any major who want to grow in community through wilderness and outdoor experiences.
- Students interested in leadership development and high-performing team collaboration
- Adventurers who are eager to explore new places, take on real challenges, and lead through meaningful shared experiences outdoors
Learn more about Cohorts at ÐßÐßÊÓƵ
If you are starting ÐßÐßÊÓƵ after 2027, please send us your information (see form below) and we’ll invite you to apply when the application is open to you. Email cohorts@calvin.edu with questions.
Why Join the Outdoor Leadership Cohort?
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Develop confidencethrough hands‑on outdoor experiences that stretch your skills and deepen your sense of calling.
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Find instant communitywith peers who value exploration, teamwork, and shared adventure.
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Learn leadership in real timeas you navigate challenges, practice decision‑making, and grow in your ability to guide others.
Courses and Expeditions
As a member of the Outdoor Leadership Cohort, you will:
- Begin your ÐßÐßÊÓƵ journey with a Wilderness Orientation experience.
- Build skills with intro to backpacking and climbing courses and get your Wilderness First Responder certification.
- Complete a Grand Canyon expedition during spring break (funding included).
- Plan and execute your own independent expedition.
Cohort Application Deadlines and Interviews
Application
August 1: Applications Open
After you apply to ÐßÐßÊÓƵ, you can find the Cohorts application in your .
January 15: Cohort Application Deadline
Application deadline for Cohorts and Honors Scholars.
Interview invites will be sent in late January.
Interviews
February: Interviews
Cohort interviews:
- February 10 - Deadline to RSVP for in-person Cohorts Preview/Interview Day
- February 19 - Cohorts Preview/Interview Day
- February 15-26 - Cohorts Virtual interviews
March: Cohort Offers Sent
- First week of March - Final program offer decisions sent out
Students in the Outdoor Leadership Cohort get priority access to the following opportunities:
Wilderness Orientation, North Channel Sea Kayaking - Ontario, CA
Sleeping Bear Dunes Service-Learning Expedition – Northern Michigan
Weekend and Fall Break Trips - Varied
Grand Canyon Land Leadership Expedition - Arizona
Costa Rica Rainforest Expedition – Costa Rica
Red River Gorge Climbing Course – Slade, Kentucky
Wilderness First Responder Course and Certification - Hybrid
Sierra Wilderness and Recreation Management – Yosemite and Kings Canyon NPs
- Open to all
Visit Us
Are you planning a visit to ÐßÐßÊÓƵ? Ask your admissions counselor to schedule a meeting with a Cohorts representative during your visit. We'd love to meet you and answer your questions!
Contact
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Ben GritterAssociate Director of Experiential Learning
