SUMMER in the Sierras

“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe." 

—John Muir

 

The hallmark of FPU Wilderness is our two week immersive and interdisciplinary learning experience in the neighboring Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

Before venturing to higher elevations, students may engage curricular topics in the classroom, online, on day trips in the Central Valley, our rivers, and our foothills. Once in the mountains, learning communities go on a 3-day and later a 6-day backpacking trek (routes vary each year) divided by five days of guided instruction and epic day trips from a comfortable basecamp in Yosemite. The program concludes with two nights back at the basecamp lodge for summative academic experiences and a celebration of the journey and the friendships forged. Students complete 3–7 units of credit, with course offerings varying year to year.

Previous Courses Offered Include:

  • Intro to Environmental Sciences
  • Intro to Wilderness Studies
  • Natural History of the Sierra Nevada
  • Insect Ecology
  • Biblical Studies: Genesis
  • Ecological Philosophy and Ethics
  • Children’s Literature
  • Christian Scripture and Ecotheology
  • Creative Writing
  • Latin American Literature
  • Moral Psychology and the Environment

Summer 2026 Course Offerings:

  • WILD 100: Introduction to Wilderness Studies (3 units)
  • PHIL 100 - Introduction to Philosophy (3 units)
  • PHIL 430: American Wilderness Literature and Philosophy (3 units)
  • BLIT 201: Bible and the Environment (3 units)
  • PE 146: Backpacking (1 unit)
  • ENV 152 - Natural History (3 units)

 

Dates:

  • Session One: Friday, June 19 to Wednesday, July 1
  • Session Two: Tuesday, July 7 through Sunday, July 19

 

Supplies:

All necessary supplies and gear are provided by the FPU Wilderness Program including:

  • Backpacks
  • Tents
  • Sleeping bags and mats
  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Permits
  • Camping supplies and tools, etc.

All you need to bring are good shoes for hiking and the apparel and personal items listed for you once you join the program.

Faculty and Staff:

Trail guides are comprised of experienced and trained faculty and staff members of FPU. Every hiking group has an experienced trail guide who is also trained as a Wilderness First Responder for basic medical care as needed. Besides instructing you in your course work, we will also teach you how to handle all things necessary to go on an excursion in the wilderness with your friends like:

  • Learn how to hike
  • Learn how to cook
  • Set up a tent
  • Use a map and compass
  • Gain skills needed for wilderness excursions
  • Prepare to explore the outdoors with friends

Sign Up:

There is a maximum of 24 student spots available per session, and class sizes are limited, so it is important to sign up as soon as possible to ensure you are included.

Reach out to Program Coordinator Ray Winter immediately and he will facilitate your enrollment in the selected classes and the program. 

Cost:

  • Unit Fees: $535 per unit for FPU summer classes
  • Program Fee: $799 per person
  • Backpacking Only/No Class: $1,250

  • Scholarships Available! Inquire with Ray Winter.

    *Optional additional costs for full apparel provisions

  • Refunds:
    • The refund policy on deposits or program fees is: 50% before 5/3/26. No refunds are available starting May 4, 2026.

Deadlines:

  • Monday, May 4: $200 non-refundable deposit due
  • Monday, May 11: Paid-in-full, non-refundable program fee due

How to Pay:

Before paying here, email or call the Program Coordinator Ray Winter to confirm availability and reserve your spot. You will be directed to FPU’s course enrollment site to register for the desired classes, then you pay the program fee here!

Reserve Your Spot

General Itinerary

  • Day 1: at FPU; orientation; backpack packing and prep; drive to trailhead; hike and camp
  • Day 2: a.m. class session; afternoon orienteering lesson; day hike; p.m. class session
  • Day 3: a.m. class session; day solo time; p.m. class session
  • Day 4: hike out; basecamp orientation; gratitude meal; evening all-gather; fireside stories
  • Day 5: a.m. all-gather; a.m. class; day trip #1; p.m. class; fireside stories finish
  • Day 6: a.m. all-gather; a.m. class; day trip #2; p.m. class
  • Day 7: a.m. all-gather; a.m. class; day trip #3; p.m. class; prep bags/orient for big hike
  • Day 8: leave early to trailhead; hike; set camp; evening chautauqua under stars
  • Day 9: day hike from hub camp; afternoon class; chautauqua under stars
  • Day 10: day hike from hub camp; afternoon class; solo night after dinner
  • Day 11: hike toward trailhead; set camp; p.m. class after dinner
  • Day 12: hike out; basecamp return; dinner; campfire war stories