The WALK - Freshmen Wilderness Experience 2026

“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.

Register for the Walk

Dates:

  • WALK Session: August 4–7, 2026
    • Registration Deadline: July 11, 2026

Who:

  • Incoming Freshmen or transfers to FPU
    • Up to 12 students per session

Cost

  • $500

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
    • Morning gathering at the Retreat Center
    • Group connection activities and shared meal
    • The Unmasking
    • Dial in packs for backpacking
    • Hike into the trail
  • Day 2: Community
    • Hike
    • Set up basecamp
    • Day adventure
    • Communal meal
    • My Story
    • Giftings exploration
  • Day 3: Soul and Solitude
    • Hike
    • Truth Statement
    • The “I AM” rock
    • Solo experience
  • Day 4: Serve and Lead
    • Hike
    • The Purifying Water
    • The Fire of Truth