La Vida Adirondack College Expeditions are specifically designed for Gordon College students. These expeditions provide wilderness-based experiences that encourage exploration of one's personal relationship and commitment to Jesus Christ in the context of Christian community.
College Expeditions strives to provide students with meaningful and formational experiences for students that assist in the first-year transition to Gordon College.
The program begins on Gordon's Wenham campus and travels to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York. This six-million-acre preserve--roughly the size of Massachusetts, with sparkling mountain streams, quiet lakes, challenging peaks and plenty of space for solitude and reflection--creates the perfect environment for growth, adventure, self-discovery and growing deeper with God.
La Vida is within the physical limits of anyone of normal health, and the majority of students come with no prior camping, canoeing, kayaking or backpacking experience. The supportive, small-group environment will encourage you to achieve more than you ever dreamed possible, but will allow you to accept your challenges on a "challenge by choice" basis.
La Vida provides space to practice the spiritual disciplines such as solitude, prayer, reflection, and simplicity. Whether on Solo, a mountain peak or sitting along a fresh mountain stream, there are ample opportunities to enrich your personal life and set goals for the future.
Team-Building Activities
Adirondack Weather
Check out the weather at La Vida's base camp in NY!
Adirondack Mountain Club
A non-profit membership organization that protects wild lands and waters through a balanced approach of conservation and advocacy, environmental education, and responsible recreation.
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics
The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships.
Wilderness Education Association
La Vida is an affiliate of the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) that educates people in the development of leadership skills and an ethic of care towards the environment.
Wilderness Medical Associates
The WMA has provided La Vida with practical, expert training in wilderness and rescue medicine since 1999.
College Expeditions Application 2008 (PDF)
Participant application for the 2008 La Vida College Expeditions Program.
College Expeditions Brochure (PDF)
Printed brochure of the La Vida College Expeditions Program.
College Expeditions Staff Application (PDF)
Apply to work as a Sherpa or Support Staff with the College Expeditions Program
Staff Recommendation Form (PDF)
All staff need 3 Recommendation Forms completed