La Vida
College Programs
A better transition to college
College brings change fast, and that can be overwhelming. La Vida at Gordon College helps students meet that transition through outdoor experiential challenges—building confidence, connection, and momentum from the very beginning.
Outdoor education at Gordon
Outdoor education is part of how the first year at Gordon begins. It is built into the Core Curriculum and First-Year Experience because growth rarely happens by accident. It happens when students step out of routine, build trust, face challenges, and begin to understand who they are becoming.
That is the point of La Vida — to begin at Gordon with stronger relationships, greater confidence, and a clearer sense of purpose. Both Expedition and Discovery fulfill Gordon’s Outdoor Education Core Requirement. They simply offer two different ways to do it, and students complete that requirement before the start of their second year at Gordon.
Choose your La Vida experience
Both Expedition and Discovery fulfill the Outdoor Education Core Requirement at Gordon College. Both are built around challenge, community, and growth.
Expedition
Expedition is for students who want to begin their Gordon College experience by stepping fully out of routine and into a bigger challenge. Over 12 days in the Adirondacks, students build community, practice leadership, and discover what they are capable of through backpacking or canoeing, climbing, ropes course work, orienteering, and reflection. Students arrive at La Vida Base Camp, spend the first few days building trust and skills, and then head into wilderness travel. Along the way, they receive feedback, share life stories, and complete a two-day solo experience focused on reflection, prayer, and simplicity.
Discovery
Discovery is for students who want challenge and growth in an outdoors quad-course format during their first year at Gordon. Over the course of seven weeks, students build trust, confidence, and connection through group initiatives, high and low challenge-course activities, indoor climbing, reflection, and a weekend trip to New Hampshire. Discovery is designed to help students transition into their first year through a supportive Christian community.
A stronger way to begin
College starts fast. New people, new expectations, new freedom, new pressure. La Vida gives students a way to begin that is active, relational, and grounded in shared challenge.
That is what makes this requirement distinctive at Gordon. It’s disconnecting from our devices and getting into God’s creation outdoors. It’s also about building trust, growing in confidence, and starting college with momentum. Whether that happens through the immersive challenge of Expedition or the first-year rhythm of Discovery, the goal is the same: a stronger start.
Interested in Gordon?
Outdoor Education Core Requirement at Gordon
All Gordon students are required to complete their Outdoor Education first-year experience before the start of their second year. The La Vida Center recommends signing up for Expedition before the start of Orientation or for Discovery during first quad of your first year. If you have a documented medical condition that prevents you from participating in Discovery or College Expeditions, please contact [email protected].
As you consider your options, here is a guide to Gordon's Outdoor Education requirement and the La Vida College Programs brochure. These resources provide additional information and details which may assist in your decision-making process.
What students are saying
Juliana Larson
"I went on an expedition before my freshman year, and it was a wonderful step in my period of transition to college. I was able to get to know people and socialize with my peers in a non-academic setting before arriving at school. I am still friends today with some of the people on my trip and it is a joy to see them around campus. My expedition helped me see that we are made to grow in our faith and experience life as a community. Having the opportunity to do both mundane and the adventurous in fellowship with other believers was an incredible gift."
Caleigh Williams
"Through Discovery, I was given the opportunity to meet people that I wouldn't have met anywhere else. I was able to build new relationships and expand my community here at Gordon. One lesson I learned is to try something new. Through trying something new you are putting yourself in a position of self-growth. I did every high ropes element I said I wouldn't do; then again, God always has a different plan for us."
Julius Swaim
"My La Vida Expedition challenged me in many areas, but most importantly, I felt challenged to live in the moment. I have always struggled to leave my past behind and not worry about it. This trip helped me calm down and truly see the potential of living in the moment."
La Vida at Gordon College is a trusted leader in outdoor education
Supportive staff and structured challenge
Trained leaders and clear safety practices
Experiences tailored to your group’s goals
Challenge by Choice: participants are supported, not pressured
Frequently Asked Questions
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Expedition is a 12-day Adirondack wilderness experience. Discovery is a quad-long / seven-week first-year course with challenge-course activities, indoor climbing, reflection, and an overnight trip to New Hampshire. Both fulfill the same Outdoor Education Core Requirement.
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Expedition is a stronger fit for students who want a more immersive wilderness start before classes begin. Discovery is a stronger fit for students who want challenge and growth in a course-based format during the first year. Both are designed to build confidence, connection, and leadership.
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Yes. Both options fulfill Gordon’s Outdoor Education Core Requirement and are part of the First-Year Experience.
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Both options include real challenges in supportive settings. Expedition includes wilderness travel, climbing, ropes course work, orienteering, and solo time. Discovery includes initiative games, challenge-course elements, indoor climbing, reflection, and a weekend trip.
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Students can review dates, costs, and program details, compare the options, and sign up. Gordon recommends Expedition before Orientation and Discovery during the first quad of the first year.
Group leader at a different college?
La Vida also works with groups outside of Gordon. For colleges and universities looking for orientation experiences, retreats, team-building, or outdoor programming, explore our Group Programs.
Ready to choose the right challenge?
Explore the path that fits you best and take the next step toward a college beginning marked by confidence, connection, and growth.