Why La Vida Expeditions?

Thousands of Gordon students have gone deeper in their relationship with Jesus Christ as they encountered him in his Creation and Christian community while on a La Vida Expedition.

Over two hundred American colleges, including every Ivy League school, run similar programs for incoming students.

Research on similar programs has demonstrated that participants grow in confidence, leadership, communication skills, self-concept, and awareness of their strengths and weaknesses.

Participants report entering college with a strong network of supportive relationships developed on their expedition.

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING

La Vida helped me realize that I am valued and I do matter as an individual. It also helped me realize how I can be an effective leader if I just believe in myself.
—Rona Ganthier '23, Physics major from Massachusetts

I went on the August La Vida trip 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. La Vida 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.
—Juliana Larson '23, Music Education major from Pennsylvania

La Vida 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.
—Julius Swaim '23, Deciding major from Massachusetts

I chose La Vida because I love being outside and I wanted the opportunity to challenge myself physically, and more importantly, in my faith. On La Vida, I was introduced to the idea of leading by empowering others. This is something that I now practice in my everyday life and am eager to be able to use as I serve at Gordon and beyond.
—Josh Crowder '23, Business Administration major from New York

Initially, I chose La Vida because I thought backpacking in the Adirondacks would be exciting, but throughout the trip, I realized I chose La Vida not only for the hiking experience, but to be challenged in my faith. I was pushed to be a leader that was present when the trail was hard by putting my own needs aside when others were struggling. My group got into a cycle where we served each other and lifted one another up when we hit rough patches. La Vida helped me be more vulnerable with others, and I learned to place more trust in those around me. God revealed to me how people were willing to help me and care for me, regardless of how long they had known me!
—Amanda Moraes '23, Biology major from Massachusetts

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Gordon College is New England’s top Christian college, located on the North Shore of Boston in Wenham, MA.

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