WESTERN U.S.

Orientation to ARCC and the Western U.S. Semester

Flying into Bozeman, we are welcomed by our instructors and say our first hellos to our traveling family for the next few months. Once gathered we make our way to our nearby campsite tucked amidst breathtaking mountainous surroundings. After setting up our tents for the first time, we kick off our semester with a BBQ welcome to the ARCC family and begin settling into our group, getting to know one another and our instructors. After a good night’s rest, we spend our second day as a group mapping out our itinerary, setting individual and group goals for the duration of the semester, familiarizing ourselves with our group equipment, and venturing off with a menu plan and mission on our first food shop. We also introduce our curriculum and brainstorm ideas for our individual Passion Projects, all the while coming together as a traveling community.

Grizzly Bear, Bison, and Wolf Conservation in Yellowstone National Park

We begin our first hands-on project of the semester in the stunning Yellowstone National Park. Working with a local nonprofit organization based in the park, we begin our course by learning more about the history of Yellowstone, the protection of public lands, and conservation issues the area faces. We then dive into our animal conservation projects focusing on three different species that reside in the park: wolves, bison, and grizzlies. For our wolf recovery project, we take time tracking local wolf packs with our skilled rangers and observing their territories, behaviors, and studying abandoned wolf dens. We take a further deep dive into grizzly conservation in the National Park, shadowing specialists and interviewing rangers about threats to grizzlies. Finally, we take a day to learn about bison and their controversial presence within this region. Before departing the park, we take time to explore the famous sights, hiking the trails, and making sure to stop at the famous Old Faithful geyser.

Grand Teton National Park

Making our way into Wyoming, we set up camp in the shadows of the Grand Tetons and then begin to explore the picturesque mountain town of Jackson Hole, famed for its wildlife, and outdoor adventures. We hit the trails exploring the turquoise alpine lakes and beautiful valleys of the region, all the while continuing to come together as a traveling group.

Wolf Conservation Project

Traveling South, we continue on to a remote Wolf Sanctuary in Western Colorado where for the next several days we learn about this educational sanctuary that houses dozens of rescued wolves from previous captivity. During our time here we learn about reintroduction efforts of the wolves and about the harms of keeping wolves as pets. Our partner organization is committed to connecting people with nature using hands-on experiential education, and while we are here we join ongoing projects such as maintaining paths, gardening, repairing fences, processing meat for the wolves, and much more.

Mountain Town Exploration

The eastern border of the Southwest region lies in the Rockies, where North America’s largest mountain range separates the great plains of middle America from the high desert plateaus. Originally and currently inhabited by Ute, Pueblo and Navajo Peoples, we dive into conversation about the history of indigenous cultures in this region and the ongoing issues tribal communities face today. Later in history, the Rockies lured Spanish conquistadors and American prospectors alike with their promise of gold, and in the heyday of the Rocky Mountain gold rush, shootouts and paydays mixed with myths of Spanish curses and ghosts. Those mountain towns still hold a shimmering allure, but now they are more of an escape from the mundane – a chance to catch a breath of fresh mountain air amidst a gorgeous, remote landscape. Escaping to one of Colorado’s spectacular mountain towns, we are welcomed with awe-inspiring views of the jagged peaks of the San Juan mountains. Enjoying the crisp evening air at the day’s end, we sip on hot cocoa and relax in natural hot springs to soothe sore muscles and complete our mountain town experience.

Multi-Day River Rafting

For the next three days, we paddle and splash our way through beautiful desert landscapes. Getting the chance to truly experience wilderness and disconnecting from our digital worlds, we set up camp on vast sandy beaches under a designated “gold-tier” dark sky. Welcoming the sights and sounds of the natural world around us, we enjoy evenings together cooking meals in the backcountry.

Our local guides are versed in geological history, flora and fauna of the area as well as water issues related to drought and overuse. Absorbing knowledge shared with us while also taking in the breathtaking beauty of our surroundings, we gain a deeper appreciation for this unique landscape. Our group bonds solidify as we test our outdoor prowess together as a team; these days on the river are sure to be a highlight of our Western adventures!

Wilderness First Responder Course and Moab Exploration

Feeling rejuvenated after a few days on the river, we head to our next stop: Moab, Utah. As we wind our way to the charming town and what is known as the gateway to the brilliant “red rock country”, we learn about the rich history and culture of this region of the United States. Upon arriving at our group campsite, we set up our home for the next week and prepare for our seven-day Wilderness First Responder (WFR) course. 

Immersing into the medical world, we dive into a world-class certification course that will lay the foundation for years of outdoor adventure, exploration, and even work (for those interested). Through our WFR training, we learn to conduct a thorough physical examination, obtain a patient history, assess vital signs, provide emergency care in the wilderness, and make crucial evacuation decisions, skills that not only prepare us well for the semester ahead, but provide us with skills that will serve us for years to come. 

No trip to Moab would be complete without exploring Arches National Park. Known for its spectacular red rock cliffs, Arches is made for the adventurer. We spend our weekend hiking and exploring the impressive park, visiting formations like Wall Street, The Windows, and watching the sun set over the world‐famous Delicate Arch.

Sustainable Building Project and Bears Ears National Monument

Continuing our journey, we make our way to Bluff, Utah where we set up camp for the next week. Brisk mornings lead to beautiful autumn days as we join forces with a local organization that builds sustainable tiny homes for the native Navajo population. As we learn about the ethos of this industrious and inspiring community and lend a hand to the hard work being done, we not only have the opportunity to dig deeper into topics such as sustainability, solar power, and other renewable energy sources, but also to engage with and interview people who have dedicated their lives to this environmental cause.

While in Bluff, we also take the time to explore and learn about Bears Ears National Monument. Led by a local Indigenous Guiding company we learn about the important history of this newly anointed monument, not only to the Indigenous community but to conservation efforts as a whole. 

Zion and Grand Canyon National Parks

Our next adventure takes us to two of the country’s most grandiose national parks. We spend time at Zion National Park venturing into Zion’s famous “Narrows” where the river flows to the Emerald Pools featuring waterfalls and a hanging garden. We then make our way to the Grand Canyon where we spend a couple of days hiking into this breathtaking canyon that is speculated to have begun to take shape 70 million years ago.

Tucson Immigration Study

We continue our journey south to Tucson, Arizona, where we dive into ARCC’s themes of the Movement of Peoples and Public Health by learning about how migration defines and impacts communities in the Borderlands. Through a partnership with a local organization that is committed to connecting divided communities, raising awareness around immigration policies, improving public health outcomes, and inspiring action for social transformation, we explore the causes and challenges of migration, as well as the impact that U.S. immigration policies have on individuals and families. As we learn about this poignant issue, we have the opportunity to hear both the voices of migrants and those committed to creating social change.

Student Planned Module

For our final days on the mainland of the U.S. we dive into our Student Planned Module. This section is completely planned, organized, budgeted, and implemented by the students. We can’t wait to see what the group will do!

Travel to Hawaii and Volunteering in Volcanoes National Park

After a fantastic road trip across the beautiful mountains, deserts, and canyons of the American West, we leave the mainland behind and set out for the tropical warmth of the Hawaiian Islands. Landing on the Big Island of Hawaii, we welcome a new culture and way of life as we acclimatize. After spending a few days surfing, snorkeling, and hanging out on the beach, we begin our project volunteering in Volcanoes National Park working with a local organization to remove invasive species in the park. Here we witness dramatic active volcanoes, learn the history of the Hawaiian Islands, and see the famous point where hot lava meets the ocean.

We continue our education of the diverse ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands while developing and practicing fundamental outdoor skills and Leave No Trace ethics. Camping near the beach on the Hilo side of the island, we celebrate the final weeks of our program while building ever stronger connections to our group mates and the world around us.

SCUBA Certification and Program Conclusion

For our final stop, we dive into our SCUBA certification course. Learning the fundamentals of diving and spending our days out on the water, we are excited to obtain our second certification of the program. Exploring life under the sea, we see coral reefs teeming with native Hawaiian fish, and if we are lucky we might even spot a pod of dolphins.

After a fun and exciting final activity, we spend the remainder of our time soaking up the crystalline Hawaiian island waters. With our semester coming to a close, we reserve time to present our Capstone Passion Projects to our gap peers. Sharing our new perspectives with the group, there is no question our living, learning, and traveling together will prepare us for the rest of our lives. We savor our last week together but are excited to head home to share our newly-gained knowledge and insights from our firsthand look at the American West and Hawaii.

Below you will find several Group Journal excerpts, written by ARCC students during their gap year with ARCC: