Outdoor retreat program expands

The Collegebound program was founded in 1987 as a way for students to experience an immersive outdoor retreat before beginning college. Now, nearly 40 years later, the program is undergoing changes to accommodate new student needs.

The Collegebound retreat typically includes canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) among other outdoor activities such as backpacking and rock climbing.

CSB first year Greta Meilahn went on the trip in the fall of 2024. She mentioned that being connected to the outdoors grounded her before school.

“It was like a pre-orientation where I realized everything would be okay,” Meilahn said.

This trip is almost entirely covered by registration fees and support from SJU Student Senate. Over the past few years, however, the prices for bussing and equipment have skyrocketed. This leads to a larger sum for the school to cover with limited funds.

Around the country, other outdoor education groups such as the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) have had to suspend courses and shut down programs because of the rise in price for essential equipment and resources. This caused alarm for St John’s Outdoor University. Even with three decades of popularity, there has been a recent decrease in applicants and interest, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

According to SJU’s Assistant Director for Outdoor Education Luke Wade, there is also some apprehension toward outdoor activities.

“Many registered students say the prospect of spending time strictly outdoors, away from everyday comforts and technology, is more challenging than appealing,” he said.

Additionally, he said that first year students commonly struggle their first week living away from home, and compounding that with remote sleeping and no contact with family has turned many prospects away from applying.

In response to these challenges, Collegebound will join outdoor retreats across the country who are shifting their approach.

“We’re going to try and balance finances while meeting the needs of more students,” Wade said.

There will now be two Collegebound retreats to choose from instead of just one. Collegebound: Expedition is more similar to past retreats. This program will contain two groups of six or seven students and two or three upperclassmen leaders. They will canoe, camp and portage like years past.

The other program, Collegebound: Basecampus, will offer a more close-to-home option for students. This experience will host two groups of ten students with three student leaders per group. They will rock climb at The Wall, the on campus rock wall, and Quarry Park.

Students will also be able to canoe on Lake Sagatagan and explore the Wobegon trail via bike, along with many other fun outdoor activities, all while still having access to food from the dining halls, showers and beds. Outdoor Education hopes this change will attract more first-year students.

“This is an opportunity to continue fostering friendships and a sense of community among participants and leaders, while creating space for everyone in Collegebound,” Wade said.

These new retreat options will begin on Aug. 8 for leaders and Aug. 14 for new students. Those seeking more information can contact St. John’s Outdoor University.