A Colorful Rainbow Welcome!
Gap students made their arrival to HMI’s campus on Thursday, September 22, where they were greeted by a stupendous rainbow! All three fall programs (Rock, Traverse, & Trek) kicked off their semester with four days on HMI’s campus in Leadville going through course orientation and preparation for their upcoming 80 days of outdoor immersion, community, and connection. Before heading out into the backcountry, students focused on rules for the general course, organizing gear and food for expedition, and learning basic wilderness skills such as setting up tents and backpacking hygene. The night before heading out for their first expedition, students and instructors gathered for the first of many Community Meetings to set the expectations for their group.
On Sunday morning students departed into the Sawatch and Collegiate mountain ranges near Leadville and Buena Vista, Colorado. This is just the beginning of the intentional and transformational connections, memories, and growth that will take place as friendships begin to take form.
We cannot wait to see the magic that takes place this semester and how our Gap students will continue to deepen and discover their relationship with the outdoors, and with one another!
