Travel and Logistics

We look forward to meeting you at the start of the course and hope the following information will help you arrive and prepare yourself for the new adventure that is coming. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY.

PAYMENTS AND REFUNDS

The cost of August Wilderness ($3,000) covers tuition, food and shelter during the course, transportation between Earlham and the program site, all specialized camping equipment, and other normal course-related expenses except fishing licenses.  Extraordinary expenses such as evacuations or unwarranted destruction of gear are not included. 

The balance of payments for August Wilderness  ($3,000 minus deposit and scholarship) will be placed on your August or September statement from Earlham. Payments should be sent directly to Accounting (Drawer 201) and not the Wilderness program.

Due to the specialized nature of the program, there will be no refunds issued after July 1, 2009. All requests for refunds must be made in writing to the Wilderness Office.

FORMS TO RETURN (SEND ALL FORMS BACK TO THE WILDERNESS OFFICE) 

The following forms must be carefully reviewed, completed, signed, and returned to the Wilderness Program as soon as possible and no later than July 1st, 2009:

  1. Waiver, Release, and Medical Consent
  2. Earlham College Health Record (arrange a physician’s visit ASAP)
  3. Arrival and Program Questionnaire

The “Waiver, Release of Liability, Indemnification, and Consent to Medical Attention” form helps you focus on the nature of August Wilderness and on your part in making it a safe and productive program.  Please read it carefully.  If you are under 18, it must be cosigned by your parent or guardian.  

The “Health Record” (previously sent by the college) requires an exam by a physician.  Earlham Health Services recommend Hepatitis B immunization and a tetanus booster within the past 5 years.   The medical history and physical alert you and the Wilderness staff to potential medical problems and provide information which could be useful in the event of an illness or accident on August Wilderness. In our experience medical conditions ranging from deafness to diabetes have had little impact on a student's ability to successfully participate in August Wilderness.  However, for your safety and the safety of those around you, it is important that we know of the existence of any potentially restrictive medical conditions.  We reserve the right to decline an applicant and refund the deposit when it is likely that student health and/or safety is likely to be endangered by his or her participation.

The “Arrival and Program Questionnaire” provides us with important arrival details and more information about your hopes and goals for the program.

These forms are essential for the safe conduct of August Wilderness.  They must be in your file for you to participate in the program.

ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN

 Registration for August Wilderness will be from 10:30 to 11:30 AM Eastern Daylight Savings Time (New York time) Sunday, July 26th, 2009 in Runyan Center (follow signs).   Families who accompany August Wilderness students to Richmond are welcome to join us for the Director's Welcome at 11:30 AM.  After registration students will be “on program," and should not count on having free time.  Letter writing, phone calls, and last minute shopping should be completed before 11 am.   On Sunday afternoon your instructors will issue your sleeping bag and other equipment, inspect the clothing and gear that you have brought for use on the program, and direct you in other activities to ready you for the field.  You will be on the road Monday.

TRANSPORTATION

 Shuttles are available for those arriving on public transportation.  A Dayton Airport pick up is also available for a $25 dollar charge (we strongly recommend a Saturday afternoon arrival if flying). For all transportation, please complete the necessary information on the enclosed “Arrival Questionnaire” form.

If you find it necessary to arrive on Saturday, we have made special arrangements with Quaker Hill Conference Center (a 5-minute drive from campus) for student lodging at a reasonable rate (765-962-5741). Reference August Wilderness when you call. Meals will be on your own, and there are restaurants and a grocery store within walking distance.  A van will be available to transport you and your gear to campus on Sunday at 10:30 AM.  

You may bring a reasonable amount of clothing and furniture for fall term, and it will be stored in a locked room.  Before arriving on campus you should separate clothing and outdoor equipment that you plan to use on the course from any other baggage that is to be stored at Earlham, and tag all items to be stored with your name.   Small valuables, including money, tickets, and the like, can be secured in the Earlham College safe.  You will not need money during August Wilderness. 

MAIL AND MESSAGES

There is no easy way to contact students once they begin hiking or canoeing.  In case of an emergency your family may contact the Wilderness Program at (765-983-1327 or 765-973-2121) or via campus security (765-983-1400). 

There will be no mail pickup or delivery in the field.  Mail addressed to "Student's Name, Earlham College, Richmond, IN 47374-4095" will be waiting in your individual mail box when you return to campus, as will Student Development mailings normally sent to student homes in August. 

PROGRAM CONCLUSION

August Wilderness will end midday on Thursday, August 20th, the day prior to the start of New Student Week.   You may move into your dorm room on Thursday afternoon. Families may join us for closing activities in front of Bundy Hall at approximately 11 AM on Thursday. New Student Week activities will commence Friday morning.

Contact Us:

Wilderness Programs
801 National Road West, Drawer 87
Richmond, IN 47374
phone:(765) 973-2121; fax: (765) 983-1207
Wilderness@earlham.edu