More than just an adventure trip!

The Highlander Wilderness Adventure program is an academic off-campus studies course available only to incoming freshman and transfer students.

This program is intended to be a catalyst for the Highlander process - a process of growth, challenge, and discipleship which finds its beginning long before the program itself and is expected to continue for a lifetime.

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Build Community

Forge friendships at the start of your Houghton experience.

Grow Your Potential

This unique program will stretch you physically, socially and spiritually.

Embrace the Outdoors

Problem-solve, reflect, and enjoy being a part of a group, all while living and trekking in the outdoors.

Highlander Wilderness Adventure

August 10-20, 2026

Traditional 10-day program for all incoming first-year and transfer students. Earn two credit hours when you participate.

  • The program runs prior to the start of Fall classes.
  • Program activities include: initiatives on the ropes course, backpacking, canoeing, a solo experience and a 5-mile “marathon.”
  • There is a $50 refundable deposit (non-refundable after July 15)
  • The total program cost is $950 and the remaining balance will be added to your fall semester bill and may be paid as part of the Tuition Payment System rather than a one-time payment.
*Registration for Highlander Wilderness Adventure Program is limited to a first come first serve basis and your Highlander Adventure registration will not be complete until you have paid your $300 enrollment deposit to secure your enrollment at Houghton University.
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No Experience Necessary

This program is designed for the average student, but at the same time, the most experienced outdoor adventurer should find it challenging and rewarding.

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Houghton Highlander Wilderness Adventure students sitting on cliff edge on mountaintop.
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Empty kayak on still water of lake.
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Houghton Highlander Wilderness Adventures student with lifejackets on.
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Group of Houghton Highlander Wilderness Adventure students sitting by shoreline.
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Houghton Highlander Wilderness Adventure students waving from shoreline.
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Houghton Highlander Wilderness Adventure students hiking on path.
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Group of Houghton Highlander Adventure students listening to group leaders in forest.
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Wide angle shot of the Houghton Highlander Wilderness Adventures on mountaintop.
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A group of student watching two other students climb ropes course Houghton University.
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Houghton Highlander Wilderness Adventure student sitting by lake.
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Houghton Highlander Wilderness Adventure students watching sunset over lake with reflection.
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Three Houghton Highlander Wilderness Adventure students on canoes looking over lake.
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Houghton Highlander Wilderness Adventure students working on solving tire obstacle.

Student Testimonials

The program is life-changing if you let it. I personally have always felt closest to God in nature, and the challenges of Highlander helped me lean into His strength instead of my own. With God, you're capable of so much more than you could imagine, so don't worry about the upcoming challenges but lean into him in the moment. Also, it might sound cliché, but I really did meet some of my best friends in the program. Honestly, Highlander was (and is) one of the highlights of my college experience, both as a participant and leader.

The memories and experiences you make will stay with you, 10 years from now you will still look back on the experience and wish you were right back there with your group. Years from now you will believe different things about yourself, God, and the world. Some of those changes are starting right now.

This is a super special experience in your lives, enjoy every moment of the trip and really appreciate all the friendships you’ll make too.

Take bold steps, since Highlander is a really safe space to try difficult things. God's always there, but the people are there to support their growth, too.. and what's growth without discomfort? Well, there isn't any.

Highlander is an opportunity, maybe even the last opportunity, before adulthood you can experience true peace. The world we are living in, particularly our country, feels like it’s falling apart but when we have the opportunity to return to nature we can experience what God intended us to be and not what we have become. Not that Highlander is easy but it is nothing in comparison to being a young adult in this country. So live every moment as if it’s the only one you have and let this prepare you for the rough journey they are about to embark on in college too.

Are you interested in how it all began?

The Highlander Wilderness Adventure program focuses on experiential learning for growth, challenge, and discipleship in an outdoor setting.

Explore Program History & Background