Campus Recreation Leadership Expedition
December 30 – January 10, 2026 | Patagonia, Chile
Experience Leadership in the Wild
Since 1965, NOLS has empowered over 330,000 students to thrive in adversity, rise to challenges, and lead with confidence. In this custom expedition, University of Kentucky students will immerse themselves in Patagonia’s rugged landscapes to develop the skills, mindset, and resilience needed to lead, both in the wilderness and in life.
Why Join This Expedition?
- Practice four leadership roles: self-leadership, active followership, peer leadership, and designated leadership.
- Develop seven essential leadership skills including decision-making, teamwork, communication, and self-awareness.
- Learn critical wilderness skills: navigation, backcountry living, risk management, and Leave No Trace™ practices.
- Build confidence, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure.
Program Highlights
- Location: Cerro Castillo region, Patagonia, Chile
- Duration: 7 days in the field (plus orientation and debrief)
- Activities: Backpacking, outdoor skills training, leadership development, environmental studies
- Instruction: Led by world-class NOLS instructors trained in wilderness medicine and risk management (who are bilingual)
- Group Size: 8-10 participants
- Check their NOLS_Patagonia Instagram
Schedule
- January 2: Pre-course orientation in Coyhaique, Chile
- January 3 – 9: Field expedition in Patagonia
- January 10: Departure from Coyhaique
What’s Included
- Expert NOLS instruction
- All group camping gear (tents, stoves, cookware, maps, safety equipment)
- All in-town and in-field meals
- Lodging during the course
- Ground transportation in Chile
- UK International Insurance
- Arrival hotel and bus
Participant Costs
- Program Fee: $3,900
- Equipment Deposit: $300 per participant, to cover personal gear purchased or rented from NOLS. Unused funs will be refunded.
- Not Included: Airfare to/from Coyhaique, personal equipment purchase/rental, travel insurance
Who Should Apply
This program is designed for University of Kentucky students seeking a transformative leadership experience in a challenging outdoor environment. No prior wilderness experience is required, just readiness to learn, collaborate, and embrace adventure.
Risk Management
Wilderness travel comes with inherent challenges. NOLS is an industry leader in wilderness risk management and has robust emergency response protocols. Participants will be trained to assess hazards, make sound decisions, and contribute to group safety.
How to Join
Spaces are limited to 10 participants.
To secure your spot:
- Complete program registration, with full program payment.
- Enrollment will close November 1, 2025 or earlier if program fills.
- Mandatory pre-trip meeting
- Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
Contact
Outdoor Adventure
📞Danny Bavis - 859-257-1136
📧danny.bavis@uky.edu
