About FWE
The Stout Adventures Freshmen Wilderness Program was created to offer a unique outdoor adventure specifically for incoming Freshmen.
The FWE is designed to help high school graduates transition to college life. A wilderness setting provides an intimate setting where discussion, learning, communication, trust and self confidence can be encouraged.
Choosing the Right Trip
Typically, there are two or three different outdoor trips offered each summer. Each trip focuses on a different activity. This way we are sure to offer trips that appeal to all interests and abilities. Whether you are drawn to water or more of a land lover, Stout Adventures will provide an unforgettable experience you will not soon forget.
Trips for Summer 2009 - SOLD OUT
Sea Kayak the Apostle Islands: August 2nd – 7th, 2009
Now is your chance to paddle your kayak across the magnificent waters of Lake Superior. The Apostle Islands are 22 Islands located off the coast of the Bayfield Peninsula in Northern Wisconsin. The Islands offer mile long sand beaches, beautiful second growth forests, wildlife, and deep echoing sea caves in which we will paddle into and explore. The sunsets are remarkable and the sheer beauty will not be forgotten. If you have never sea kayaked before, don't worry. We will spend our first day on a local lake to learn the skills necessary to take on Lake Superior. This trip is consistently a favorite and spots fill up extremely quick.
- Leaders: Jeff Keenan & James Jaderborg
- Sign up by: July 1st
- Maximum Participants: Sold Out
- Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate
- Price: $195 - includes everything
Backpack Isle Royale National Park: August 16th – 22nd, 2009
This trip will blow you away. Isle Royale definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the most pristine wilderness locations left in North America. To get there, we will board a large passenger ferry that will take us across Lake Superior and dock on the island. Once there, we will say goodbye to cars, roads, home, and all other modern signs of civilization. We will hit the trail for a week of backpacking through beautiful wilderness and rugged shorelines. At night we’ll fall asleep listening to the howls of wolves and singing of loons.
- Leaders: Justin Dall Osto and Phil Landgraf
- Sign up by: July 1st
- Maximum Participants: Sold Out
- Skill Level: Beginner - Intermediate
- Price: $365 - includes everything
Previous trips have included activities and locations such as the following:
- Backpacking Colorado in 2007
- Sea kayaking Apostle Islands in 2007 and 2006
- Backpacking and whitewater rafting Glacier National Park, Montana in 2006
- Backpacking Porcupine Mountains State Park, Michigan in 2005
- Rock Climbing and Backpacking North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota. in 2005
Learn More - Photo Galleries
| Colorado 2007 - Backpacking | Apostle Islands 2007 - Kayaking |
Glacier Park 2006 - Backpacking |
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| Apostle Islands 2006 - Kayaking |
Apostle Islands 2005 - Kayaking |
Porcupine Mountains - Backpacking |
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What will the food be like?
Backcountry meals are definitely different from meals usually prepared in the front country. Weight, equipment and ease of preparation are important factors to consider when planning a backcountry meal. On Stout Adventures trips we hope to broaden your horizons while providing nutritious and filling meals. Please notify Stout Adventures if you have any special dietary needs.
Examples of what to expect:
Breakfast - Usually cold food or food prepared using only hot water. Examples:
- bagels
- oatmeal
- granola/breakfast bars
- coffee/tea.
Lunches - A lunch easily prepared on the trail. Examples:
- tuna
- pepperoni or hard salami sandwiches in a bagel
- tortillas or pita bread.
Snacks - Quick energy or a side dish for any meal. Examples:
- trail mix
- M&M’s
- pudding
- granola bars
- dried fruit
- beef sticks and fresh fruit
Dinners - Usually requires more preparation time, however campers are rewarded with a hot meal at the end of the day. Examples-
- Beef Stew w/Dumplings
- Cream of Wild Rice Soup w/Chicken
- Chili w/ Pan Fry Bread (Vegetarian)
- Macaroni & Cheese (Vegetarian)
- Spaghetti (Vegetarian)
What do we get from the experience?
Well, if history has taught us anything, then FWE participants develop long lasting friendships with other participants. There is a phenomenon that occurs when a group of strangers embark on a journey together. In the end, many have developed relationships and friendships with other people that share similar interests and pursuits. While on course and hiking or paddling together, many participants find that they will live in the same dormitory or will take the same classes. There are instantaneous moments in which strong bonds are formed. Participants of the FWE can then transition to Stout life and have an edge on other incoming freshmen. You will already have friends and already be familiar with Stout Adventures, a program on campus designed to support outdoor recreation.
Quotes from past participants
“It was one of the best things that I decided to do when coming to Stout.”
“…it probably helped me more that I will ever realize…”
“The trip leaders were professional yet fun and answered any questions that we had.”
“…above any beyond my expectations…”
“My trip was such a memorable and life changing experience for me.”
“I devote all my success at UW-Stout to my FWE trip.”
“My trip leaders were great and I continue to look up to them as role modals today.”
“My FEW trip helped me make friends before I even moved on campus.”
“The most positive experience of my college career”
“They made you feel like part of the team from the beginning.”
“No experience was needed; even an Eagle Scout learned a few things.”
“It calmed my nerves about coming to college.”