Collegebound

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Choose One of Two Trips
Aug 14-19, 2025:

Collegebound Expedition (Applications Close July 17)
Collage of three photos titled "Collegebound 2025 Expedition." Left: People in canoes on a lake. Center: Group photo at a campsite by a lake. Right: Hikers portaging a canoe through a forest path. Circular logo with a tree and sun on the top left.

Spend 4 days/3 nights traveling the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with a small group of no more than nine people. Experience some of the most pristine lakes and forests Minnesota has to offer while camping, canoeing, and portaging through a stunning wilderness area.

If you want to see beautiful starry nights, eat food cooked over a campfire, and start your fall semester with a well-earned tan, this is the trip for you!

Itinerary

Collegebound Basecampus (Applications Close July 17)
Three images show students: gathered on a sandy shore with canoes, climbing a rock wall with safety gear, and sitting outdoors on grass engaging in activities. Text above reads "Collegebound 2025 Basecampus," with college emblem on top left.

If you’re curious about opportunities closer to campus with fewer mosquitoes, Basecampus might be the program for you. Go rock climbing at The Wall and Quarry Park Nature Preserve, canoeing on Lake Sagatagan and the Sauk River, biking on the Wobegon Trail, and camping on Watab Island in the middle of Saint John’s campus.

Itinerary

Applying
Applications for Collegebound close July 17 at 4:30 PM.
Space is limited and completing the Participant Application does not guarantee a spot in Collegebound 2025. Selected applicants will receive an online payment link and completing payment will confirm your registration. If you would like to discuss alternate arrangements, please email Sierra Hietala.

Johnnie spots for Collegebound: Expedition are FULL.

Cost
$450 per student. Fee includes: trip transportation, food, permits, lodging, gear, and an incredible experience! Payment does not include personal travel expenses to CSB and SJU.  Payment is due within 2 weeks of receiving the payment link, unless other arrangements are made.

Participant Application

Financial Support
The Mason V. Sorenson Memorial Fund has been established in honor of Mason Sorenson ’96 to provide need-based financial support for Collegebound participation and other CSB and SJU outdoor programs. Funds support Collegebound participants with demonstrated significant financial need as determined by our partners in CSB and SJU Admissions. Students can indicate their interest in being considered on the application form.

Details on packing lists, health forms, payment options, and trip leaders will be provided via email to participants once all participants are registered.

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A person reads a book while sitting on rocks by a tranquil lake at sunset. A canoe rests nearby, and the sky is filled with warm hues of orange and pink. Trees are silhouetted against the colorful sky in the background.

Inclusivity

Historically, opportunities like Collegebound have been restricted or exclusive to a wide range of groups, with many of those systemic barriers still remaining today. When administering programs like Collegebound and other Outdoor University programs, we are committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in the outdoor experiences we provide. We encourage students of all identities and backgrounds, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, familial status, or status with regard to public assistance to consider joining the Collegebound outdoor orientation program.  We are committed to working with all interested students to find ways to allow their participation, and welcome all constructive feedback about how these systemic barriers can be further removed.

Questions?

Sierra Hietala
CSB and SJU Outdoor Education
320-363-2136

A large group of people stands together on a sandy beach in front of a lake, with green forested hills in the background. The sky is cloudy, and everyone is smiling and casually dressed.

Collegebound 2024 Group Photo