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Explore your adventure

Preview the activities and sample schedule of each trip below. These itineraries are subject and likely to change. 

Programs:

FYJ Itineraries 

All FYJ programs will consist of 7 days: 2 days on campus and 5 days on trip. 

Cabin Track: Camp Arbolado- 7 day program 

Sleepaway Camp Experience

 

High Sierra Backpacking - 7 day program

High Sierra Backpacking

 

Sequoia National Park Backpacking - 7 day program

Sequoia National Park Backpacking

 

Zion National Park Adventure - 7 day program

Zion National Park Adventure

 

Sequoia National Park Adventure - 7 day program

Sequoia National Park Adventure

 

PCH Adventure: Central Coast 

Pacific Coast Highway Adventure

PCH Adventure: Malibu 

  • Day 1 (on campus) –  Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.  
  • Day 2 (on campus) - Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning. 
  • Day 3 (at camp) – Travel Day: departing Redlands early and driving through the LA basin and up the coast on Highway 1.  
  • Days 4 (on trip) – Today you’ll be shredding the gnar, surfing at Zuma Beach in true California fashion.  
  • Day 5 (on trip) – Wake up in your coastal campsite and spend the day exploring the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and discussing the impact of the recent fires. There may be an opportunity to participate in a service project for the affected communities.
  • Day 6 (on trip) – You’re headed down to Point Dume for a climbing sesh on the coast! Heights aren’t your thing? Take advantage of the beautiful beach setting instead. 
  • Day 7 (back to campus) – After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner. 

Mammoth Lakes Adventure

  • Day 1 (on campus) – Move-in day (if you are a residential student). After saying goodbye to your families, all FYJers (residential and commuter) will join us for our kick-off ceremony and dinner in the commons. After dinner we will have activities out on the lawn to meet your peers.  
  • Day 2 (on campus) - Trip orientation day on campus. This day is spent with your small group, getting to know one another and preparing for trip. You will review to make sure you have all equipment you need, medications, etc. before departing the next morning.  
  • Day 3 (on trip) – Travel Day: departing Redlands early and driving to your campsite.    
  • Days 4 (on trip) – Embark on an adventure into the mountains and experience some of the best rock climbing California has to offer under the guidance of seasoned pros.   
  • Day 5 (on trip) – Explore iconic landmarks like Devil’s Post Pile and Rainbow Falls and check off sections of the Pacific Crest Trail as you hike through the Mammoth wilderness. 
  • Day 6 (on trip) – Time to hit the water!  Enjoy a chill lakeside experience.
  • Day 7 (back to campus) –  After the drive back to campus, grab a quick shower and meet your crew and the rest of the FYJ’ers for a celebratory dinner.

Travel Information & Schedule  

First Year Journey Registration and Acceptance Dates 

  • April, 2025: FYJ 2024 Registration is available.
  • Thursday, July 3rd, 2025: Registrations are due. Register early to secure your top trip!
  • Friday, July 11, 2025: Final Trip Assignments, pricing, travel information and FYJ paperwork sent via Redlands.edu email to applicants. Placements are sent periodically throughout summer. Register early to secure your top trip. 
  • Friday, August 1, 2025: Trip Payment and Participant Paperwork is due. 

FYJ Virtual Open Houses  

Join us for our FYJ Virtual Open Houses! We’re hosting online meetings on the following dates. We will answer your questions and give an overview of the trips and schedule. Sign-up for a meeting by emailing us, and we will share the online meeting link. 

  • Thursday June 12, 2025 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
  • Thursday June 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
  • Thursday July 10, 2025 at 5:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada) 

First Year Journey On-Campus Dates  

  • Friday, August 22, 2025by 4pm: FYJ Participants arrive and if living on-campus, check in to their residence halls. All FYJ Participants, Trip Leaders and Staff will meet for dinner and evening activities.
  • Saturday, August 23, 2025: First day of FYJ activities on campus! Introductions and events including pre-trip meetings, equipment checks, and academic connections. Students will be sleeping in their residence halls tonight. Off campus students may go home and return the next morning at designated times.
  • Sunday, August 24, 2025: Students embark on their journeys.
  • Monday, August 25: Thursday, August 28, 2025: Students on course.
  • Thursday, August 28, 2025: First Year Journey return wrap-up, reflection, and celebration dinner.
  • Friday, August 29, 2025: First Day of New Student Orientation.

 

Additional Important Logistics 

  1. How to Reserve Rental Gear  
  • Your FYJ acceptance packet will include a list of needed gear and equipment. 
  • All rentals are included in your trip costs. However, you will be required to leave a credit card deposit upon pickup. 
  1. Residence Hall Check-in 
  • All FYJ participants who will live on campus will move in on the first day of their program, Friday, August 22, 2025 
  • You'll spend the first nights in your room before departing for your journey. 
  • Check-in procedures will be communicated by Residence Life and Housing. 
  1. Ontario Airport Shuttles 
  • Upon acceptance into a scheduled FYJ trip, you'll receive a travel information sheet that contains information about flights and shuttles to campus. 
  • Several free FYJ shuttles will be available 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Ontario Airport to campus on 8/22 for all FYJers.  

If you have further questions, contactoutdoor_programs@redlands.edu.