Megann Horstead
Content Producer
In less than a month, 15 North Central College male students will have the opportunity to face the wild in Wisconsin’s wintry weather for a 3-day leadership expedition.
NCC’s Men versus Wild is a 3-night, 4-day adventure backed by the Office of Ministry & Service, Student Affairs and the Leadership, Ethics and Values department, and is taking place Dec. 9-12 at Honey Rock Camp in Three Lakes, WI.
The event allows men to explore life’s mission and leadership capabilities through outdoor excursions, interactive workshops, and spiritual reflection in the remote woods of Wisconsin, according to the event’s promotional page.
“It’s like any challenge, like anytime you’re on an adventure, or you’re on team and there is a mission and a goal,” Associate Dean of Students Jeremy Gudauskas said. “The fact that all of us are on this hike together and there is the goal of one surviving, … there certainly are positives that are built that are significant and deep when you have to rely on each for support and encouragement.”
In turn, Gudauskas commented on how the event plays off manly macho themes and with it, aims to make a difference.
“We play off of that [the manly macho]theme but we take it a lot deeper,” Gudauskas said. “They (students) look at the preconceptions of what it is to be man, myths and stereotypes, and strive to define what it means to be man.”
In talking about the trip’s theme, Gudauskas said the leadership expedition brings students together.
“The hike to the cabin was very challenging but rewarding,” senior Daniel Hannapel said. “It’s important to look at the sights around you, rather than walk with your head down. You really could be missing something beautiful in your everyday walk of life.”
In noting less male participation at campus events on a national level, Gudauskas asserted a few reasons to explain why North Central originally developed the event in 2011.
“We’ve always had in mind to try to do something to engage male students specifically,” Gudauskas said. “At the same time, we had this connection to this camp in northern Wisconsin. We were exploring how we could partner with them or make use of their facilities and their location.”
In search of opportunities and events geared toward male students, an idea for an expedition arose.
“If they (men) don’t typically connect with certain things on campus, that (Men Versus Wild) might be something that we could get them interested in,” Gudauskas said.
Prior to entering the wild, students will learn survival techniques and packing suggestions will be made. However, staying in the wilderness presents its dangers so there will be experienced guides joining the men in their adventure. There is also a post-meeting where students wrap up their experience had on the expedition.
“For one of the nights, we’ll do a hiking expedition and then we’ll camp overnight,” Gudauskas said. “Most of the time it’s intense for that night. It’s kind of a survival theme.”
Around the expedition, there will be a number of activities but also themed discussions such as man vs. self, man vs. nature, and man vs. society.
On day 1, man vs. self centers students upon self-reflection and listening inward. On day 2, man vs. nature is focused on human interaction with nature and how there is awe and beauty in nature yet creates this contrast revealing danger, deadly and destruction, and this prepares students to enter the wilderness. And on day 3, there is a discussion of man vs. society where men look outward and explore their purpose in the world.
Gudauskas said the trip’s discussion typically begins with the topic of “technology fasting,” where students become aware of separation and unplug.
“We kind of have a rule that there is no technology… It’s really the separation from campus and the separation from technology that puts you in a place where you can reflect.”
Sometimes the act of reflection will get lost in everyday life’s shuffle or men don’t feel they’re able to (reflect) do it in the suburbs and on campus.
Gudauskas noted how the expedition places emphasis on not only reflection but camaraderie too.
“I think it (the trip) empowers the students on the trip because it makes them confidant in who they are, not who somebody expects them to be or who society expects them to be,” Gudauskas said. “And the camaraderie and reflection empower them to think more clearly about their future and what their purpose is.”
Hannapel said don’t be afraid to share at campfires, these moments will help you build friendships with others you may not already know.
Gudauskas revealed what he hopes students take away from having experienced life in the wilderness.
“I hope that it’s not just a fun trip and a fun story to tell and fun pictures to post on Facebook or Twitter,” Gudauskas said. “It’s that something deep or meaningful happens in a student’s life and shapes, solidifies or changes their direction.”
WHAT TO KNOW:
Who: Open to any male NCC student
Where: Honey Rock Camp, Northern Wisconsin: www. Honeyrockcamp.com
When: Dec. 9-12, 2014 (Leave Tuesday morning and return Friday evening)
Led by: Jeremy Gudauskas (Associate Dean of Students) and Brian Rainville (Director of Ministry & Service)
Sponsored by: Student Affairs, Leadership, Ethics & Values, Ministry & Service
Cost: $100 (all-inclusive) Payment due (Check or cash) to the Office of Student Affairs (Old Main 501) by Nov. 14 at 5 p.m.
