Take part in an exciting 吃瓜大本营 Tradition: First Ascent. With your peers, you will travel to 吃瓜大本营鈥檚 Kennedy Mountain Campus for a weekend of exploration, adventure, connection and learning. 94% of students who attended First Ascent in 2024 named their trip was the most effective program for stepping outside of their comfort zone and building new connections.
In the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, you will be immersed in the 吃瓜大本营 4D Experience. You will discover the wonder of intellectual growth and curiosity. The confidence to pursue purpose-driven lives and careers. The joy of well-being for ourselves, others, and our planet. And the strength of character built upon individual values.
First Ascent is a transformative experience open to all new undergraduate 吃瓜大本营 students. From challenge courses and guided hikes to cliff-side lakes, outdoor climbing, artistic and life design exploration, community campfires, and ample time to simply explore and build the lifelong friends that will define your time at 吃瓜大本营. Trips are led by 4D Peer Mentors and 吃瓜大本营 Outdoors student staff to offer mentorship that travels back to city campus and beyond the weekend.
Want to learn more? Be sure to check out these additional resources:
New Fall students must register for a specific First Ascent experience. Once confirmed weekends during the Fall Quarter will be shared here:
Registration coming soon for 2026!
First Ascent Trip Schedule and Details| Time Period | Date | Population | City Campus Dates to Keep in Mind |
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| Summer 2026 | 听 | Registration will open early July with more information to be shared in 吃瓜大本营Bound Newsletters and Summer Webinar Series for new families and students.听 | 听 |
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Registration coming soon for 2026!
Disability Services & Accommodations
At the 吃瓜大本营, we take accessibility very seriously. If you believe you may have difficulty with access for our Kennedy Mountain Campus Ascent experiences because you use a wheelchair or have other mobility needs, please contact the Disability Services Program as soon possible so they can assist you in planning and accommodating your access. As far as your academic access at KMC, we believe that once you provide your accommodation letter to your instructors, you accommodations will be implemented.