All Hesburgh-Yusko Scholars complete a three-week Wilderness Leadership course the summer before their first year at Notre Dame. Each Scholar chooses his or her own Expedition and does the course separate from other Scholars. We want Scholars to gain a better understanding of their individual capabilities outside of their comfort zone.

Scholars are stretched physically and mentally, and some will experience for the first time the challenge of living with only basic necessities. In addition to mastering wilderness skills, Scholars learn how to work with a diverse group of people to reach a common goal and look out for the interest of the group.

This opportunity represents a microcosm of the exhilarating, unfamiliar, and rewarding experiences Scholars will encounter over the rest of their journey in the Program, at the University of Notre Dame, and throughout the rest of their lives.