FYE Outdoor Experience

First Year Experience (FYE) and Outdoor & Community Recreation Education (OCRE) have teamed up to offer students a unique opportunity in the fall of 2024: The FYE Outdoor Experience!

The 5 credit FYE Outdoor Experience is a combination of FYE 1105 and OCRE 2610. The two sections will go hand in hand to teach students skills to do well in college, and backcountry skills and leadership.

You’ll be in both classes with the same students, and your instructors will collaborate to establish a supportive, fun learning community.

Get off to a great start at WSU while getting out in nature. To find out more, email fye@weber.edu.

Check back soon to register for the FYE Outdoor Experience for fall 2025!

FYE 1105: Foundations of College Success (3 credits) – MW 9:30-10:20 &
OCRE 2610: Intro to Outdoor Living Skills 1 (2 credits) – F 9:30-11:30

Overnight backpacking trip: dates TBD
(Select hiking equipment provided)

Course fee: $45

Only 12 spots available!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE THROUGH STUDENT TESTIMONIALS

Everybody had a positive mindset, and we cared for one another. Even when things got hard, we encouraged each other to keep pushing forward and we would take breaks when someone was falling behind. –DN

Going on a backpacking trip with a group of people that you don’t know should be on the top of everyone’s bucket list. The best way to get to know someone is out in the backcountry, when all the stress and hustle of day-to-day life slowly disappears. –SJ

As a class we learned about each others' strengths and weaknesses, which helped us support each other and grow as individuals. –SJ

During the trip, I experienced many trials that tested myself and my limits and that's what ultimately helped my perseverance to take charge of the situation and follow through with it. –LJ

I learned to be very open-minded and willing to take constructive criticism and collect input from everybody else so we might see things through someone else's eyes... This class helps you become one with your whole environment. –AB

Trees and plants persevere really well through harsh winters and that can relate to us. Even when challenges and hardships occur, we can also persevere... You can help others persevere by listening to them and focusing on their strengths. This class introduced me to the outdoors and now I'm hooked! I made friends and looked forward to this class every day. Not only do you explore the wonders of backpacking, but it also helped me understand what the school has to offer. –AG

This semester my whole focus was how can I push myself and get out of my comfort zone. This trip was one of the ways I chose to do that. I didn't know much about backpacking, but now I have more information and it's something I could probably do on my own! I didn't know what was going to be on the other side, I didn't know what was out there. But in the end I was able to make my way through it... I enjoyed how we were able to be patient with one another. I learned a lot about myself on this trip. –NN

Prepare. Be patient. Identify what you can and can't control. Break problems down and focus on small parts. Be willing to put in the work and be willing to fail. Focus on the journey and use experiences in nature to gain clarity. Foster a good attitude and find something you love. Surround yourself with people who are positive and helpful.

-Student lead class discussion summary, FYE Outdoor Experience, F19

Interested in other classes related to the outdoors?