First Ascent is a wilderness orientation program for incoming transfer and incoming first year students conducted by Appalachian’s office of Outdoor Programs .This opportunity provides students with challenging experiences that are designed to assist students in finding their place in the Appalachian family.

First Ascent provides two options for students, First Ascent Wilderness & First Ascent Basecamp.

First Ascent Wilderness is a 4 day backpacking adventure in the North Carolina Mountains where small groups of students develop bonds that will last throughout their college experience as they travel, camp, and laugh together through the rugged landscapes of the North Carolina High Country. Student will explore nearby forests, experience unmatched views, and find crystal-clear swimming holes just when they need them most.

First Ascent Basecamp is a 5 day adventure / service experience located minutes outside Boone, NC. Students will be based at ASU’s Camp Broadstone where they will sleep in cabins and prepare their meals. Throughout the week, students will participate in climbing, rafting and other adventure activities as well as volunteer at a local farm where they will learn the skills necessary to develop their very own garden at Camp Broadstone. First Ascent Basecamp is a unique opportunity for incoming ASU students to explore the outdoors around Boone while getting involved with some local service projects on nearby farms, therefore creating a better understanding for sustainable living. 

All First Ascent experiences are led by competent and qualified Junior/Senior level student leaders who, in their time at Appalachian, have taken advantage of the many resources both on campus and in the surrounding mountains that have helped them to develop the skills necessary to make First Ascent an unforgettable experience.

If this sounds interesting to you, please take some time to watch the video below and look around the rest of the website. You will find lots of information about the cost, dates and what to expect. Appalachian is excited to be able to offer incoming students this unique opportunity to experience adventure in our own backyard. We look forward to seeing YOU out on the trail.