Start your college journey with confidence. Venture Bound is a five-day backpacking adventure where you'll build lasting friendships, challenge yourself in new ways, and learn from experienced student mentors. Along the way, you'll discover strengths you didn't know you had and return to campus feeling more connected, capable, and ready to make the most of your first year.
2027 Venture Bound dates and deadlines coming in Spring 2027!
You can earn 2 fall semester academic credit hours for attending Venture Bound!
Course: KNES 2230 - Wilderness Experience
College & Department: College of Health and Human Services, Applied Physiology, Health and Clinical Sciences (APHCS)
What does this credit count toward?
Activity class requirement for many APHCS majors.
Minor in Outdoor Adventure Leadership
May also count toward other majors and minors; talk to your academic advisor to confirm.
How do I get the credits?
Participate in the trip.
Completing post-trip assignments.
What assignments will I need to complete?
Assignments will include a reflection paper and meeting/ reunion of Venture Bound participants to reflect back on the trip and your first semester at UNC Charlotte. Assignments will be due sometime between September and November.
You can indicate your interest in receiving credit on the application.
$300, includes:
- Instruction and guidance from trained leaders.
- Equipment, including that for backpacking, camping, cooking, water filtration, and canoeing.
- Meals and snacks - Starting with lunch on Monday and ending with lunch on Friday.
- Technical clothing, including waterproof jackets and pants and fleece/ warm layers.
- Transportation to and from program area.
Not included:
- Base layer clothing - e.g. shirts, pants, underwear, socks
- $30/ night early move-in fee charged by Housing and Residence Life (total cost of $90 for 2026; only applies if you choose to move in early).
Grants/ Reduced rates available
- The cost of this experience has been reduced to try to make it more accessible, but we understand there may still be a financial barrier for some.
- If a reduction in cost would make this experience more accessible to you, you can indicate as such on the registration form.
NOTE - To be considered for a reduced fee, you must complete all registration steps (except making payment) by the deadline (see Dates above).
Find even more information and answers to your questions.
See what steps to take to register for Venture Bound. You will also find cancellation and refund policies.