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.

2026 Venture Bound

Monday, Aug. 10 through Friday, Aug. 14, 2026

Venture Bound is full for 2026, but we are accepting people onto the wait list. We will notify you if you have a spot after the July 20 deadline. Complete the registration form to get on the wait list. 

Mon, July 13, 2026 - Financial Assistance Consideration Deadline

• Online registration form must be received by this date.
• Medical History form must be received by July 20 or your registration will be cancelled.

Mon, July 20, 2026 - Completed Registration Deadline & Early Move-In Deadline

• Online registration form must be received by this date.
• Payment must be received by this date.
• Medical History form must be received by this date.
• Deadline to qualify for early move in on August 9
  • If you have a fall campus housing assignment, you can move in early!
  • To qualify, you must have submitted the online registration form and you payment for Venture Bound. 

Mon, July 20, 2026 - Cancellation Deadline (eligible for full refund prior to this date)

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? 

1. Participate in the trip.

2. 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).