La Vida Center for Outdoor Education and Leadership
La Vida is Gordon’s premier outdoor education center. As a first-year student, you’ll participate in an Expedition, a 12-day backpacking in the Adirondacks, or Discovery, a half-semester course at Gordon’s own high-and-low ropes course. Through these experiences, you’ll learn about discipleship, leadership, community and holding fast to God in all circumstances.
Beyond your first-year, you can continue the La Vida experience by using Gordon’s indoor rock gym, joining the Outdoor Club, or working for one of our programs during the school year or over the summer.
Our goal is to catalyze character formation, cultivate community and develop servant-leadership skills in individuals, groups and organizations through outdoor experiential education.
Outdoor Education Core Requirement
One of Gordon’s distinctives is a required outdoor education program as a part of the Core Curriculum and Gordon's First-Year Experience. The focus for both of these options is on goal-setting, community, reflective learning, and growing in Christ, and both are designed to serve as a catalyst for personal growth and leadership development.
College Expeditions
Intensive 12-day wilderness experience that promotes leadership, confidence and growth in community. College Expeditions include outdoor rock climbing, ropes course, orienteering and a solo experience.
Discovery
Seven-week outdoor activities course that develops trust, responsibility and self-confidence. Discovery includes initiative games, ropes course, indoor rock climbing and an overnight camping trip to New Hampshire.
All Gordon students are required to complete their Outdoor Education first-year experience before the start of their sophomore year. The La Vida Center recommends signing up for College Expeditions before the start of Orientation or for Discovery during first quad of your freshman year. If you have a documented medical condition that prevents you from participating in Discovery or College Expeditions, please contact [email protected].
As you consider your options, here is a guide to Gordon's Outdoor Education requirement and the La Vida College Programs brochure. These resources provide additional information and details which may assist in your decision-making process. Don't hesitate to contact the La Vida office with any questions you may have!
Get Involved
Beyond your first-year, you can continue the La Vida experience by using Gordon’s indoor rock gym, joining the Outdoor Club, or working for one of our programs during the school year or over the summer.
Rock Gym
The Gordon College Climbing Club is sponsored by GCSA and seeks to provide rock climbing to students of the college. We are able to provide free rock gym membership for all current students as well as special events and outings at a discount.
Job Opportunities
There are many ways for students to get involved and work for La Vida during their time at Gordon.
What our students are saying
Juliana Larson '23
"I went on the August La Vida trip before my freshman year, and it was a wonderful step in my period of transition to college. I was able to get to know people and socialize with my peers in a non-academic setting before arriving at school. I am still friends today with some of the people on my trip and it is a joy to see them around campus. La Vida helped me see that we are made to grow in our faith and experience life as a community. Having the opportunity to do both mundane and the adventurous in fellowship with other believers was an incredible gift."
Sung Hyun Park '22
"Discovery had a lot to offer—mainly in pushing me out of my comfort zone. What I learned about myself and how I interact with others impacts me every day and reminds me of my potential. I now know that I am capable of facing many challenges and interacting superbly with others. I will never forget this meaningful experience and the people alongside me."
Julius Swaim '23
"La Vida challenged me in many areas, but most importantly, I felt challenged to live in the moment. I have always struggled to leave my past behind and not worry about it. This trip helped me calm down and truly see the potential of living in the moment."
Lessons Learned on a La Vida Expedition
Programs for the Community
Come for adventure, prepare for life. From custom challenge courses and rock climbing at Gordon College to multi-day backpacking or canoeing expeditions in the Adirondacks of New York and the White Mountains of New Hampshire, La Vida offers a broad range of outdoor programs for Gordon students, youth, families and a wide variety of groups. These experiential learning environments foster character and leadership development to prepare you to contribute to the greater good in your community and the world.
