Discovery
Discovery uses adventure learning and a supportive Christian community to help students transition and develop during their first year of college. The quad-long course fosters spiritual growth, personal discovery, character formation and an appreciation of the natural environment through a wide array of activities—high and low challenge courses, group initiatives and personal reflection—that culminate in a weekend trip to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Discovery fulfills the Common Core Requirement and is part of the First-Year Experience.
Why Discovery
Discovery provides an opportunity to develop a close community over the course of seven weeks. This community can be a key support in the transition into your first year at Gordon. Research shows that challenge course experiences such as Discovery help students gain confidence in their ability to overcome life’s challenges, interpersonal skills needed to work with others and a greater understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses. Thousands of Gordon students have grown through this impactful experience since its inception in 1986.
Our Values
Discovery creates a positive and safe environment for students to build friendships and challenge one another to step out of their comfort zones. As they become more aware of their own strengths and weaknesses within the context of a supportive, tight-knit community, they gain confidence and skills to face life’s challenges long after the course ends. Throughout the course, deepened faith and friendships lay a foundation for a successful transition to college.
Community
Challenge
Goal Setting
Personal Reflection
What it Looks Like
Teambuilding
Discovery creates a fun, safe environment to build quality relationships. Games, group initiatives and problem-solving activities enable students to know and be known—to develop meaningful relationships with people that they might not have met otherwise. Students gain communication skills, empathy and an ability to work with others.
Challenge Course
Students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone on the challenge course. The class becomes a supportive community spurring one another on to take on challenges with a high degree of perceived risk, but low actual risk. This support becomes tangible as students learn to belay each other on high elements. The confidence developed on the challenge course builds within students a belief that they can overcome life’s challenges relying upon God and their Christian community.
Weekend Camping Trip
Students come together for a weekend camping trip to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Community is developed as you hike, enjoy meals together and share life stories around a campfire.
Celebration & Reflection
The class ends with a time of celebration and looking back on the lessons learned. The class appreciates and uplifts one another through feedback and encouragement.
Caleigh Williams '24
"Through Discovery, I was given the opportunity to meet people that I wouldn't have met anywhere else. I was able to build new relationships and expand my community here at Gordon. One lesson I learned is to try something new. Through trying something new you are putting yourself in a position of self-growth. I did every high ropes element I said I wouldn't do; then again, God always has a different plan for us."
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."
Cara Petersen '22
"Discovery was such an amazing experience. I learned so much about myself and God. I made some of the best friendships, which allowed me to be confident in starting out my first year of college. In Discovery, I learned the importance of unplugging from the distractions around me and to really focus my attention on God and what he wants for my life."