The Wright Wilderness Experience Starts Here!

Going to college is an adventure, so why not start off the right way? The Wright Wilderness Experience (WWE) is a wonderful freshman-only welcome to Lyon College that takes new incoming students out to the Buffalo National River, the nation's first national river, for an unforgettable outing right here in Arkansas.

Students will take part in a wilderness, paddling, and camping experience. WWE is also an outdoor learning experience designed to help students develop safe paddling skills, practice valuable skills in "Leave No Trace" camping, and learn about Arkansas's natural history and geography.

Students will have the opportunity to meet other incoming freshman students while sleeping under the stars, hiking to majestic bluffs off the water, and paddling over 25 miles. Our trip will end the night before the official Lyon Freshman Orientation (Scot Week) starts soyou will not miss any of the incredible on-campus festivities!

The WWE is suitable for novice paddlers, while some canoeing/kayaking experience is preferred, it is not required. Students must be able to swim. All participants will have to meet the Essential Eligibility Requirementsto participate.

How to register:

Registration for the Wright Wilderness Experience is handled on a first-come-first-serve basis, and there are only TEN spots; if you are interested in the trip we recommend you register ASAP. There will be a waitlist available and you will be contacted if a spot opens up.

Click here to register now!

After you've submitted your registration you'll receive a confirmation in your email account which will be followed by a letter from the LEAP (Lyon Education and Adventure Program) staff, and a suggested gear list. If you have any questions or concerns, please email LEAP Director Mac Harn at graydon.harn@lyon.edu.

What is the cost?

Thanks to the Dennis Wright Outdoor Experience Endowment, each student pays only $100 to participate in the Wright Wilderness Experience. This fee is due when you register for the trip. Everything you need for the trip will be provided: transportation, field food, and equipment (boats, paddles, lifejackets, tents, sleeping bags, etc.).

What does the schedule look like?

- Your welcome/move-in day will be Saturday, August 8, 2026. International students participating in WWE can move in August 7-8. Participants in the float trip will have a welcome dinner (families welcome) on Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. All students must be on campus by this time and attend dinner. Students will be able to sleep in their dorms on Saturday and Sunday.

- OnSunday, August 9, participants will take part in on-campus activities including team building and safety training. Students will be given their group gear and a gear demonstration will take place.

- OnMonday, August 10, the group will travel by van to the beautiful Buffalo National River. They will spend the next 4 days and 3 nights paddling and exploring. Students will return to campus on Thursday, August 13.

- OnFriday, August 14, the freshman orientation known as Scot Week will begin and the rest of the incoming students will move into their dorms.

Who is leading the trip?

Lyon College's Wright Wilderness Experience will be led by the Lyon Education and Adventure Program staff.

How safe is it?

Safety is the main priority of Lyon College and WWE. We are intentional about training our student leaders with the necessary skills to prevent, anticipate, and if needed, respond to emergencies in the field. Every trip has at least one certified Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder leader. All leaders have been trained in the activity specific to their trip (i.e. canoeing, kayaking, backpacking, etc.) and all have detailed knowledge about where they are going, as well as who and how to contact someone in case of an emergency.

What will we eat?

All meals on the WWE will be provided by Lyon College. All participants’ dietary needs will be met. Students are encouraged to bring their own snacks and/or whatever extra food they would like.

What do I need to bring?

Trip-goers will be sent a packing list by email that will outline the personal gear you are responsible to bring. Make sure to check your email often so as not to miss this email!

Outdoor equipment: boats, lifejackets, paddles, tents, sleeping bags, etc., will be provided by LEAP.

What forms do I need?

- Medical and Dietary restrictions

- Liability

- Lyon College Code of Conduct

- Packing list