Apply for Venture’s 2020 Discovery program

UNC Charlotte students looking for a unique, transformative opportunity to fill their 2020 summer can now apply for Discovery with Venture Outdoor Leadership.

Through backpacking, rock climbing and whitewater canoeing, this 19-day wilderness expedition in the mountains of western North Carolina will challenge participants to overcome their own perceived mental, physical and emotional barriers. Venture’s professional staff will facilitiate the trip.

“From the very beginning of the trip, I didn’t really know what to expect,” said Alissa Plafker, Discovery 2017 participant. “I didn’t think that I would grow much as a person, but I was very wrong. I discovered (no pun intended) that I do possess leadership qualities that I never knew I had. I gained confidence in myself as well as putting my trust in others. The biggest thing that I learned about myself is how resilient I am. There were days on the trip that I thought that I would physically and mentally not survive but with the help of the others, I was able to push through the difficult times and always wake up to a new day and a new beginning.”

Discovery 2020 will take place May 10-29; the priority application deadline is Friday, Feb. 28. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.

“Having the privilege to co-lead the Discovery 2017 program, I was struck not only by how the students overcame the individual challenges they faced, but how they took the initiative to discuss and work on their own group dynamic,” said Brian Holcomb, Venture Outdoor Leadership assistant director for trips. “Living in a close community like this gives students amazing opportunities to learn and practice teamwork and leadership skills that will translate into life outside of this program.”

Learn more about Discovery at an interest meeting scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 15, in the Popp Martin Student Union, Room 261.