Latin Immersion Backpacking: Iter Montanum

The Rocky Mountains of Wyoming (Wind River Range)

August 3-10, 2024

Immerse yourself in Latin and the Wyoming wilderness as we backpack the Wind River Range. Participants should have completed an introductory sequence of Latin courses at the college level, covering all the major grammatical elements of the language.  Prior experience speaking Latin will be helpful but is not required.  All levels of Latin enthusiasts will benefit from our readings and conversations. Latin teachers hoping to use more active Latin in their classrooms will particularly benefit.

About the Trip

We learn language best when we are meaningfully communicating.  When language becomes the essential key to our comfort, when we must communicate to solve real problems, or when it is the medium for securing lifelong friendships, language becomes unforgettable.  For these reasons, Latin immersion backpacking is an ideal setting for activating and expanding our facility with Latin.  Each day will include several hours of Latin reading and instruction, but every moment of our experience will be filled with authentic and important communication.  Participants will work together to set up camp, cook food, plan the day’s route, and navigate in the wilderness.  These conversations will matter to you.  If we don’t communicate well, we won’t eat and sleep well.  All participants will agree to speak only Latin for the entirety of our backpacking week.

Latin immersion backpacking also provides an ideal environment for learning because of what it does not include.  All participants will leave their phones and devices behind in Lander.  Free from these and the many other distractions which constantly assail us, we will enjoy ample time and space to focus on our nascent Latin society.  Our small group size will ensure our conversations quickly progress to matters of substance.  There will be time to think and absorb.

Activities

Learn backcountry skills, enjoy the beauty of the wilderness, create lasting friendships, and improve your oral Latin proficiency!  Each day will include guided readings, instruction from the Latin faculty of Wyoming Catholic College, conversation, and extensive and authentic communicative activities.  

At least two Latin faculty members from Wyoming Catholic College and two Latin-speaking professional backpacking instructors will attend, so you can be sure to enjoy extensive Latin interaction with each member of our small community.

This trip will include tent camping and all day activity at altitude. Participants should be prepared to carry 35-45lb packs for 4-8 miles a day and for temperatures ranging from 35-80 F.  Participants will be sent a comprehensive packing list and will have the ability to rent necessary equipment from COR to make this an enjoyable experience! No prior backpacking experience necessary.

What’s Included

5 days of Latin immersion backpacking. The cost of the trip includes everything needed from the beginning to the end of the course, including pick up and drop-off at the Denver airport. We provide Latin faculty members, professional guides, camping arrangements, rental equipment, technical gear, food, and more! A specific gear and packing list is provided below. Participants are asked to bring some personal items and are able to borrow additional required items from our equipment center at no additional cost.

Participants are responsible for the cost of their own airfare or other transportation to and from the start/end of the course at the airport. If you will not be flying, please contact info@corexpeditions.org regarding alternate travel arrangements.

Participants may register for one or two college credits from Wyoming Catholic College at an additional $450 per credit hour.  Students electing to take two credits will be required to complete an additional set of readings before the course and will have one or more Latin conversations with faculty after the backpacking trip to discuss their experience and their readings.

Cost of the Trip

$1450 per person

+ $450 per credit hour (if you choose to take the course for credit)

Registration closes July 12, 2024

  • Must I take the course for credit?

    No! It is up to you whether to take the trip for one credit, two credits, or no credits.

    How do I get to the trip?

    Once you are registered for a trip, you will receive an email at least 1-2 months prior to your trip with details regarding travel logistics. Course participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the designated location for pick-up and drop-off. For most of our courses, this location is the Denver airport, though you may also have the option to meet the group at the wilderness location or other designated location if you are driving rather than flying to the trip. Your COR instructors or a member of our support staff will pick you up in one of our program vehicles and drive you to the wilderness locations.

    Do I need experience?

    No prior experience with camping or any of our adventure activities is required for participation in a COR course. Our professional instructors will teach you everything you need to know to participate in each activity safely and not only survive, but thrive in each wilderness environment. Participants should have completed an introductory sequence of Latin courses at the college level, covering all the major grammatical elements of the language. Prior experience speaking Latin will be helpful but is not required. All levels of Latin enthusiasts will benefit from our readings and conversations.

    Do I need to exercise to prepare for the trip?

    Although you do not need to be a superstar athlete to participate in our courses, we do encourage some basic conditioning prior to your trip, especially if you are coming from a sedentary life-style and/or lower elevations.

    For more frequently asked questions, visit our FAQ page.

  • View our Packing Info page.

  • For more information about financial aid offered, please contact us.