A Week in the Adirondacks (A Student Testimony)

In my sophomore year at Centenary University, I found the American Wilderness (HIS-3030) course through flyers around campus. During an advising appointment, Professor Haiduc-Dale showed pictures of the trip from previous years and enthusiastically suggested I take the class. 

I excitedly waited all spring semester, and when June rolled around, it was time to go! 

After a week of lectures about the rich history and environment of the Adirondacks, we went to the cabin that would be our home during the stay.

The trip consisted of a lot of adventures that I cataloged in a journal Professor Haiduc-Dale gave me at the start of the trip. Some of the highlights include hiking, going to the Adirondack Experience Museum, taking a lake cruise, and canoeing. 

One of my favorite moments was watching Professor Haiduc-Dale mimic bird calls to some loons- they even called back! 

I highly recommend going on this excursion, even if you are not an experienced camper. There is a lot of beautiful scenery to take in and valuable lessons to learn about local history and biomes. It is a great opportunity to bond with your classmates; I became great friends with many of the people I traveled with! 

The Adirondacks are an amazing place. I wish I could take this class twice!

*****

Editor’s Note—HIS-3030: Is a summer course with a week-long trip to the Adirondacks in upstate New York. History of the American Wilderness explores the history of the meaning of wilderness in the American imagination. 

The course looks at policy changes as new ideas about nature as a national treasure permeated in the American psyche. There is a specific focus on national parks and specifically the history of the Adirondacks, a 6-million acre state park in upstate New York. 

After five weeks on campus, the class heads north to explore the Adirondacks! The class trip fee is $600. While visiting the Adirondack Museum and spending a full day paddling canoes across lakes and up a river, we visit a beautiful waterfall and unique Adirondack estates owned by the wealthiest families of the early 20th century. 

Register now for HIS-3030! Space is limited.