General Information
What is LandSea?
LandSea is an optional part of the orientation program at Kalamazoo College. Ninty to one hundred first year students join the staff and student leaders in Killarney Provincial Park in Canada for 18 days of backpacking, canoeing, climbing, rappelling, solo, and an extended canoeing or hiking expedition. Participants will return in time for Kalamazoo College's nationally-recognized first year orientation program. LandSea is an adventure!
When is LandSea?
Click here to see the dates and times.
How do I enroll?
You must be admitted to Kalamazoo College and have paid your $350 enrollment deposit to the Office of Admission for the fall quarter. Then, complete and mail in your LandSea application and deposit. Space on LandSea is filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Do I need previous outdoor experience?
No! Many participants have little to no experience, while others have significant previous outdoor experience. The program is designed to teach the necessary skills while challenging everybody.
What should I do to prepare for LandSea?
It is ESSENTIAL that you exercise regularly and vigorously prior to the start of the program. Students who prepare by running 3-4 times a week at increasing distances and strengthen their upper body by weight training the summer prior to LandSea are in the best shape to enjoy all aspects of LandSea. Also, it is CRITICAL that you BREAK IN YOUR BOOTS in order to avoid problems during the trip.
Who is on the LandSea staff?
Information about the LandSea staff is located on the guides page.
Who are the leaders?
Information about the LandSea leaders is located on the leaders page.
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Equipment and Gear
Do I need to bring my own equipment?
The program supplies all of the basic gear and materials (sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, tarp, cookware, stoves, first aid kits, bear bag ropes, etc.), but you will be responsible for bringing the appropriate clothing and personal gear. For a complete list of the supplied and required equipment, click here. You may prefer using your own sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and/or backpack. It is important to inform the LandSea Coordinator at tbreznau@kzoo.edu or 269.337.7357 if, after indicating on your application that you would be bringing your own sleeping bag and/or backpack, you decide not to bring your own.
What am I responsible for bringing?
Click here for the required LandSea gear list.
Where can I find suitable clothing and/or gear?
There are a variety of outdoor suppliers that sell quality gear suitable for LandSea. On the LandSea resources page, we provided a few links to well-known suppliers. These are only intended to give you an idea of what is available and what to look for. When shopping for gear, give yourself enough time to visit a number of suppliers to compare prices and brands.
Do we use tents?
The LandSea program uses large tarps instead of tents when protection from the elements is required at night. Click here to see a picture of a tarp.
What forms of identification do I need for crossing the border into Canada?
A valid passport OR a birth certificate AND a picture ID is required for US citizens. International students should contact Angela Gross or Rod Malcom to learn what additional forms and visas are required.
How do I get clean? Should I bring soap?
There will be opportunities to get clean each day by swimming in the lakes of Killarney Provincial Park. However, there is NO SOAP ALLOWED IN THE LAKES, even if it is biodegradable soap. To wash using biodegradable soap: rinse yourself in the water, then go onto shore, at least 150 feet away from the water and lather up. Bring water with you in either a water bottle or a pot to rinse off. Dig a hole and bury the soapy water. Most LandSea participants end up not taking or using soap and feel that scrubbing in the water is sufficient!
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Program Components: Hiking, Canoeing, Solo, Climbing, Rappelling, Sailing, Extended Expedition
What do we do during LandSea?
A number of days are spent hiking part of the 100-kilometer La Cloche range trail . All groups also canoe and portage on and between the crystal clear lakes. Weather permitting, participants climb a 120 ft rock face and rappel down a 130-foot cliff. The last common event happens near the end of the program and is called “solo.” For solo, participants are placed around a lake, out of sight from the rest of their group. They are encouraged to leave behind distractions and to spend two days and nights alone, reflecting.
Do I have to participate in everything?
LandSea's motto is "Challenge by choice," and by signing up, you agree to take on a variety of challenges. Participants are encouraged to try each part of their LandSea adventure. We recognize, however, that there are some times when we are just not ready to face a fear, an obstacle, or a concern. Participants are allowed and encouraged to talk with their patrol leaders or any member of the Guide Team at any moment they feel unsafe.
Hiking:
How far do we hike each day?
Each group will hike approximately 5-10 km per day over rough terrain with elevation changes of 10-300 meters.
What are the trails like?
The trails vary depending on the section of the park. The areas of the park lower in elevation have trails that run through wooded and/or marshy areas, whereas the trails in the higher regions of the park run along ridges. Rough, uneven terrain with elevation changes is characteristic of both. Visit the photo gallery to see pictures of the trails.
How heavy will our backpacks be?
The weight of your pack will vary, partially depending on the weight of your gear, but a good estimate is around 40-50 lbs.
Canoeing:
How far do we canoe?
Expect to canoe approximately 5-10 km per day and to portage anywhere from 1-5 km per day
What is portaging?
A series of trails, called portages, connect the lakes together. Portaging involves carrying a canoe on these trails to the next lake. Click here to see a picture of portaging,. Portages vary in length from 15 meters to 3160 meters.
How heavy are the canoes?
The canoes used on LandSea weigh about 60 lbs and are usually portaged by two people.
Solo:
What is solo and why is it a part of LandSea?
Solo is often one of the most misunderstood components of the LandSea program. It is an experience adopted from the Outward Bound Tradition during which participants remain alone for approximately two days and nights plasced at different points around a small lake. Participants will have a whistle for safety purposes, and there will always be several leaders or staff members camped on the same lake, contactable in case of emergency. Twice a day, the leaders will canoe by each solo site to ensure participants are safe. Participants are strongly encouraged to drink a lot of water and to not eat. Solo is not designed as a test of survival skills, but rather an opportunity for students to reflect and evaluate their life, the LandSea experience, and their upcoming transition to college. The simplicity of spending time alone in the woods resting, thinking, and writing may provide a welcomed break from the physical, emotional, and social intensity of the rest of LandSea.
How long is solo?
Solo is usually around 42 hours.
Is there food on solo?
Participants are encouraged to fast during solo, but if you choose not to, or have a medical condition that will prohibit you from fasting, a modified solo with food can be arranged.
Climbing:
Where do we climb?
The climb takes place on a 120 ft white quartzite rock face on George Lake.
How high is the climb?
The climb is 120 feet.
Rappelling:
Where do we rappel?
The rappel takes place at a different site on George Lake.
How high do we rappel?
The rappel is around 130 feet.
Extended Expedition:
Should I choose to go on the extended hiking expedition or the extended canoeing expedition?
It is a tough choice and you will have to decide based on what sounds more interesting to you. Both options provide unique challenges and opportunities that are both rewarding and fun. Neither option is better than the other, and no matter what extended expedition you choose, you will still be doing both hiking and canoeing during the 16 days in Killarney.
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Fees/Financial Aid
How much does LandSea cost?
The price for LandSea '07 was $1702. The price for LandSea '08 will be determined in Januaryor February '08.
Is there financial aid available?
Financial aid is awarded automatically based on need. In order to be considered for financial aid, your application and deposit must be received by May 1st. Notification of financial aid will be in June.
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Location/Information: Killarney Provincial Park, Weather
Killarney Provincial Park:
What is the park like?
For more information on the park including location, history, ecology, geology, etc. go to the Killarney page.
Are there toilets?
No. In camp you will find box toilets and while out on the trail you will utilize "catholes."
What is the weather like?
During LandSea, it is important to plan for everything from hot, sunny days (70’s to 90’s) to cold (30’s to 40’s) nights. It will rain!
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LandSea Mailings/Forms
When will I receive information about LandSea?
Information is generally sent out once a month, but if you have any specific questions, contact Tom Breznau, LandSea Director at tbreznau@kzoo.edu.
Where can I find the forms needed for LandSea?
Links to all the forms you will need are located on the participants page.
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Food and Dietary Concerns
What type of food is there on LandSea?
Hot meals on LandSea are usually eaten at breakfast and dinner. Breakfast foods include: oatmeal, cream of wheat, pancakes, tea, and hot chocolate. Lunch usually consists of GORP (trail mix), cheese, summer sausage, crackers, and peanut butter. For dinner, you will have rice, noodles, couscous, dried potatoes, soup bases, dried vegetables, tuna packets, summer sausage, and beans. These foods can be combined, and with the right spices and some creativity, your meals can be great!
Can I bring my own food?
No. If you are worried that the supplied food is not sufficient due to a food allergy or any other dietary concern, please contact us.
Can LandSea accommodate vegetarians/vegans?
Yes. It is important to indicate if you are a vegetarian/vegan on your health forms. It is also essential to inform your patrol leader of any special dietary needs. If you have any other dietary concerns, please contact us.
What should I do if I have a specific food allergy?
For your safety, any food allergies MUST be listed on your health forms.
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Medical Concerns: Smoking, Drugs, Medication, Medical Conditions, Injuries
Smoking and Drugs:
Is smoking allowed on LandSea?
No. Smoking is not allowed in Killarney Provincial Park or on LandSea. Any smokers will be expected to quit for the duration of their participation. Those violating this policy will be removed from the program at their own expense.
What happens if I have OR am using any cigarettes, Alcohol, and/or any other recreational drugs?
Any participant using or possessing cigarettes, alcohol, and/or any other recreational drugs will be subject to dismissal from the program and forfeiture of fees including transportation home.
Medical Conditions:
I have asthma, diabetes, or other medical conditions - will my LandSea experience be affected?
Not necessarily. There have been participants who have fully and successfully participated in LandSea that have had asthma, diabetes, and/or other medical conditions. However, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR about any concerns you may have and be sure to list them on your health forms.
Medications:
Should I bring medication on LandSea?
LandSea provides first aid kits stocked with some over-the-counter medications to help manage symptoms such as headaches, congestions, allergies, etc. that may arise over the course of the program. However, if you are prone to allergies, etc., and prefer a specific brand of medication, we recommend that you bring it. Medication for menstrual cramps is not provided. FOR YOUR SAFETY, ALL OF YOUR MEDICATIONS MUST BE LISTED ON YOUR LANDSEA MED FORMS. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE HAVE ACCURATE INFORMATION IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
Will living in a wilderness environment affect my medication(s)?
Possibly, so you should talk to your doctor about possible side effects in advance. Please provide the most detailed information possible regarding your medications when filling out your LandSea medical forms.
Injuries:
What type of preexisting injuries do I need to be aware of?
Any sprains or strains have the possibility of being re-injured on LandSea. Talk with your doctor about any concerns you may have and make note of it on your health forms.
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Campus Housing/Orientation:
Housing:
When can I move into my dorm room?
You are given access to your room before leaving for LandSea. The times and dates your room will be available can be found here.
I am from out of state. Can I move in earlier?
It is preferred that you move in during the times listed on the dates and times page. However, if that is not possible, please call Suzanne Lepley at 269.337.7177 to discuss alternatives.
Can I park my car on campus during LandSea?
It is best if you can get a ride to campus so you don't have to worry about parking, but if you need to leave a car here (during LandSea only!), please call Tom Breznau at 269.337.7356.
Orientation:
Will I be back in time for the College's orientation program?
Yes. You will arrive back at "K" before any of the orientation events are scheduled to begin. Click here for exact dates and times.
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