Fall Pre-Orientation Programs

Pre-Orientation Programs are your first opportunity to connect with other incoming students, Warren Wilson’s campus, and the amazing activities and culture Western North Carolina has to offer. As a participant you will build long-lasting connections with fellow classmates, learn about the WWC campus and important resources, explore surrounding areas, and gain valuable skills through hands-on experiences.

Pre-Orientation students arrive early to campus for an exciting 4 day experience. We offer programs in a wide range of interests that take place both on and off campus.

The 2025 programs include:

Craft Immersion

Craft is a way of thinking, of constructing, and a way of working at Warren Wilson College. Get acquainted with the craft crews on campus: fiber arts, fine woodworking, and blacksmithing. Come spend a day working in each studio learning how to use the tools and equipment and making objects that you will get to keep!

Visit the Art and Craft program page to learn about our academic program and work crews.

Outdoor Adventure

Are you interested in exploring Western North Carolina with your classmates before classes start?  We have an Outdoor Adventure trip just for you to make memories with your peers that will last a lifetime! With 3 different trips planned you can pick your perfect outdoor adventure.

No prior experience is required! Bring your own gear or borrow ours.

Outdoor programs stay on campus the first night and then travel off campus for the remaining 3 nights. Visit the Outdoor Leadership and Adventure Programs pages to learn about our academic programs and work crews.

Backpacking & Rock Climbing Adventure

Explore the trails and challenge yourself on the granite cliffs in Pisgah National Forest on this exciting backpacking and rock climbing adventure. Cool off with a splash from a mountain stream and enjoy a tasty dinner and conversation with your new friends!

**Please note that participants must be able to carry a full backpack with personal and shared gear (40-50 pounds).

Lake James Paddling Adventure

Enjoy a great mix of lake paddling, swimming, and mountain scenery on beautiful Lake James. You’ll also have plenty of time to relax in the evening at your campsite, enjoy good food, conversation, and other activities! 

**Please note that participants must be able to help carry canoes and gear.

Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Camp & Play

Get a taste of the best day trips of Joyce Kilmer and the Nantahala National Forest! Set out on a new adventure each day: hike the trails, play in creeks, and beautiful Lake Santeetlah. Enjoy the alluring forest, clear lake and sweeping vistas of your new backyard. Then return to your cozy campsite each evening to cook delicious dinners, and relax.

Cost

The full cost of the program includes all meals, travel, activity costs, plus you get a cool t-shirt to remember this experience! A deposit of $50 will be due upon application submission. The priority acceptance deadline is June 9th, and program confirmations will be sent out shortly after. Once you receive confirmation of acceptance to one of the programs, the remaining balance will be due.

Scholarship funding is available! Applicants can select on their application that they are interested in applying for scholarship funding.

Craft Immersion: $350

Backpacking & Rock Climbing Adventure: $450

Paddling Adventure: $450

Camp & Play: $450

Dates and Deadlines

Applications open on April 28th. The priority acceptance deadline is June 9th.

Please visit www.wwcpreorientation.com to apply.

Saturday, August 16th

  • Pre-Orientation Participant Check-In and Move-In

Move In & Orientation

Check back soon for more information about standard move-in and orientation.