The past 80 days at HMI have been the perfect combination of fun, challenge, and growth. I have been able be pushed both physically and mentally, but in these moments of challenge I felt really supported by the community we built. Our group was able to come together through long hiking days, sharing stories, and exploring new places. Our instructors were so intentional, kind, and genuinely cared about each member of the group. As we travelled through Colorado, Utah, and Chile we learned about the land which helped us feel more connected and educated about the places we explored. I am so glad I got this opportunity to make 10 new friends who felt like a home during our 80 days of constant motion.

About 9 months ago I was where you are now: scrolling through the internet trying to find the program for me; and honestly, I chose the perfect one. I chose HMI Fall Trek because I wanted a structured first half of my gap year and to learn wilderness/travel skills. However, the reason why I chose this program has grown along with my own growth. I’ve not only developed wilderness skills, but also developed my community-ubuilding, communication, and leadership skills. If your willing to learn how to be comfortable in the uncomfortable, this is the place for you.

My HMI experience was very fun and I would recommend to anyone interested in it. We backpacked and climbed in Colorado, Utah, and Patagonia. It was a very positive experience and I met a lot of cool people who learned with me which was nice. The instructors were very nice and taught us along the way as well as provided insight too. The classes taught and the people who I have met during this experience and taught me things were very positive and I hope to take those lessons with me wherever I go next.

I had an incredible experience with HMI Gap’s fall Trek program. We did primarily backpacking for about 80 days and I learned a lot about wilderness skills, maps, and navigation all within good balance. The environmental studies curriculum opened me up to new ideas that I plan on taking into college and exploring more. The lessons in leadership and feedback helped me gain more confidence and create a strong community within our group. Also the staff were so supportive and kind in both the group and individual environment. They helped create the amazing experience I had. I recommend this program for anyone looking for a little bit of adventure, personal growth, service work, leadership, wilderness skills, environmental ethic lessons, and community.

I had a great experience on the fall traverse semester. There was a good balance of rock climbing, backpacking, rafting, community service, and environmental sciences classes. I learned a lot this semester about myself, environmental ethics, and wilderness/climbing skills. The staff was very supportive and friendly and helped us build a strong community of students. I would definitely recommend this semester to a friend or anyone who is taking a gap year/semester and is looking for a place to make new friends and experience the outdoors.

Hmi Gap year programming is awesome, the staff was always very engaged and professional. They provided the situations necessary to foster personal and communal growth. Through rock climbing and backpacking our group was able to grow and all find our place in the community. 80 days was long, but I wouldn’t have wanted it to be any shorter because the last couple expeditions were the best. The format HMI provided of two week long expeditions with transition says in town also made the semester seem much more luxurious.

My time on this program has transformed me in the most incredible way. You gain outdoor skills, you challenge your perspectives on the environment, and you learn how to communicate better. I learned so much about myself through this program. The instructors very intentionally create a space we’re you can be yourself and grow without judgement. I highly recommend this program. You will meet the most incredible people and accomplish more than you ever thought possible. It is physically and emotionally challenging, but 100% worth it.

The experience I had with HMI was absolutely amazing. I have never been backpacking before and it was daunting to come down to Patagonia with no experience but I quickly learned everything from the staff and students. My group was so supportive and the community we built together was nothing like I’ve ever been in before. I can’t wait to take my learning home and apply it to backpacking by myself and others. I’ve grown so much from this gap trip and will miss my instructors and peers so much and will hopefully keep in touch for a long time.