Hiking in the Bitterroot Mountains, not showering for six days, and camping out in the wilderness away from any kind of civilization may sound daunting to many people. But to the few who have been brave enough to go on the annual expedition through the Selway-Bitterroot trails call it an experience of a lifetime.

This trip is offered through Kuehn Conservation and is open to all high school students in Dallas County, even though only around twelve are selected as finalists. Three ADM students, Marissa Meadowcroft, Matthew Oberueter, and Emma Riker, attended the trip last year, and had nothing but good things to say.

Emma Riker went on the expedition and said that although participating in ‘leave no trace’ camping styles were not the most fun, taking the trip changed her life 100%. If it was not for the trip, she would not want to live in Montana, Idaho, or Colorado, and would not know that she would like to be a park ranger.

This year, the trek takes place from July 26th to August 3rd. In order to be considered, applicants must have a letter of recommendation and ten essay questions completed by April 3rd. Finalist applicants will be called back for interviews in May.