Summer ’25 Alumni Event

Saturday, June 7th to Tuesday, June 10th, 2025.

Arrival time will be 12 o’clock noon and the day’s departure should be no later than 1pm.  

Star Guides is thrilled to announce our next multi-day Alumni Event coming up
this Summer.  Due to the overwhelming interest, as well as the continued success
of the previous events, we will be continuing into the 2025 Season. We
hope to see you there!  
 

  • What to Expect from an Alumni Event? 

  • Spend 3 nights in the field with a group of other Alumni & Star Guide staff.

  • Opportunities will be provided to mentor current students in the program, offering them your expertise on wilderness living skills as well as sharing your unique perspective on life inside and outside of Star Guides.  

  • A chance to revisit the sacred parts of our field (think Grottos, Naming Caves, Square Top, Slot Canyons, etc) if not visit them for the very first time.  

  • Participate in group discussions about life post-treatment with other former students as well as current and returning field staff.  

  • Show off your primitive skills in a bow-drill fire competition.  

  • Camping, cooking, hiking, and the fun of returning to the wilderness!

Summer ’25 Star Guides Alumni Event FAQ

When is the event?

Saturday, June 7th to Tuesday, June 10th, 2025. Arrival time will be 12 o’clock noon and the day’s departure should be no later than 1pm.  

Are there requirements for attending?

Yes.  Each Alumni must have graduated at least one year prior to the event.  An application will be needed to ensure everyone attending is in a sound place therapeutically and that individuals will not be a disruptive presence in the group.  Disruptive individuals will be asked to leave early if necessary. 

Is there a fee to attend?

Yes.  An attendance fee of $500 will be charged to cover the costs of the event.  Click here to make a payment.

Do I need to bring my own gear?

You are more than welcome to bring your own gear if you would like.  However, non-clothing items will be available to borrow or to purchase.  A gear checklist is provided at the end of this document. 

Will mentoring opportunities be a part of the experience?

Absolutely!  Please come prepared to share your post-treatment experiences with our current students in the program.  We will be spending the better part of a day visiting groups for you to impart your wisdom as well as to potentially assist them with wilderness living skills.  So be sure to brush up on those skills!

Do I have to be 18 to attend?

No.  The only requirements are those listed above. Accommodations will be made for attendees of all ages as well as the appropriate supervision provided.  

Will I be with a treatment group the entire time?

No.  You will spend the majority of your time in an Alumni/Staff only group.  There will be a day dedicated for mentoring where you will spend time in a treatment group.

Will there be future Alumni Events?

That is our goal, yes. 

GEAR LIST

  • Cooking Pot

  • Water Bottle

  • Sleeping Bag

  • Sleeping Pad

  • 2-3 Changes of Clothing 

  • Hat

  • Sandals

  • Hiking Boots

  • Coat/Jacket

  • Raincoat/Poncho

  • Flashlight/Headlamp

  • Bivy (optional.  not available for loan)

  • Day Pack (Backpack or Posse Pouch)

  • Personal Hygiene Items

  • Toiletries 

  • Journal & Pen

  • Fire Gear (if you still have it)

  • Powaka!!

  • Personal Snacks (optional, all food will be provided)

Please note:  All of the above items will be made available for purchase.  Also, all items besides clothing will be made available to borrow for no additional cost. 

What Attendees Have Said About The Event

What did you enjoy most about the event?

“I enjoyed being back out in the Wilde and going back to my roots. Getting a chance to go back and help the current students in the field to give them that hope.”

“Reconnecting with the wilderness and all of the feelings that came with it. It was also amazing being with other people who had gone through the same thing that I had. I had a new family to open up to. It was also a very valuable and unique experience, getting to go out to groups with current students still trying to work through their own problems.”
“The thing that I enjoyed most about the event was the opportunity to go and mentor the groups. It was a very enjoyable experience to be able to spread positive words to the students.”
“Being back out in the field, seeing myself in a different chapter in my life and reflecting on past memories.”
“I really loved getting to speak and interact with current students, the hike day was also super fun.”
 “The comradery between the staff and students. It was really awesome to be able to communicate with staff on an equal level, as friends. It was also cool to have people there from different periods of the Program, as well as having it co-ed to see the differences in their experiences at StarGuides.”
 “……the opportunity to relive a point in my life that literally changed me as a person and taught me valuable lessons to undergo my life in society. Most of all the challenge of getting through to the students currently enrolled.”

What did you personally gain by attending?

“I gained more knowledge and closure for myself. Giving back was a big thing for me and saying thank you to those who had such a big impact in my life.”

 “I think I personally gained both closure and a newfound sense of self. It was very fulfilling to be able to return and give back.”
“The opportunity to see the program and the wilderness from the other side.”
“The alumni event was a major grounder and brought me back to the basics. In my life at home things had been getting super hectic and overwhelming at times. But that weekend brought me back to my basics and reminded me where I had come from.”

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, please contact Moose text/call (435) 773-2295.  We look forward to seeing you there!