Backpacking in the Gila Wilderness

Department of Health and Human Performance
Location: Gila Wilderness, NM
Course: REC 4335 - Outdoor Recreation Programming or REC 5381 - Outdoor Program Leadership and Administration
CRN: TBD
Program Director: Dr. Anthony Deringer, sd1287@txstate.edu
Program Assistant: Dr. Rob Dussler
Course Dates: Summer first 8 weeks, May 27 - July 18, 2025
Travel: July 7 - 14, 2025
Program Fee: $935
Course Tuition: Undergraduate $1,068.24, Graduate $1,289.58
*Financial Aid eligible

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Study in America applications for summer 2025 are open through January 24. Don't miss your chance to study beyond the classroom!

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Program Itinerary

Students will plan a backpacking trip and then participate in the planned outing. This allows students to learn about outdoor programming in an engaging and experiential way.

Date	Travel from	Travel to	Camping Location	Notes
Monday, July 7	TxState Campus	Gila Campground, NM	Sleep at Gila Campground, NM
Tuesday, July 8	Gila Campground	Gila Campground	Gila Campground	Visit Gila Cliff Dwellings, Fish, and prepare to backpack
Wednesday, July 9	Gila Campgrounds	Backpacking in Gila Wilderness	Backpacking in Gila Wilderness	Backpacking
Thursday, July 10	Backpacking in Gila Wilderness	Backpacking in Gila Wilderness	Backpacking in Gila Wilderness	Backpacking
Friday, July 11	Backpacking in Gila Wilderness	Backpacking in Gila Wilderness	Backpacking in Gila Wilderness	Backpacking
Saturday, July 12	Backpacking in Gila Wilderness	Backpacking in Gila Wilderness	Backpacking in Gila Wilderness	Backpacking
Sunday, July 13	Backpacking	Balmohea State Park	Balmorhea State Park	Sleep in Cabins at Balmorhea
Monday, July 14	Balmorhea	Texas State Campus	Home

*Itinerary is subject to change. Students will solifidy the itinerary during REC 4335 prior to travel.

Application Process

Follow these steps to enroll.

STEP 1

Complete SIA student application. Deadline is January 24, 2025.

STEP 2

Applications reviewed by Program Director & OXP.

STEP 3

Pay $50 program deposit. Deadline is February 21, 2025.

STEP 4

Program FAQ

Expand FAQ List

General Information
- Who is eligible to participate in the program?
  
  All undergraduate and graduate students in good standing at Texas State are eligible to participate in the course and SIA program. Preference will be given to Recreation majors and minors. Program capacity is 15 students.
- Will I need to be in person at the San Marcos campus for the course?
  
  The associated course will be online asynchronous; however, there will be two required in-person pre-program orientation meetings on the San Marcos campus.
Costs
- What is included in the program fee?
  The $935 program fee includes:
  - Lodging, 7 nights. Lodging accommodations will range from hotels, cabins, and tent camping.
  - Some group meals.
  - Transportation throughout the entirety of the trip. We will depart San Marcos as a group in rental vans and drive for the duration of the trip.
  - Program supplies.
  - All program activities.
- What is NOT included in the program fee?
  - Some meals
  - Any activities outside of SIA programming
  - Course tuition
- What is the program deposit?
  
  Students are required to pay a $50 nonrefundable program deposit to secure their spot in the program. The deposit is applied to the overall program fee.
- Is Study in America Financial Aid eligible?
  
  Yes, SIA programs are financial aid eligible; however, eligibility can vary by student award. Students should always confirm with TXST One Stop whether their financial aid will cover the course tuition and program fee.
Program Preparation
- Is lodging included?
  
  Yes, it will be outdoor-style accommodations.
- Will I need to provide my transportation?
  
  No, all transportation, via driving, will be provided in the program fee. The group will depart from San Marcos, travel to New Mexico, and return to San Marcos together.
- Is there a dress code for specific visits?
  
  No, however, certain clothing will be recommended for the backpacking trip.
- What supplies do I need?
  
  TXST will provide all backpacking and fishing equipment. Students will need to provide clothing, personal items, and a New Mexico fishing license.
- Will there be down time on the trip?
  
  Yes, students will have some down time on most days of the trip.
- What type of personal expenses should I budget?
  
  You will be responsible for roughly 4 days of food. Food is included when we are on the backpacking trip aside from personal snacks.
- What is the time commitment?
  
  The trip portion of this program is 1 week. Students will need to be in person for the duration of the trip portion.
- Do I need to be a good swimmer?
  
  Swimming is not a requirement of this program.
Drop & Refund Policy
- Course Tuition Refund
  
  Refunds for a dropped extension course are given according to university policy for regular university courses on campus. Refer to the TXST One Stop for more information.
- SIA Program Fee Refund
  Students may receive a refund for the program fee if they drop/withdraw within the refund schedule. The program fee refund policy is separate from the refund deadlines associated with course tuition costs.
  The following policy applies to students that drop/withdraw from the course/program:
  - 100% of the program fee is refundable 45 days prior to the course start date.
  - 70% of the program fee is refundable 44 days prior to the course start date.
  - 50% of the program fee is refundable after the first start date of the course.
  Students that cannot complete the program and would like to appeal the refund policy, please contact extension@txstate.edu for assistance.
  Please note the course start date is not the first day of travel.