PAST YEAR'S PARTICIPANTS SAY:

“Living is not about developing a step by step plan but instead stopping and taking the time to realize your potential. It’s about becoming aware of who you are and what you want to be and understanding that the journey is so much more meaningful than the goal. It’s about letting go of all of your fears about the future. Sometimes you won't know the answers and that is perfectly ok.” –Melanie Martin, ‘10

“Destination Unknown was a relaxing weekend before the beginning of a hectic sophomore year. The introspective activities allowed me to have the chance to really think about some of the most important decisions that need to be made during my college career. The weekend provided guidance in the form of advice from professionals, support from peers, and meditation with oneself. I can't recommend this weekend program enough, even for those of you who think you already have it all figured out (like I did)!” –Nathan Bullock, ‘10 

I signed up for Destination Unknown with the impression that I would return to campus knowing exactly what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.  I discovered, however, that that wasn’t really the objective.  The weekend helped me acknowledge the things I am passionate about and taught me how I can integrate these passions into my college experience.  I realized that not knowing my life plan wasn’t the end of the world; in fact, it was completely normal and expected.  I made some great friends along the way and felt very refreshed at the start of a new semester. –Jenna Garber, ‘10

"Freshman year is one's initial exposure to new ideas and testing ways in which our life at home conditioned our beliefs about life, education, careers, religion, etc.  It can be overwhelming and your mind can be jumbled in thought.  Destination Unknown is a unique opportunity to begin to untangle the confusion.  A weekend of rest, meditation and community allows one to recharge your battery and feel ready to immerse into second year with a clear vision."-Julie Kokemor, '09

"The difference that Destination Unknown made in my life was not to decide some specialization for me, but to help me understand how I could begin (through self-reflection, increased awareness of my opportunities and some planning) to direct my life in a way that I could start to make those life long decisions.  I think, through this new understanding, the quality of my experience and involvement in the University of Richmond community has been much richer in my second year than in my first."-Luke Victor, '09

"Destination Unknown helped me have more confidence in the decisions that I wanted to make.  It's a good experience to either confirm or reconfirm whatever one wants to do."-Kandis Lawrence, '09

"By the time many students arrive at UR, they have been subjected to years of pressure to decide on a career, often with little or no reference to individual talent and interest.  Other students arrive without having had that pressure, but they have no idea what they want to study much less do after graduation.  Destination Unknown is a practical, reflection-oriented retreat designed to help students clarify educational and career choices and to encourage them to sort through the web of demands and expectations around them to discover their own strand of genius and enthusiasm."-Professor Lee Carleton, Writing Center/English Department

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

CAN I BRING A RICHMOND FRIEND IN THE CLASS OF 2011?
Absolutely! As long as you both submit the application while there are spaces left, you can spend a great weekend together.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Bring casual clothing, sneakers, and your questions.  Optional: a bathing suit, journal, camera.

WHAT IS CHANCO ON THE JAMES?
Located on the James River near Williamsburg, Chanco on the James offers 125 acres complete with beaches, ropes courses, accommodations, and an easy drive from Richmond.

I SAW THE CHAPLAINCY IS PART OF THIS-- IS IT RELIGIOUS?
No. This is open to any student, whether they are of a religious background or none at all.   The University Chaplain's mission is to "engage life's deepest questions and inspire hope in the unseen."

WHAT WILL I TAKE AWAY FROM THIS?
You will have the opportunity to reflect on your direction for life, at Richmond and beyond.  You will have the opportunity to make new relationships -- friendships, mentors, and role models.  You will have the opportunity to discover a deeper understanding of who you are and what is important to you.