Profile last updated: May 21, 2025

Vitals

  • GYA Accredited Since: Unaccredited by the GYA. Please see the Standards for more information.
  • Enrolling: Yes
  • Mission Statement:

    Trek Epic is a journey of purpose: walk ancient paths, explore distant landscapes, and discover your Core Gift. Begin with a Launch Trek to set your intentions, engage in a self-directed global experience with mentoring and support, and return for a Capstone Trek to reflect, celebrate, and envision what’s next. Through meaningful travel, deep connection, and inner discovery, you’ll step into your future with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of direction.

  • Level of Independence/Supervision (mouse-over for definition):
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Program Locations


Typical Itinerary

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1
Departure from USA Arrival and Orientation Breakfast 8:00am, 9:00am departure, adventure walk, arrival at next destination 4:30pm, rest, 1-hour evening group, dinner
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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2
Breakfast 8:00am, 9:00am departure, adventure walk, arrival at next destination 4:30pm, rest, 1-hour evening group, dinner Breakfast 8:00am, 9:00am departure, adventure walk, arrival at next destination 4:30pm, rest, 1-hour evening group, dinner Rest Day! Workshop 10:00-4:00 with Lunch and Dinner Breakfast 8:00am, 9:00am departure, adventure walk, arrival at next destination 4:30pm, rest, 1-hour evening group, dinner Breakfast 8:00am, 9:00am departure, adventure walk, arrival at next destination 4:30pm, rest, 1-hour evening group, dinner Breakfast 8:00am, 9:00am departure, adventure walk, arrival at next destination 4:30pm, rest, 1-hour evening group celebration Departure day, assistance transitioning to individual destinations.

Trek Epic offers a unique gap year experience combining transformative travel, mentorship, and personal growth. Centered around two 10-day walking treks, this program helps participants explore their purpose while developing independence and confidence.


Program Outcomes

  • Gap Year participants begin with a 10-Day "Launch" Trek
  • Trekkers engage in college and career life planning, utilizing the Greenwood 120 Assessment and Core Gift Discovery Process
  • Participants take part in Self Selected Independent Experiences chosen based on their interests, options Worldwide
  • Consistent Mentorship During Self-Directed Placements Students are supported every week with personal coaching that helps turn experience into insight.
  • A Supportive Community—Even Between Treks Cohort members gather online throughout the semester to stay connected, reflect, and grow together.
  • Students take their next steps by joining a 10-Day Advanced or "Capstone" trek as a final phase of their Gap Year

Understanding their Core Gift and purpose equips young adults with the clarity and confidence to make meaningful choices in life, learning, work, and relationships. Through immersive walking treks, guided mentorship, and intentional self-discovery, Trek Epic participants develop a strong internal compass. They’re seen, acknowledged, and celebrated for who they are—and leave the experience with a deepened sense of belonging, contribution, and direction. Trek Epic is built to guide young people onto a path of purpose, growth, and lifelong engagement with the world around them.

Program Details

  • Program Starts: Fall, Spring
  • Program Duration: Semester
  • Typical Program Cost: $9,500.00
  • Program Financial Aid: Yes
  • Other Financial Aid Details:

    Trek Epic is a non profit 501(c)(3) corporation. As such, our programs are partially sponsored through the generosity of our donors. Additional scholarships available upon request based on need.


Staff Training and Certification

Trek Epic was founded in 2011 by Andrew Bryan, educational consultant, and Leslie Johnson. Our 10 day trek program and gap year have been developed through the experience of guiding numerous treks and the invaluable input and insight among those who count themselves a part of the Trek Epic community! Our facilitation is informed by the work of the Core Gift Institute.


Peer Reviews



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