Who Should Apply?

Young men and women in solid academic standing in their sophomore year are encouraged to apply for either the fall or spring semester of their junior year. We will also accept applications from exceptional juniors who are interested in a challenging semester during their senior year. Applications for both semesters are due on March 1.

We accept up to thirty-eight students who are excited about working hard and playing hard, making new friends, leading class discussions, learning new skills, making dinner for tent mates, and living in the wilderness of Colorado and Utah. Students need not have any prior camping experience, but should expect to carry all of their equipment in backpacks that will weigh 30-45% of their body weight, live outdoors, and experience a wide range of weather conditions. While on campus, students are responsible for many aspects of the program: cooking the food, shoveling snow, chopping the wood that heats their rustic cabins, cleaning, and maintaining the facility. We are seeking curious, motivated, energetic students who are ready to work hard both in and out of the classroom.

The RMS is not a program for students to resolve or work on behavioral, emotional, or psychological problems. The RMS cannot provide appropriate support for students attempting to quit tobacco use, drug use, or alcohol use or to recover from prior substance abuse problems.

Students applying from our Member Schools for either the fall or spring semester of their junior year are given preference. We also actively save spaces for students from non-member schools, both public and private. Acceptance is granted based on academic achievement, personal essays, teacher recommendations, and the student’s desire to participate in a challenging academic and wilderness program in the West.