Q: Am I in danger of wild animals?
A: Yes and No. Yes, because you are going to be in their natural habitat so there is always the possiblity of a bad encounter. However, although the possibility is real the probability is very low. All the trips take place in National Parks which are highly populated during the summer months. The animals in the parks have become very accustomed to co-habiting with people. All of the dangerous animals are removed from the park by the rangers as soon as they become a threat. When animal attacks do occur they usually happen to those who are traveling by themselves or with 1 or 2 other people. We will be traveling in a very large groups of 10+. There is safety in numbers. In the 5 years LOA has existed, there has been no issues with any wildlife.

Q: What happens if I get sick, hurt or cannot continue?
A: If it isn't too serious we will do our best to take care of the injury or sickness as we go. If it is too serious to treat, we will arrange transportation to Jackson, Hole airport. From there you can get a flight home. You will be responsible for any additional cost this may incur. In 5 years, we have yet to send someone home due to an injury or sickness.

Q: What happens if I miss my flight, it is delayed or cancelled?
A: It all depends on the situation. Depending on how late your flight will be, we may all wait for you, we may have a leader stay behind with one of the cars and wait for you while the rest of us start driving or we may have you take a Shuttle from the Salt Lake City airport to Jackson airport and we'll pick you up there. Finally, if the flight was cancelled by the airline and they cannot get you to Salt Lake in time, we will request that you firmly ask the airline to put you on a flight to Jackson Hole, WY and we'll pick you up at that airport when we get there.

Q: Is the deposit refundable if I end up not being able to go?
A: Only if all the trips are full and someone is on the waiting list who can take your place.

Q: Is there a recommended website for airfare?
A: Yes, www.bing.com/travel. It has the unique feature of forecasting the cost of future flights and recommends whether it is in your best interest to purchase a ticket now (fares are rising) or wait to purchase a ticket (fares are falling).

Q: Will there be any rock climbing or repelling?
A: No.

Q: How are the Leaders for this trip selected?
A: All leaders are required to have a backround check, which includes references, as well as a driving check. In addition to this, leaders are chosen for their love for God and their love for students.

Q: Will I be able to use my cell phone while on this trip?
A: Yes and No. All phones will be taken up at the beginning of the trip. However, you will be allowed to use your phone once on the trip to call home and check in with parents at a designated time. The leaders will have the emergency contact information for each student and each parent will be given the leader's cell phone numbers in case there is a need to get in touch with a leader or a student immediately.

Q: Will I need any extra money?
A: You will not need any extra money since everything you will need is provided in the cost of the trip (you will need to pay for your meal on the way out and on the day your return in the airport). However, if you would like to get some souvenirs, snacks, or other items then it would be a good idea to bring a little spending cash.

Q: What kind of shape do I have to be in for this trip?
A: You don’t have to be in incredible shape to be apart of this trip. Remember, this trip is designed for the beginner/intermediate hiker and backpacker in mind. However, this trip is also designed to push you mentally, physically, and spiritually. The day hikes will be anywhere from 2-8 miles long. The overnight hike will most likely be around 6 miles in, camp two nights, and then 6 miles out.

Q: What do I need to bring on the trip with me?
A: Download the What to Bring List.