Honors Study in the States

The Honors Program partners with Campus Recreation and Outdoor Adventure to offer a travel experience over Spring Break. Under the supervision of Outdoor Adventure and Honors Program staff, Honors students will combine adventure, exploration of the region, and lessons on leadership to have an immersive experience focused on community building and personal development. 

Participation in Honors Study in the States will count as a Spring 2027 Honors Learning Experience. Full participation includes attendance at three pre-trip meetings and travel over Spring Break.

Spring 2027 Info Meetings:

• Monday, September 14 at 5:45 pm
• Tuesday, September 15 at 5 pm
• Thursday, October 8 at 6 pm

All info meetings will take place in the Honors Program Building. 

Spring Break 2027: Florida

Travel: Friday, March 5 - Sunday, March 14, 2027

Participants are required to attend three mandatory pre-trip meetings prior to the trip.

• Tuesday, February 16, 6 - 8 pm, Honors Program Building 113
• Tuesday, February 23, 6 - 8 pm, Adventure Center*
• Tuesday, March 2, 6 - 8 pm, Adventure Center*

*Transportation will be provided to the Adventure Center if needed.

Application timeline:

The application will be available mid-September.

• November 1: deadline to apply
• Week of November 16: applicants are notified if they have been selected
• Friday, December 4: deadline to register for the trip and submit payment

Highlights: 

• Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy, FL
• Silver Springs State Park (glass bottom boat tour) in Silver Springs, FL
• Juniper Springs Recreation Area
• Service with the Florida Trail Alliance; trail maintenance such as clearing brush
• World Equestrian Center in Ocala, FL
• Manatee snorkeling tour
• St. Andrews Island

The itinerary is subject to change due to weather, activity availability, and the discretion of the leaders. 

Cost: $750

• The trip cost covers transportation, lodging, equipment, park entrance and camping fees, all planned activities, and the majority of meals.  
• Not included in the cost: meals when driving (3 lunches and 3 dinners); souvenirs; and any additional expenses during free time.

Refunds are subject to the Outdoor Adventure program's refund policy.

Spring 2027 Trip Leaders:

• Alex Perronne; Outdoor Adventure; Honors Mindset Seminar Instructor
• Stuart Palmer, Honors Program Senior Advising Specialist
• Ella Merkle; Honors Mindset Seminar Instructor; Honors Program Alum

Additional information:

• No prior experience is needed to attend the trip. All equipment will be provided if needed.
• The majority of the trip will be spent camping. Some of the camping sites might not have modern amenities. 
• Participants will be sharing tents and accommodations with other participants and will be transported in 12 passenger vans.