Ignition
Find Your Community and Ignite Your Sense of Adventure!
Starting college is an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming. The Ignition Program at UIC is a transformative outdoor orientation experience designed to help incoming students transition smoothly into college life while building lasting friendships, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
What is Ignition?
Ignition is a multi-day outdoor adventure program that takes place before the start of the academic year. Through activities like hiking, team challenges, and reflective discussions, you’ll connect with fellow students, student mentors, and UIC staff in a supportive, small-group setting. The program emphasizes:
- Community Building – Forge deep friendships with peers before classes even begin.
- Leadership & Resilience – Develop problem-solving skills and confidence through hands-on experiences.
- UIC Pride & Belonging – Learn about campus resources while bonding with your new UIC family.
Why Join Ignition?
Research shows that students who participate in outdoor orientation programs like Ignition:
- Stay in college at higher rates, with retention rates 5–25% above non-participants
- Form stronger social connections, leading to a greater sense of belonging at UIC
- Gain confidence and adaptability, helping them thrive in their first year and beyond
Ignition isn’t just an orientation—it’s the foundation for your UIC experience. Whether you're navigating campus life, seeking support, or looking to make lifelong friends, this program sets you up for success.
Adventure awaits—are you ready to ignite your UIC journey?
Where are we going?
Rock River
Overview
Join the RecWell and other first year students on a 3-day, 2-night canoe trip along the Rock River in North Central, Illinois. Along the way, we will discuss life at UIC, questions you may have about transitions into college, and what support is available to you as a student.
Prior to the trip we will have a pre-trip meeting where our staff will sit down with you to discuss all the pertinent details of the trip and answer any questions you may have.
Included
- Transportation to and from Campus
- Food
- All equipment needed
- Canoe
- PFD
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- And so much more!
- Medical and Water Rescue trained Trip Staff to mitigate as much risk as possible.
- Access to all photos, videos, and content captured by UIC Staff
Details:
Registration Fee: $300.00
Dates: August 30 – September 1
Deadline to register: August 25
Sign up: Click the link below and email us!
Next Steps
Supporting Reasearch
Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
Key Findings:
- Outdoor Participation:
- Most students maintained regular outdoor activities despite time constraints, with many visiting natural settings weekly or daily.
- Common activities included walking, hiking, and water-based recreation. Rural second homes and childhood nature experiences played a significant role.
- Wellbeing Benefits:
- Psychological/Cognitive: Improved mood, reduced stress, enhanced concentration, and self-reflection.
- Physiological: Better physical health, reduced headaches, and improved sleep.
- Social: Strengthened relationships through shared outdoor experiences.
- Spiritual: Feelings of awe, connection to nature, and a sense of belonging.
- Natural Environments:
- Forests and aquatic settings were most valued. Urban green spaces were less preferred but still important for daily wellbeing.
- Multisensory experiences (e.g., bird sounds, fresh air) were highlighted as key to wellbeing.