A 1983 mail survey identified 34 universities and colleges utilizing the wilderness environment as a means to indoctrinate students into a school setting and resulted in: (1) the creation of a networking system of these institutions; (2) the identification of the University of Missouri at Columbia, Cornell University, Towson State University, Earlham College, and the University of New Hampshire as resource bases for dissemination of further information; and (3) a description of the 5-day Fireside Summer Experience Program of the University of New Hampshire, including program rationale, content, and evaluation techniques. The New Hampshire program attempts to provide challenging experiences that enable students to set goals, make decisions, work with others, interact with faculty, explore career choices, cope under stress, increase self-concept, assume responsibility for personal behavior, and begin positive relationships with the University and peers. Activities designed to help students reach program objectives include rock-climbing, orienteering, marathons, backpacking, service projects, hikes, night discussions, and solo and group expeditions. This program measures its effects on attrition/retention, student development, self-esteem/concept, grade point averages, attitudes toward the University, and delinquent behavior at the University. An appendix lists the participating schools, their addresses, and program directors. (NEC).