Walk the World. Find Your Path.
A mythic journey to the core of who you are
Photo by Clay Berthelsen
identify your core gift, ways to bring more of WHO YOU ARE into the
world, new people, distant landscapes on epic
walking adventures.
Our Story
international
adventure of
epic
proportions
Trek Epic’s Gap Semester integrates two powerful 10-day international walking treks—one at the beginning and one at the end of your journey—designed to anchor your experience in reflection, connection, and growth. These small-group treks across Europe provide a rich and supportive setting to step away from everyday distractions and focus on what matters most.
Throughout each trek, experienced guides facilitate purposeful conversations, individual reflection, and dynamic group engagement that help you explore your values, identify your Core Gift, and connect your experiences to your emerging goals.
These immersive walking journeys are more than adventures—they are bookends to a semester of transformation. You’ll have space to consider who you are becoming, how you want to show up in the world, and how to align your personal, educational, and professional paths with what’s most meaningful to you.
inner and
outer
exploration
Amid the shared rhythms of daily trekking and cross-cultural exploration, you'll form lasting bonds with a cohort of peers who are also navigating the big questions of “Who am I?” and “What’s next?” Together, you’ll support one another through moments of challenge, reflection, and discovery—building a sense of camaraderie that deepens with every step.
The Gap Semester is intentionally designed to help you gain clarity and confidence about your direction. You’ll leave this experience with a stronger sense of who you are, what you have to offer, and what purposeful next steps you want to take—whether in college, work, service, or continued exploration.
Being immersed in new environments with new people creates a powerful sense of belonging and connection. In the Trek Epic community, you don’t just explore the world—you learn to trust yourself, recognize your unique contribution, and step forward into your life with purpose.
and the
journey to
self discovery
At the heart of the Trek Epic Gap Semester is the Core Gift Discovery™ process—a guided framework that helps you uncover the deeper strengths, values, and motivations that shape who you are and how you want to contribute to the world.
Through intentional reflection, one-on-one dialogue, and shared exploration with your cohort, you’ll identify your unique Core Gift—the personal quality or ability you most naturally offer to others. This process not only brings clarity to your sense of purpose, but also helps you shape practical strategies for applying your gift in meaningful ways during your gap year and beyond.
Rather than offering generic life advice, the Core Gift Discovery™ process meets you where you are. It helps translate your lived experiences into a personal roadmap—one that aligns your actions with your values and provides a foundation for future choices in education, career, service, and life.
Meet Our Trek Team
Leslie Johnson
Co-Founder
President, Trek Guide
Andrew Bryan
Co-Founder
Executive Director,
Trek Guide
Bruce Anderson
Facilitation Consultant
Core Gift Institute
Josie Bryan
Trek Guide
Contact
Let's Get In Touch
Want more information about TrekEpic? We'd love to connect with you.