Chair of Philosophy and Director of Benedictine Leadership Studies

Dr. Krom has 30 years of backpacking experience, going back to his high school years on the Pacific Crest Trail. He especially appreciates how life on the trail allows for fasting from technology, getting away from distractions, and focusing on self-knowledge in communion with God. He is so thankful for the charity and perseverance of each and every member of this “traveling monastery,” and looks forward to teaching Outdoor Leadership every fall.

Order of Saint Benedict, O.S.B.

The best part of the Benedictine Outdoor Leadership experience was getting to know an amazing group of people and seeing them pull together as a unified team, rooted in prayer, to accomplish something truly extraordinary.  They demonstrated the fortitude and charity of the highest caliber leaders, with hearts of servants.  If we ever experience a “Zombie Apocalypse,” these are the first ten people I will call.”

Br. Roman made his first vows at St. Vincent Archabbey in 2022 and he is in his second year of studies for the priesthood.  He has a BS in Chemical Engineering from Cornell and an MBA from Ohio State with work experience in strategic consulting, mergers and acquisitions, entrepreneurship, and teaching.  Br. Roman is always ready for an outdoor adventure, tennis, volleyball, or a long trail run.  

Nurse

Jenna began her studies at St. Vincent College before transferring out to pursue a career in nursing. She was excited for the opportunity to combine her work with her love for the outdoors and Benedictine spirituality!

She remembers the group became a strong community very quickly, focused around prayer and the hard work of hiking from campsite to campsite. It was physically and mentally exhausting at times, but the support from one another kept everyone going strong! Her favorite memory was ending each day with night prayer around the fire. She is so grateful to have been a part of this experience with such strong and amazing people.

Senior Physics Major

I had a great time backpacking with my Boy Scout troop in  grade school, and this was the first time I went backpacking during college. Thanks be to God that I had great friends coming on this trip with me to keep the rainy day blues away.

Senior Biology Major

I had never spent this much time in the woods without a gun, bow, or fishing rod. I have also never spent so much time in the woods with the level of adverse weather we experienced. The trip challenged me in ways I had not expected and gave me an opportunity to reflect in the presence of nature. 

My responsibility on the trip was to carry and set up the ropes and tarps and construct barriers between hikers and the elements when needed. I also helped start fires with David and ended up carrying a number of other deaneries along the way. 

Senior Biology Major

I leaned on my prior backpacking skills camping in the Colorado Rockies but learned many new things as well. I loved the  camaraderie and adventure of this trip. Embracing creation's magnificence with this fun group brought me a deeper appreciation of God's awesomeness! Looking forward to seeing future groups tackle this challenge. 

Junior Biochemistry Major

Heyo! Glad that you're considering this hike! :)

This was my first backpacking trip ever! It was a life-altering experience, showing me my strengths and reinforcing areas where I can continue to grow. It was so much fun to struggle and face challenges with such an amazing group of people. I will remember this hike always as some of the greatest character building moments in my life :). (P.S. Dr. Krom is awesome) 

“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

-J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

Senior Philosophy and Theology Major

This hike was by far the longest trip I have ever done. When I saw that I had an opportunity to both challenge myself and gain some outdoors experience, I knew that was a challenge to which I wanted to put myself. I had always loved the outdoors, but never quite decided to take on a trial like this. It was a challenge, but a rewarding one, which taught me about myself, and most especially about my dependence, in every way, upon God. 

My responsibility on the trip was to carry the chapel. This entailed carrying a crucifix, and icon, some candle, fire starters, and a small thurible with some incense. In setting up and carrying the chapel for our times of prayer, I was given a special way to serve Christ, and to be able to journey with Christ in a special way.

Sophomore Art Education Major

I love to be active and in the great outdoors so when I saw Saint Vincent offering a hiking class, I was all about it. I find it thrilling to try as many activities as I can from rock climbing, top roping, river rafting, kayaking and so much more. Even with all of this experience doing outdoor activities, this hiking trip was something completely different than anything I have ever experienced before.

While I have done as many activities under the sun as I could, I have never gone backpacking, so this was a first. It was not what I expected, especially the rainy weather! But it is the challenges we overcome that give meaning to what we did. I cannot honestly say that this trip was easy, but I can say that there was a lot of value in it. It is crazy to look back and think about how we hiked over 40 miles in 5 days, but what truly stood out to me was the memories I made along the way.

"It is good to have an end to journey towards; but it is the journey that it matters in the end." - Ernest Hemingway.

Senior Mechanical Engineering and Psychology Major

Before this trip, I had never been camping before, let alone backpacking for several days in the woods. To say the least, I was pretty nervous about it! I gave all my fears and anticipations about the trip to Jesus and Mary, and they proved faithful. I was able to hike the full mileage thanks to the grace of God as well as the group's strong sense of community. The trip was really difficult and often unpleasant (cold, wet, etc.) but it was SO good and so worth the struggle.