Apply 

The application process for True North Treks is pretty straightforward. Because there are a few steps, please make sure to read and follow our application instructions below before getting started.

Application Steps

Step 1: Medical Approval.
For SURVIVOR ONLY treks, we ask all young adult cancer participants to have their primary physician, oncologist or medical care provider who is most knowledgeable of their medical status complete our medical form (available here: Medical History Form, either as a printable PDF or a secure online form).

***It is important to note that as a primarily field-based organization we do not have the capacity to accommodate individuals currently receiving active cancer treatment that could potentially put them at risk for infection or other medical complications in the backcountry. As treatments are changing and maintenance therapies are becoming more common, if you are currently still on some form of treatment and feel that your situation enables you to safely participate on a trek, please apply as we look at each person on a case-by-case basis to ensure they are able to safely participate.

Please ask your medical care provider to return the completed form to the attention of Gwen Victorson (gwenvictorson@truenorthtreks.org) as soon as possible  after you send it to them. Once we receive your form it will be reviewed by our medical advisory board members who retain final approval decisions, which can take weeks.

For SURVIVOR/CAREGIVER treks, we also require caregivers to send us their completed Caregiver Medical History Forms, however caregivers may complete it themselves without needing a medical professional to do so on their behalf unless we have questions or concerns. Caregiver medical history forms should also be emailed to Gwen Victorson (gwenvictorson@truenorthtreks.org). Caregivers also need to complete the remaining steps 2-5 below as well.

Step 2: Online Application: Complete the following online application below to the best of your ability. If you are a caregiver who is applying for a survivor/caregiver trek, you also need to complete your own separate application form below. 

Step 3: Refundable Deposit: If you prefer to mail us a refundable deposit check of $350 instead of providing us with your credit card number, please mail this to us within 2 weeks of submitting this application. You can learn more about the details of this in the online application form below.

Step 4: Booking Flights: Once you have: 1) Completed your online application; 2) Been medically approved, and 3) Provided us with your deposit, we'll book your flight.

Step 5: Pre-Trek Orientation: After all of these logistics are in place, we'll put you in touch with one of our staff, who will set up a phone call to get some information on your experience in the outdoors and what gear you might have (or not have) and what you can do to be best prepared. It will also be a good time for you to ask any specific questions you might have. We'll also send you some pre-trek info to help you get a sense of the area and some of the activities we'll be doing.

Our Gratitude In Advance For Your Responsiveness & Conscientiousness: As you can imagine, we're processing a lot of applications with a very small and mostly volunteer staff. We greatly appreciate your efforts to be responsive to our emails or phone calls if we have any follow up questions. If you encounter any problems or have questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us and we'll be happy to assist!

    Applicant Information

    Trek Preferences 
    NOTE: If you checked one of the documentary filming treks please also see here for more information.

    Trek Interest & Readiness

    Please try to address the following things regarding your interest and readiness to go on a trek: 

    1. Why do you want to participate on a trek? 

    2. TNT courses can be physically demanding. Describe your physical activity program and how you'll prepare for your trek. 

    3. TNT courses also require a mental and emotional commitment. Describe an activity(s) to which you have made a major commitment.

    Pay it Backward or Forward?

    Pay it Backward

    Pay it Forward

    Refundable Deposit

    Our treks fill up fast, and we have waiting lists every year. Sometimes participants withdraw their application after they've been accepted and we've purchased flights, made logistical arrangements, and told others there were no more spots. While we fully understand that sometimes life happens (especially if it has to do with a medical situation), we require each of our applicants to put down a refundable deposit of $350. 

    You can either enter your credit card information directly below, or mail a $350 check to TNT to the attention of Gwen Victorson at 707 North Forest Avenue, Sandpoint, ID,  83864. While we reserve the right to use this deposit if needed to offset costs associated with unforeseeable expenses related to your participation, this will NOT be acted upon (eg., your CC won't be charged or we won't deposit your check) unless you have gone far enough into the application process where we have purchased your flight and/or turned others away and cannot recuperate the expenses. We will communicate with you first before any action is taken.

    Risk Acknowledgement 
    (Including Assumption of Risks and Agreements of Release and Indemnity)

    Please click here to read or download TNT's Risk Acknowledgement Agreement Form.

    Health Insurance Coverage Information

    True North Treks requires that all participants have their own health insurance. It is your responsibility to make sure your insurance will cover you for the duration of the course. The participant will be responsible for obtaining any necessary pre-admission review. If you do not already belong to a regular health program, we suggest a short-term policy which you may buy from your local insurance agent.

    Applicant Insurance Information

    Medical Change Notification

    Authorization to Contact Medical Provider

    Alcohol, Recreational Drugs & Tobacco Products

    Promotional Material Release

     Consent to Participate

    I have read, understand, accept and agree to abide by the rules, policies and guidelines set forth by True North Treks (TNT). I understand that the relationship between me and TNT will be governed by the substantive laws of the State of Illinois and any suit, mediation or arbitration of any dispute with TNT must be filed exclusively in the State of Illinois. I understand that I am not accepted on my course until all enrollment forms (including medial form below) have been received and approved by TNT staff.