Start your College experience with James Madison University’s Adventure program by participating in this 4 day wilderness based orientation program.  These student led backpacking and canoeing trips begin after the Tuesday orientation sessions and offer you an intimate perspective into the college experience. All trips will involve primitive camping (no showers) and do not require any previous experience. 

The cost for the MOAT trip is $200.00 and includes instruction, equipment, food, and transportation. 

Dates for 2008:

                Session I:           June 24-28          Canoeing
                Session II:           July  1-5              Backpacking
                Session III:          July 8-12             Canoeing
                Session IV:         July 15-19           Backpacking
                Session V:          July 21-25*         Adventure Sampler (rock climbing, canoeing, hiking)

*Requires a separate orientation date.

Trip Information Register for the Trip What to bring Registration form Meet your trip Leaders (coming soon) FAQ (coming soon)

Trip Descriptions

All trips are lead by current JMU adventure program student.  They are prepared to provide basic activity instruction as well as being a resource for information about student life at JMU.

Canoeing the C&O Canal

Take step into the past as you enjoy paddling along the Potomac River through the  Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park  in Western Maryland. Originally, the C&O Canal was a lifeline for communities and businesses along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, grain and other agricultural products floated down the canal to market. Today millions of visitors hike or bike the C&O Canal each year to enjoy the natural, cultural and recreational opportunities available. Highlights of this trip include exploring the 3100 foot long towpath tunnel at Paw–Paw and  opportunities to see Bald Eagles and Osprey in their natural habitats.

Fitness Demands:    Mild
You will need to help carry canoes  and gear to from the parking are to the water’s edge – 100 yards
We will be on the water about 4-6 hours each day paddling and floating

Dates: June 24-28, July 8-12

Backpacking Monongahela National Forest

This is a moderately strenuous trip within the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia..  Here trails wind through stands of red spruce, open meadows and along fast-flowing mountain streams. Elevation ranges from 3,000 feet to over 4,800 feet above sea level Areas we may visit include Dolly Sods wilderness Area and Seneca Creek recreation area. Beautiful northern hardwood forests of maple, beech, birch, cherry and other trees cover most of the area  providing cool shade in the with many opportunities to see spring and summer wildflowers, birds and other wildlife.  While we plan to spend a good part of  each day moving from one campsite to the next we will leave plenty of time for group activities, relaxation, and reflection. This trip does not require any previous backpacking experience as your trip leaders are ready to teach you the basics for this lifelong activity

Fitness Demands:  Moderate –
You should be able to run 3miles in 30 min and be able to Plan to carry a 45 lb backpack  through mountainous terrain.
Mileage will vary from 4-8 mile per day

Dates:  July 1-5, July 15,19

Adventure Sampler

We will be camping  at a campground  in the George Washington National Forest for the adventure sampler.  The site has bathroom facilities but no showers.  This will allow us to travel by van to various local locations for our daily activities.  Activities for this week include canoeing, rock climbing, and hiking.  This trip will give you a preview of the amazing  outdoor recreation resources that surround JMU.  Since this trip falls outside the springboard dates you will need to make sure your sign up for a spring board experience on another date.

Fitness Demands:
Mild

Dates: July 21-25

Register for your trip

 

Step 1: Have your registered for your orientations session? Yes – proceed to step 2 No -- go to www.jmu.edu/onebook Look for step 5 to make your orientation reservations and follow the prompt select your orientation date. Registration for Tuesday orientation events will provide an easy transition to your MOAT trip.  Spaces fill up quickly to register as soon as possible.  Once the Springboard program has ended you will be met by the adventure staff and begin your MOAT experience.  If you are unable to attend any of the Tuesday orientation dates you may schedule the MOAT experience at your convenience.  Make sure to identify your MOAT interest in the comment box. when registering for Orientation. Step 2: Once you have received confirmation of your orientation session complete and return the registration form to: Sue Lowley University Recreation MSC 3901 Harrisonburg, VA 22807 Registration Form Step 3: Upon confirmation of your MOAT trip you will receive a packet with more specific information. For more information please contact: Sue Lowley, Adventure Program Coordinator 540-568-8713  lowleysa@jmu.edu