Madison Orientation Adventure Trips (MOAT)
MOAT is a 3-day adventure-based orientation program. The MOAT experience is designed to give you an opportunity to build social connections with other trip members and introduce you to the amazing local natural areas surrounding Harrisonburg.
These student-led backpacking, canoeing, and rock climbing trips begin at 5:30 pm. For your convenience, trips are scheduled to start after Summer Springboard, however, matching your orientation date to MOAT is not required. You will meet your leaders and other participants and spend the night at the University Recreation Center before heading out on your MOAT trip the next morning. All trips will involve primitive camping (no showers) and do not require any previous experience.
The cost for the MOAT trip is $225.00 and includes instruction, leadership, equipment, and meals. See our cancellation and refund policy.
Questions? Contact Guy deBrun.
2013 MOAT Trips
June 4-7: Transfer Student Adventure Sampler
This trip is designed for you to meet other new transfer students who share your interest in adventure activities. We will be camping at a camp ground in the George Washington national Forest for this 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. Fitness Demands: Mild (You should be able to hike 5 miles in 3 hours).
June 24-27: Canoeing the Shenandoah River 1 - TRIP IS CLOSED!
Take a step into the past as you enjoy paddling along the Shenandoah River in the Shenandoah Valley. One of the few rivers that runs from South to North the Shenandoah has played a key role in the agricultural development of the region. Many sites of historical interest can be found along the way, including ancient Indian fish dams, Civil War battle grounds and traditional farm architecture. We will be putting in near Luray, VA‐ and take out near Front Royal VA finding great camping spots along the way. This trip also provides abundant opportunities to see Bald Eagles and Osprey in their natural habitat. Fitness Demands: Mild (You will need to help carry canoes and gear from parking lot to the water’s edge ‐ 100 yards) We will be on the water about 4‐6 hours each day paddling and floating.
June 25-28: White-Water Kayaking - TRIP IS FULL!
We will start your instruction in the UREC Pool on the first night. The next morning we will head out to set up a basecamp near a local river. The next three days will be spent refining paddling skills and enjoying class I-III white water! All paddling equipment and kayaks are provided. Fitness Demands: Mild (You will need to help carry kayaks and gear from the parking lot to the water’s edge ‐ 100 yards). We will be on the water about 4‐6 hours each day paddling and floating.
June 27-30: Canoeing the Shenandoah River 2
Take a step into the past as you enjoy paddling along the Shenandoah River in the Shenandoah Valley. One of the few rivers that runs from South to North the Shenandoah has played a key role in the agricultural development of the region. Many sites of historical interest can be found along the way, including ancient Indian fish dams, Civil War battle grounds and traditional farm architecture. We will be putting in near Luray, VA‐ and take out near Front Royal VA finding great camping spots along the way. This trip also provides abundant opportunities to see Bald Eagles and Osprey in their natural habitat. Fitness Demands: Mild (You will need to help carry canoes and gear from parking lot to the water’s edge ‐ 100 yards) We will be on the water about 4‐6 hours each day paddling and floating.
July 8-11: Rock Climbing George Washington National Forest 1
We will be setting up base camp near Hone Quarry in the national Forest. The site has bathroom facilities but no showers. From our campsite, it is a short 40 minute hike to Hidden Rocks. Here you will be given instruction on belaying, rappelling and various climbing techniques. There will also be opportunities to explore Reddish Knob‐ the areas highest point for a great sunset. All climbing gear and instruction will be provided. Fitness Demands: Mild (You should be able to hike 5 miles in 3 hours).
July 9-12: Adventure Sampler 1
We will be camping at a camp ground in the George Washington national Forest for this 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. Fitness Demands: Mild (You should be able to hike 5 miles in 3 hours).
July 15-18: Rock Climbing George Washington National Forest 2
We will be setting up base camp near Hone Quarry in the national Forest. The site has bathroom facilities but no showers. From our campsite, it is a short 40 minute hike to Hidden Rocks. Here you will be given instruction on belaying, rappelling and various climbing techniques. There will also be opportunities to explore Reddish Knob‐ the areas highest point for a great sunset. All climbing gear and instruction will be provided. Fitness Demands: Mild (You should be able to hike 5 miles in 3 hours).
July 16-19: Adventure Sampler 2
We will be camping at a camp ground in the George Washington national Forest for this 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. Fitness Demands: Mild (You should be able to hike 5 miles in 3 hours).
July 18-21: Backpacking Dolly Sods Monongahela National Forest
This is a moderately strenuous trip within the Monongahela national Forest in West Virginia. Beautiful Northern hardwood forests of maple, beech, birch, cherry and other trees cover most of the area providing cool shade as well as 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, there will be 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 of this lifelong activity. Fitness Demands: Moderate (You should be able to run 3 miles in 30 minutes). Plan to carry a 45 lb backpack through mountainous terrain. Mileage will vary from 4‐8 mile per day.
MOAT Cancellation and Refund Policy
Occasionally, we have to cancel MOAT trips due to low enrollment or other factors. In the event this happens, participants may choose to transfer to another MOAT trip or receive a full refund. Decisions regarding cancellations will be made seven days prior to the trip. It is suggested that participants who will be flying to Harrisonburg purchase travel insurance in the event of a trip cancellation. Requests to cancel a MOAT trip registration will be handled on a case by case basis. Generally, requests made 10 days or less from the start of the trip will not be refunded.
