Phone (304) 293-5221 – AdventureWV@mail.wvu.edu – adventurewv.wvu.edu 2001 Rec Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506-6018

IMPORTANT FYT RESOURCES – QUEST

When What

Immediately after registering online

Visit https://adventurefirstyear.wvu.edu/registeredstudents to download the “Required Registration Forms” for your specific trip model. You must complete and email the forms to adventurewv@mail.wvu.edu within 14 days of registering online and signing the billing agreement. If you do not submit the “Required Registration Forms” within 14 days, you will be automatically removed from the trip and will still be responsible for the $95 processing/commitment fee. *AWVFYT will email you at your MIX email address to let you know once we’ve received your forms!

Upon registration

Be sure you have your MIX email account set up and that you regularly check this account – all correspondence from AWVFYT will be sent there!

After your registration is confirmed

Visit https://adventurefirstyear.wvu.edu/registeredstudents to access and review the “Important FYT Resources” for your specific trip. Review this information carefully as it is all very important! There are also links for travel directions, billing & cancellation, FAQs, and a glossary of terms.

May/June 2021

You’ll receive an email from AWVFYT reminding you of your program details as well as the most up to date COVID-19 Participant Responsibilities, including pre-trip testing and isolating. Read this carefully!

June 2021 While attending virtual NSO, work with your advisor to register for WVUe 188 (the 1 credit option associated with your FYT). Note that details about the course registration will be emailed to you in advance.

Prepping for your trip

Review the packing list found in the “Important FYT Resources” and gather all the clothes and equipment you’ll need for your trip. Be sure to bring plenty of masks! Be sure to note which equipment AWVFYT provides. If relevant, contact us for loaner requests.

2 weeks prior to your trip

You’ll receive another email with reminder details for your trip. It is very important that you read this email closely and prepare accordingly – failure to do so may result in your inability to participate on the trip. You may also receive a call from an AWV staff member to discuss relevant medical or dietary information that is listed on the Participant Information Form that you previously submitted.

Arriving for your trip

Follow the instructions as outlined in the “2 weeks prior to your trip email”. If you have questions at any time you may contact adventurewv@mail.wvu.edu.

If you need to cancel for any reason, you MUST do so via the official cancellation process, which is outlined at https://adventurefirstyear.wvu.edu/registeredstudents/billing.

During your trip

Adventure WV will post a short update from your trip on the AWV Facebook page. Should any medical or other concerns arise during the trip, an AWV staff member will be in touch with your emergency contact(s) provided on the Participant Information Form. *AWVFYT is a cell-phone free experience. Staff carry cell phones and/or satellite phones in the “off”position to be used in emergencies only. *During your trip, Adventure WV has a designated “On-CallCoordinator” who is available 24/7 to respond to program emergencies. If your parent/guardian mustbe in touch with you during your trip, they may call 304-290-3734.This number is only to be used for emergencies.

Directly following your trip

Your parent/guardian will receive an invitation to complete a survey (students will complete a program evaluation while on the trip). Any additional information will continue to be communicated through your MIX email.

Early July 2021

Charges will be posted to student accounts in early July. Charges are due in August. *Students who receive the Pell Grant will receive the $95 charge to their account but will be credited$95 following full participation in the trip; this credit will be applied to the student account prior tothe end of August.* For questions about AWV charges, contact AWV. For questions on how to pay,contact the Office of Student Accounts: studentaccounts.wvu.edu/contact-us

* Look for emails from adventurewv@mail.wvu.edu, kelly.keifer@mail.wvu.edu, or other @mail.wvu.edu addresses

ADVENTURE WV FIRST-YEAR TRIPS Registration & Communication Checklist – Summer 2021

IMPORTANT FYT RESOURCES – QUEST

Phone (304) 293-5221 – AdventureWV@mail.wvu.edu – adventurewv.wvu.edu

2001 Rec Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506-6018 Page 1 of 2

Greetings Future Mountaineers!

We have been hard at work for over a year consulting with industry experts and medical professionals, re-designing

our programs to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are thrilled to be offering in-person First-Year Trips

during Summer 2021; in order to do so, we have had to make significant changes to our programming and to our

expectations of our participants. Below is important information about our procedures as well as your

responsibilities.

POTENTIAL CHANGES AND UPDATES

Thus far (March 1, 2021) we have been given the green light to move ahead with a full summer of in-person trips!

However, please recognize that this green light could change to yellow or red if the COVID-19 landscape necessitates

as such. It is our priority to update you with any information as soon as WVU updates us. If our program offerings

change significantly, or if the pre-trip requirements prove unfeasible for you, we will give all registered students a

window of time to cancel their registration with a full refund.

GENERAL INFORMATION

We have updated our FAQ page with general information about our trip operations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We encourage you to regularly consult that page along with our general Coronavirus page for future updates. Please

note that the expectations outlined in this letter are not exhaustive; all participants must also meet our Essential

Eligibility Criteria for participation.

TRIP COVID-19 PROCEDURES

Adventure WV has worked with industry leaders, WVU officials, and WVU Medicine representatives to develop

procedures to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 onto a trip and to mitigate the spread of disease while on trip.

These procedures represent the highest reasonable level of precaution but cannot fully guarantee the absolute

absence of COVID-19 on Adventure WV programs. These procedures also alter the First-Year Trips experience

somewhat from other years and create a heightened responsibility on each participant. You must understand and

accept these procedures, limitations, and responsibilities to participate. Mitigating procedures include:

• Pre-trip two-stage testing for all participants—see next section

• Expedition Model —aggressively working to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 on a trip via pre-screening,

pre-testing and isolation.

• Creating sub-pods within the larger expedition group, to further reduce exposure.

• Limiting interactions outside of the expedition group, and strict distancing, masking, and hygiene protocols

when interacting outside of the expedition group.

• COVID-19 kits to maintain a high level of sanitization.

• Wilderness First Aid training with a special emphasis on COVID-19 and disease transmission.

• Specific Policies & Procedures in the event a trip member displays COVID-19 symptoms, including consult

with WVU Medicine professionals and evacuation, lodging, and isolation procedures.

• Change in itineraries to keep programs in-state, more local, and more accessible.

Continued next page

ADVENTURE WV – FIRST-YEAR TRIPS 2021

COVID-19 Participant Information and Responsibilities Letter

If you have not already viewed it, please hold off on reading any further until you watch our Summer 2021 COVID-19 Video

IMPORTANT FYT RESOURCES – QUEST

Phone (304) 293-5221 – AdventureWV@mail.wvu.edu – adventurewv.wvu.edu

2001 Rec Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506-6018 Page 2 of 2

PRE-TRIP REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPANTS

We do not anticipate requirements being more stringent than these.

To establish an Expedition Model pod, all participants must undergo pre-trip COVID-19 testing, isolate as noted

below after testing, and receive negative test results. The required steps are as follows. Failure to follow the steps

will result in being barred from participation without a refund:

1) REQUIRED: Engage in symptom monitoring approximately two weeks prior to your program. Directions

forthcoming.

2) OPTIONAL – but highly recommended: Obtain a negative PCR test prior to arriving on campus (not provided by

WVU). We recommend it especially for those traveling from outside of the greater Morgantown area—to avoid

unnecessary travel if you are COVID-19 positive.

3) REQUIRED: Arrive to campus up to two days prior to your scheduled trip start to undergo COVID-19 testing (2

days is based on current testing turnaround times). It is unknown whether WVU will have available testing

infrastructure in place this summer or whether the test will need to be completed through WVU Medicine/private

pay/insurance. Stay overnight in Morgantown (likely in campus housing) while isolating to prevent COVID-19

exposure. Receive your negative test result.

a. Detailed procedures are forthcoming (e.g. testing options). Participants and families should be aware that

students are required to isolate and there are no programs during this period. Adventure WV staff are on-

call ONLY for emergencies or to assist if a student should receive a positive test result. Food will be

provided. AWV is planning to cover some or all of the costs of the overnight stay and meals and will finalize

this plan as possible. Recall you will be able to cancel your registration for a full refund if this procedure

proves unfeasible for you. Please contact our office if you’d like more details on these potential costs. We

are working to avoid them and do not want them to be a barrier for any student.

In addition to these pre-trip requirements, all Adventure WV participants are required to follow the procedures as

outlined in this letter and as presented by Adventure WV staff. Failure to follow procedures will result in removal

from the program without a refund and possible disciplinary action from WVU.

YOUR REQUIRED NEXT STEPS AS A PARTICIPANT

1) If you have concerns about your participation having read through these procedures and requirements, please

contact our office at adventurewv@mail.wvu.edu.

2) Return all Required Registration Forms within 14 days of online registration.

3) Monitor your @mix email carefully for information from @mail.wvu.edu addresses with more information about

your pre-trip symptom monitoring, testing, and isolation requirements.

4) Follow all outlined requirements.

Failure to read your @mix First-Year Trips emails and follow procedures outlined by Adventure WV staff could result

in you being barred from the program without a refund.

This letter and all other registered student information can be found at adventurefirstyear.wvu.edu/registeredstudents

We are so excited to have you on board and can’t wait to meet you this summer!

- The Adventure WV First-Year Trips Team

ADVENTURE WV – FIRST-YEAR TRIPS 2021

COVID-19 Participant Information and Responsibilities Letter

Keep this letter for your records. Return the “COVID-19 Acknowledgement of Receipt”, along with your other Required

Registration Forms via email to adventurewv@mail.wvu.edu.

IMPORTANT FYT RESOURCES – QUEST

Phone (304) 293-5221 – AdventureWV@mail.wvu.edu – adventurewv.wvu.edu 2001 Rec Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506-6018

Day One (Monday)

• COVID Testing at Student Rec Center and Isolation at Oakland Hall

Day Two (Tuesday) –

Program start, Get-to-know-you activities and initiatives, Climbing, Low Elements and High Elements, Service*

* note that you will participate in 3 of the following 4 activities over the course of the next 2 days.

• Official Program Start – location & time TBD – transportation will be provided if needed

• Welcome, Equipment Check, Introductions, Games, & Review Expectations for the Trip • Lunch

• Try out rock climbing with your group and AWV climbing staff at Coopers Rock State Forest

• Challenge yourself on the low elements of Adventure WV’s Outdoor Education Center

• Reach new heights with your group on Adventure WV’s high elements

• Participate in service work with Friends of the Cheat organization

• Stay overnight at Camp Muffly

Day Three (Wednesday) – Climbing, Low Elements and High Elements, Service

• Try out rock climbing with your group and AWV climbing staff at Coopers Rock State Forest

• Challenge yourself on the low elements of Adventure WV’s Outdoor Education Center

• Reach new heights with your group on Adventure WV’s high elements

• Participate in service work with Friends of the Cheat organization

• Stay overnight at Camp Muffly Day Four (Thursday) – Rafting on the Lower Youghiogheny River!

• Head to the whitewater destination of Ohiopyle, PA for a whitewater raft on the Youghiogheny River (Please bring $10-$15 for guide gratuity) *Quest 3B Statler Trip will raft on the New River and complete the Bridgewalk

• Participate in a fun and challenging hike in the Laurel Highlands or explore the local town of Ohiopyle

• Stay overnight at Camp Muffly

Day Five (Friday) – Final Day

• Final closing ceremony and activities

*ITINERARY MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

ADVENTURE WV FIRST-YEAR TRIPS

Sample Itinerary – Quest

Please read our COVID-19 Participant Information and Responsibilities Letter for more information about pre-trip

testing and isolation requirements (both of which will occur in Morgantown and require you to arrive before the

official start of your program).

Additional details (including your program start time and check-in location) will be sent to you via your WVU

@mix email address prior to your program. You must check your email in order to receive this information.

Contact adventurewv@mail.wvu.edu with questions.

IMPORTANT FYT RESOURCES – QUEST

Phone (304) 293-5221 – AdventureWV@mail.wvu.edu – adventurewv.wvu.edu 2001 Rec Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506-6018

Please visit adventurefirstyear.wvu.edu/registeredstudents for more equipment information. There you will find information on the best types of gear, why we require certain items, and details about equipment such as boots, fabrics, and raingear.

➢ BRING WARMER CLOTHING: It will be colder than you expect, and you’ll end up dressing in layers! The weather in

our area can vary greatly and be chillier than expected, even in the summer.

➢ AVOID COTTON: Avoid cotton clothing as much as possible. Cotton does not keep you warm once it gets wet, which

is a big deal when you’re in the outdoors. Please bring SYNTHETIC (polyester, fleece, wool, nylon, etc.) as much as is

possible. Visit our registered students website (address above) for more specifics on this.

➢ CONSIDER BUYING USED OR BORROWING: When beginning to prepare for your trip, consider that not everything

needs to be purchased new, nor do things have to have the latest and greatest brand names. Use what you have,

borrow from a friend or family member, or visit a local thrift store or discount store!

➢ Please be thorough but economical in your packing. Try to pack all or most of your things in a large duffel bag and

a handy “day pack” - you will be staying in rustic cabins for the entire program.

FEET

1 pair of sturdy sneakers or boots- for day hiking and service work

1 pair of closed-toe shoes- for wearing around camp during down-time *Note: Students will be required to wear closed-toe shoes for the majority of the program (except the water activities!)

1 pair of athletic sandals WITH A BACKSTRAP, water shoes, or old sneakers- for wearing during water activities

Socks- multiple pairs

HEAD

Sunglasses (optional)

Brimmed hat for sun protection (optional)

Warm synthetic hat for chilly mornings/evenings

UPPER BODY

3-4 T-shirts and/or tank-tops. At least 1 should be synthetic. (bring WVU shirts if you have them!)

2-3 long-sleeved shirts for warmth and sun protection.

Warm long-sleeved synthetic fleece, jacket, or sweater

Waterproof/Water resistant rain jacket (see online for details)

LOWER BODY

Underwear and sports bras, as needed.

2-3 pairs athletic shorts

Compression shorts/spandex shorts (for use with a harness) (optional)

1-2 pairs long pants- ideally loose-fitting, comfortable for service work, hiking, etc.

1 pair of long tights/spandex/long underwear (optional but recommended)

Bathing Suit (or use athletic shorts/sports bra)

(continued next page)

ADVENTURE WV FIRST-YEAR TRIPS

Packing List - Quest

IMPORTANT FYT RESOURCES – QUEST

Phone (304) 293-5221 – AdventureWV@mail.wvu.edu – adventurewv.wvu.edu 2001 Rec Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506-6018

HYGIENE

Masks (5 cloth masks (preferred) or 10 disposable masks). Must cover mouth and nose. Visit this CDC page for details.

1-2 Neck Gaiters / ‘Buffs’ (optional but highly recommended)

Lip Balm (preferably with SPF)

Sunscreen & bug spray (optional- we also carry some with each trip)

Menstruation supplies (as needed)

Shower supplies + Towel (microfiber/quick-drying towel is strongly recommended)

Toothbrush & toothpaste

Hand sanitizer (travel-sized)

(If applicable) Glasses, contacts, contact solution, contacts case, travel mirror

Medications: If you regularly take any medications, you MUST bring them on the trip (be sure to list them on your

form also)

MISCELLANEOUS

Notebook/journal with pen to be used as your trip journal. Will be used for graded assignments.

Money ($10-$15) for tipping your raft guide (optional but encouraged!) and ($10-$20) for possible souvenirs

Watch with alarm

Camera – digital or disposable (optional) - you will not be able to use a phone or ipod for photos on your trip!

Pajamas (though wearing the other clothing items you bring is a useful alternative)

Snacks- AWV provides all food and snacks, but feel free to bring a small amount of something you really like

DO NOT BRING (REALLY- DON’T):

➢ Students are not allowed cell phones or any other electronics (including ipods, tablets, etc.) on First-Year Trips. The

exception is a digital camera. Students will have the option to leave their cell phone with Adventure WV in a locked,

secure space during the trip and will retrieve at the end of their trip. To better understand why cell phones are

prohibited on trip, please read the “Cell Phone Letter”, found in the “Important FYT Resources” documents. You may

be surprised to learn that the majority of students who have completed a First-Year Trip are overwhelmingly in favor

of the “No Cell Phone” policy!

➢ Drugs, alcohol, tobacco (including ecigs/vapes), or weapons. Bringing these items is grounds for dismissal from the

trip with no refund, with possible university sanctions.

➢ Anything not on the packing list! We will do a thorough gear check- simplicity and space saving is important with our

programs! When you arrive, you may be asked to leave extraneous items behind in our locked, secure spaces.

➢ Adventure WV will be providing other necessary group items, including food, transportation, and gear needed for

each specific activity.

➢ Bringing a phone, electronic, or other prohibited items on this program could result in a dismissal from the program.

EQUIPMENT

Sleeping bag or sheets/blankets for cabin cots. Don’t forget a pillow!

Day pack- small book bag or backpack to carry essential items during the day.

2 (1-quart) Water bottles (durable, Nalgene-style bottles work best).

Headlamp with fresh batteries and extra batteries.

(optional) Crazy Creek portable chair (or similar) - must be without legs

IMPORTANT FYT RESOURCES – QUEST

Phone (304) 293-5221 – AdventureWV@mail.wvu.edu – adventurewv.wvu.edu 2001 Rec Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506-6018

Dear Adventure WV First-Year Trip Students, Parents, Guardians, and other stakeholders:

We are excited to welcome you to WVU and to your First-Year Trip with Adventure WV! We have been successfully providing

meaningful and effective pre-college experiences for incoming WVU students for over 18 years. While you will find important

information on the Registered Students Site and on the FAQ, we’d like to take a moment to address our No Cell Phone policy.

At Adventure WV we work constantly to improve our programs. We seek to respond to the changing needs and interests of

our students and their families, study current research and standard practices within our industry, and strengthen the core

features that make our programs so successful.

Recent years have seen a rise in feedback about our “No Cell Phone” policy: Adventure WV prohibits student cell phones on

First Year Trips. For safety and communication reasons, our staff carry cell phones in the “off” or “airplane mode” position

as well as satellite phones or GPS tracker/communication devices where cell service is not available. As smartphones have

become more central to our lives, we receive more pushback about this policy.

But here’s the catch—despite increasing apprehension, at the conclusion of their program, students themselves have

expressed overwhelming support of the “No Cell Phone” policy. Students instruct us to keep the policy.

We invite you to read some of this striking student feedback, pulled from the Participant Evaluation Forms:

“We got a rare chance to unplug and really get to know each other. It was essential.” “It gave me headspace to process my experience and thoughts and forced me to form new relationships.” “I focused instead on bonding with the people on the trip and I even found that I didn’t want my phone.” “Maybe my favorite part because it forced everyone to be in the moment.” “Essential to the spirit of the trip.”

We have also pulled some statistics from our post program evaluations from 2018 and 2019 when we started asking the

question “Was not having a cell phone on a trip primarily a positive experience?”. Of the approximately 1800 students

surveyed, 87.5% reported the No Cell Phone policy was a positive experience: that’s 1,575 students over two years who

recommended that we keep the policy.

We have also set out to explore more about this topic: why has positive feedback about the No Cell Phone continued in recent

years? An emerging body of research on Generation Z correlates increased mental health concerns with cell phone use. There

is a paradox in constant connectivity: always being connected, but not physically together or sharing experiences, leaves

many feeling isolated. The research and subsequent discourse is well summarized in articles from these leading publications:

The Atlantic—September 2017, Vox—May 2019, The Atlantic—September 2019, and Psychology Today—February 2020. And

for a documentary, consider viewing The Social Dilemma if you have Nexflix access.

WVU’s Adventure Psychologist Sarah Milam, PhD, has this to say about the No Cell Phone policy:

As a clinician at the WVU Carruth Center and an AWV employee, I have observed difficulties students face due to

constant digital connectivity. Students are reporting higher levels of isolation, distress, anxiety, depression, and other

negative mental health outcomes. Engaging on an AWV trip without their phones allows students to form greater

connection with their peers, the experience, nature, and the moment – all ingredients for improved mental health

and wellbeing supported by the research and students own self-reports. When students are able to be fully engaged

in their AWV program, they often develop a number of resources that support their wellbeing at college – friendships,

mentors, coping skills, and greater resilience skills. We believe these outcomes are best supported by a phone-free

environment.

While the ultimate effects of smartphones on youth mental health are still very much in need of further research, the existing

body of evidence supports the benefits of disconnecting periodically and intentionally. As our phones keep us connected,

they also isolate us. The Adventure WV “No Cell Phone” policy seeks to address this rising issue through helping students

engage and be present with their peers in the moment, without the option to disconnect or be distracted.

As always you can contact us with questions about our No Cell Phone policy or anything else. We absolutely love our WVU

community of students and are happy to answer further questions!

ADVENTURE WV FIRST-YEAR TRIPS

Cell Phone Letter

IMPORTANT FYT RESOURCES – QUEST

Phone (304) 293-5221 – AdventureWV@mail.wvu.edu – adventurewv.wvu.edu 2001 Rec Center Dr., Morgantown, WV 26506-6018

You do not need to print this coupon for it to be valid –

simply download it to your phone and show the Pathfinder

staff member prior to making your purchase!

PATHFINDER OFFERS

ADVENTURE WV STUDENTS A DISCOUNT OFF ALL

PURCHASES MADE THROUGH AUGUST 14, 2021

ADVENTURE WV FIRST-YEAR TRIPS

Pathfinder of Morgantown Discount Coupon