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NSO Basecamp Common Questions

NSO Basecamp is an overnight experience designed to make the most of your travel to campus for NSO. If you have questions not addressed here, email wvuorientation@mail.wvu.edu.

Are meals provided?

The following meals are provided as part of the NSO Adventure Basecamp program:

  • Day 1 Lunch
  • Day 1 Dinner
  • Day 2 Breakfast

How many students are on each program?

On average, there are approximately 20 students on each NSO Basecamp program date. Total capacity for each date is contingent on staffing and program itineraries. Programs have a minimum enrollment of 8 students.

How will I receive more information about my program?

All relevant information for registered NSO Basecamp participants will be available via the NSO Registered Students section. Students and parents should generally consult this website for all relevant information. Approximately 1-2 weeks prior to the program, students will receive an email reminder directly to their @mix email address from the wvuorientation@mail.wvu.edu account or other relevant @mail.wvu.edu email accounts.

Is NSO Basecamp required?

All incoming WVU students are required to attend an in-person NSO WVU session this summer. NSO Basecamp is one of the NSO WVU program options. Students are free to select their preferred NSO WVU program option.

Is transportation provided?

Participants will either need to be dropped off at the WVU Outdoor Education Center or drive a personal vehicle on the first day of programming. For students who are dropped off, bus transportation will be provided to campus the following day to meet up with family and attend the regular session of NSO WVU. Students who drive themselves can follow the bus back to campus and park and the Coliseum. Families do not have to worry about pick-up from Outdoor Education Center, only drop off. Our bus will depart the WVU Outdoor Education Center by 8:15 a.m. It will then transport students to the WVU Coliseum. At this time, students will exit the bus to reunite with parents, organize their belongings and gather materials. From there, they’ll then be taken via bus to the WVU Mountainlair.

What are the activities? Are they mandatory? Can I opt out of certain events?

NSO Basecamp strives to accommodate a range physical and mental restrictions. The program, however, is not fully accessible. Students should consult Adventure WV’s Essential Eligibility Criteria to answer questions (the “ALL” and “Aerial Challenge & Zip-Line Activities” categories apply). The program accommodates all dietary restrictions if they are reported during the registration process. All physical, mental or dietary restrictions should be reported during the registration process.

Additional information on activities: Throughout their first day of participation, students will be guided through a series outdoor adventure activities. These activities can range from large group games, low rope activities, hiking and high rope activities. These events will be guided by fellow classmates, under the specific context of fun, adventure and challenge. The main intent of the NSO Adventure Basecamp program is to facilitate connections – allowing students space to explore their new environment and meet new people. Part of this exploration, and a core component of the program, are the elements we facilitate. Whether it is problem solving, working as group at height or climbing a 45-foot tower – it all revolves around facilitating a positive transition for the student. Meeting new people, making positive connections, learning about WVU and having fun are the foundations of these events.

With that said, a successful NSO Basecamp experience is not contingent on reaching the top or completing each activity. Students can opt to not participate if a certain event goes beyond their comfort level. With many activities operating at height, students can choose to stay grounded if they prefer. Flexibility is a key component to effective programs. Students will have the element of choice among different activity options. All activities will incorporate a level of challenge and adventure – but we acknowledge the individual differences among students.

What are the eligibility requirements?

NSO Basecamp strives to accommodate a range physical and mental restrictions. The program, however, is not fully accessible. Students should review Adventure WV’s Essential Eligibility Criteria (the “ALL” and “Aerial Challenge and Zip-Line Activities” categories apply).

What is NSO Basecamp?

The NSO Basecamp program is an overnight NSO WVU program option for incoming WVU freshmen and transfer students. Students entering WVU each fall are eligible to attend NSO WVU over the summer. Students may opt into the NSO Basecamp overnight option. Students spend one day and overnight at the WVU Outdoor Education Center and then are bussed to WVU’s main campus for NSO WVU programming the following day.

What is the program cost? How do I pay?

NSO Basecamp participants have an additional non-refundable processing/commitment fee of $35. Students who are Pell-Grant-Eligible will have this fee removed following participation in the program. This fee will be post to a student’s account in early July and will be due as part of the fall term bill. If a student qualified for financial assistance (is Pell Grant eligible), the student will see the charge on the account and will still need to submit payment prior to the fall deadline — these students will receive a $35 credit to their accounts if they attended their trip. Even if a student is Pell Eligible, if they do not attend the trip (no-show), they will not receive a credit and will be responsible for the full $35 fee.

What is the WVU Outdoor Education Center?

The best way to learn about the WVU Outdoor Education Center is to is to visit its website. The facility includes a conference center, low ropes course elements, high ropes course elements, and other aerial adventures. Groups from WVU and the surrounding community visit the OEC for adventure programming and team development needs. The facility itself is in the WVU Research Forest, roughly 25 minutes outside of Morgantown.

Who are the program staff?

The portion of the NSO Basecamp session that takes place at WVU’s Outdoor Education Center will be staffed by highly trained and qualified Adventure WV student staff (learn more about our student staff positions and training processes). The student staff complete an application process and complete a multi-part training including: a spring semester course, a weekend retreat, and a week-long technical training. The student staff are overseen by Adventure WV professional staff who are available 24/7 during programming.