Adventure WV hosted 35 virtual First-Year Trips over the course of six weeks last summer, marking WVU the first university in the nation to hold virtual pre-college experiential trips for incoming students. These trips welcomed and connected nearly 400 students with other first-year students and upperclassmen peer mentors to build a healthy community and support system before the start of the fall semester.
Traditionally, First-Year Trips incorporate relationship-building experiences with outdoor adventure activities and camping; however, at the start of the pandemic, the Adventure WV staff quickly worked to shift concepts and experiences to a virtual format. And while virtual experiences present significant challenges for connection, the program was able to host engaging connection activities and facilitate valuable conversation around transitioning to college — and students seemed eager. To some extent, the virtual format helped make the trips accessible to a wider range of students, as the only requirements to join were internet connection and a computer or smartphone.
While some students said they wished that their experience was in person, they were still able to make new friends and feel more prepared for college. One student wrote, “I learned a lot about stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things. The virtual trips taught me about campus and WVU life and made me feel more comfortable about coming to campus this fall.”
Adventure WV collaborated with New Student Orientation to host six additional virtual First-Year Trips for incoming students this semester. With more than 90 students registering for the January trips, it’s clear students are craving social connection and excited to begin building lifelong friendships with their WVU cohort.
For more information, contact Patricia Chan at patricia.chan@mail.wvu.edu.