Summer Orientation Adventure Retreat (SOAR)
Do you love being outdoors, hiking, and camping? Do you want the opportunity to meet other UMW students? Then it sounds like SOAR is for you! In addition to the mandatory summer orientation program, the optional SOAR 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 Fredericksburg. These trips are not only fun, but are also a great way for students to meet other class mates and learn more about UMW from upperclass students.
SOAR (Summer Outdoor Adventure Retreat) is an exciting outdoor adventure experience that occurs on day 2 of your orientation program immediately after the morning sessions. Hosted at the scenic Peace of Earth Farmstead & Forest, SOAR is designed to help new students build leadership skills, foster community, and form lasting bonds with their peers. Participants will engage in fun outdoor activities, sports activities, and team-building exercises , all while creating meaningful connections, and enjoying the beauty of nature.
Students will be provided transportation to and from the retreat. The adventure kicks off in the afternoon with engaging activities, followed by an evening of pizza, s’mores, and campfire connections. After one additional night on campus, the retreat concludes the next morning with a send-off breakfast, leaving students refreshed, connected, and ready for the journey ahead!
If you are interested in SOAR session 1, please register for Orientation session 2 (June 9-10) so that you can roll right from Orientation into SOAR!
Fall 2025 Trips: Register Here!
Trip #1: June 10th
Trip #2: June 24th
The cost to participate will be $60, which covers all expenses, including transportation, meals, activities, and equipment. Your registration also gets you a free Intramural Sports Pass, Group Fitness Pass, and 1 free Outdoor Recreation trip during your Fall 2025 Semester. There is a no-refund policy unless for valid medical reasons. Registration is limited to 15 students per session.
Please note that your spot is not reserved until you pay the program fee.
Itinerary
- You will not check out of your rooms (you will return to these rooms at the end of the night)
- Until 12:00 PM – Orientation Activities
- 12:00pm Lunch in the CRUC
- 1:00pm-2:00pm Participant Check-In, Safety Conversation, Load Up
- 2:00pm-2:30pm Travel to Hike: Caroline Woodlands Trail
- 2:30pm-3:30pm Hike Caroline Woodlands Trail
- 3:30pm-4:30pm Travel to Peace of Earth Farmstead & Forest Campground
- 4:30pm-5:00pm Unload and familiarization of campground space
- 5:00pm-6:00pm Dinner (pizza provided)
- 6:00pm-7:00pm Leadership activities
- 7:00pm-8:00pm Free time
- 8:00pm-9:00pm Campfire and S’mores
- 9:00pm-9:30pm Pack up and load out
- 9:30pm-10:00pm Return to campus
- Next Day
- 8:00am-9:00am Optional Breakfast in the CRUC
- 8:30am-9:00am Room check out and student pick up in the CRUC
Packing List
Clothing & Footwear
- 1x spare t-shirts
- 1x spare athletic pants and/or shorts
- 2x spare pairs of socks (long socks are suggested)
- 2x spare undergarments
- Active shoes and/or boots (for walking, hiking, and running)
- Light jacket and/or rain jacket (SOAR will occur rain or shine)
Outdoor Essentials
- Large reusable water bottle
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen & lip balm
- Bug spray
- Towel (for rain or sweat)
- Flashlight
- Non-perishable personal snacks
- Portable cell phone charger
- Back pack or similarly portable travel bag
Toiletries
- Deodorant
- Baby wipes and/or facial wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Medications (EpiPen, inhaler, prescription medicine)
Optional Supplemental Activity Materials
- Board games and/or card games
- Books
- Battery-operated speakers for playing music
Things to note:
- This will be a one day all day program you will return to your rooms on campus for the night.
- Pack lightly! There is limited space for storing items in the transportation vehicles & at the campsite.
- There is a port-a-potty near the campsite stocked with toilet paper.
- There is no opportunity to charge electronic devices. Reserving cell phone battery is recommended.
- Meals, snacks, and some activities are provided.