The Goodnight Outdoor National Park Adventure is replacing our annual Camping Trip and will take place over Fall Break. This year we will be traveling to New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. New River Gorge is the nations newest national park and has a river running through it. The park encompasses 70,000 acres of land along the New River (ironically named since it's one of the oldest rivers in North America). The park is rich in cultural and natural history and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. During this trip we will be camping at the National Park in participating in a variety of outdoor activities. This trip is open to all camping skill levels, and students who have never camped before are HIGHLY encouraged to apply. This trip was created to allow students the opportunity to camp and see a national park who may have never had that experience before. We will select a wide range of skillsets for participants.
Students can apply here. The application will be due on September 3rd.
We encourage ALL scholars to apply for this trip. We intentionally select a mix of students who have never camped before, have had some limited camping experience and have more advanced camping experience. This is because part of the intention of the trip is for scholars to teach each other the ins and outs of camping and to offer an opportunity for everyone to learn.
Please note: students must be 18 when the trip takes place.
October 11th - 13th , 2025
We will leave on the morning on the 11th and will arrive back to campus before 10pm on October 13th.
The cost of this trip is $20. Scholars may need to purchase 1 meal on their own, or any other souvenir they are interested in.
9 scholars will be selected. A total of 12 people will be attending. 2 Trip leaders and 1 professional staff member.
The Goodnight Scholars Program Pro Staff takes into consideration the following criteria (in no specific order): 1) strength of application with clear personal and/or professional goals for participation 2) camping experience, we will take a mix of people from people who have never camped to people who have more advanced camping experience.
Yes. If you withdraw from the trip for any reason other than a major medical or immediate family emergency (of which you will be required to provide proof), you will be expected to reimburse the Goodnight Scholars Program for the total per person cost of the trip, which is approximately $500.
Yes. You're required to attend a pre-trip meeting. If you have class during this time, we will have you meet with us at a different day/time.
While our daily agenda is subject to change, the trip will include time for the following potential activities:
Camping in a tent!
Hiking
S'More making
Hanging out and getting to know other sin the program!
Our itinerary will also include the opportunity to see
We will travel in two minivans to New River Gorge. The drive is approximately 4.5 hours, but we will have some fun planned stops along the way.
We are staying at Adventures on the Gorge which is close to the park entrance.
The packing list will be provided during the pre-trip meeting.
Free time will be before or after dinner while at the campground. The campground does not have wifi or electricity so students will need to plan their homework around the camping trip.
We will plan meals around all dietary restrictions.
Please contact Jill Zalewski!