FAQs

Why should I participate in Project Peak?

First and foremost, Project Peak is fun!  We find that this is a great way to unwind and de-stress before you begin college.  Moreover, Project Peak is a fantastic way to meet and really get to know other first-year students and student trip leaders. Not only will you start college with a great group of friends, but you will have had a great adventure! Many of our Peakers (as we like to call them) talk about the transformative nature of the program, the fun they had, and the memories they made. Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity!

Do I need to be really athletic to participate in Project Peak?

You do not need to be overly athletic, but you should feel comfortable walking outdoors, hiking, being in and around water, and sleeping in a tent. Project Peak has a variety of adventure trip options, ranging from beginner to advanced and include a variety of outdoor activities. Beginner trips are based at recreational campgrounds that include bathrooms and access to running water. Intermediate or advanced trips are based in backcountry campgrounds that do not have regular access to bathrooms and trip leaders and participants will carry their own water for cooking and cleaning. 

When registering for Project Peak, you will be asked to select and rank the trips that are of interest to you. By choosing beginner, intermediate, or advanced, you can select which type of trip you think best suits you and your abilities. 

Do I need to be an experienced rock climber, camper, etc. to participate in Project Peak?

No! These trips are geared toward a number of different experience levels (see above for more details). Students who haven’t participated in the specific activities will find that our experienced guides and staff provide enough instruction to help them feel comfortable, while those who might have had some more outdoor experience will still feel challenged.

Do I need specialized camping equipment to participate in Project Peak?

Students will need to bring personal camping gear and toiletries like a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and appropriate clothing. Insect repellent and sunscreen are highly recommended. All major equipment (tents, cook stoves, pots, pans, safety equipment for rock-climbing and kayaking, etc.) is included in the registration fee. Students may rent gear through Mason’s Outdoor Adventure Program at a minimal cost. A gear list and fees are included in your information packet. You will receive your gear at check-in. 

How many people are going to be on each trip?

Though numbers depend entirely on registration, no group will have more than fifteen participants. Also attending the trip will be student trip leaders who have been extensively trained.  This small class size and instructor-to-student ratio ensure that students have the opportunity to really develop relationships with each other and their classroom staff from which they will continue to benefit well into the semester.

Is Project Peak an LLC (Living-Learning Community) section?

No. You are not required to live on campus or be in an LLC to participate in Project Peak. Both on and off campus students find that the trip is a great way to make some connections to other students and to Mason’s resources before the semester begins.

What is UNIV 108?

UNIV 108 is a course specifically for Project Peak students to help you transition from high school to college. Taught by a Mason faculty and one of our Project Peak trip leaders who is also a Peer Advisor, the course will cover leadership development, getting involved on campus, resume and interview preparation, time management, alcohol and drug education, and much more. It is a fun, interactive course where you will get to see your fellow Peakers (which will be students from a variety of the trips). There are multiple times the UNIV 108 course is offered. Once you attend your summer Orientation session and register for your other classes, we will reach out to get your availability and register you for UNIV 108!