SOAR takes sophomores on outdoor excursions

WELLWVU: The Students' Center of Health and Adventure WV are working together to provide a unique outdoor adventure for students to overcome the "sophomore slump."

Sophomore Outdoor Adventure Reorientation program, or SOAR, is a three-credit summer course specifically designed for West Virginia University students finishing their freshman year and looking for new opportunities.

The course involves a 15-day wilderness excursion through Utah and Colorado, and takes students hiking, canoeing and meeting with other young leaders.

Ian Kellems, SOAR lead instructor and psychologist for WELLWVU, said the program was designed to help students stay interested and involved in college life after the excitement of freshman year is over.

"When students get to their sophomore year, they don't have the same resources they may have had their freshman year from RAs, dorms and perhaps easier classes," Kellems said.

The goal of the trip is to get students out of their comfort zone by teaching them the gifts of independence and exploration of self.

During the trip, students are not allowed to bring their cell phones and are encouraged to enjoy the nature and company around them.

"There are so many adventures in Colorado and Utah. We visit four national parks, and this year we are even taking a six-day canoe trip through the Green and Colorado rivers in Canyonlands National Park," he said.

Students have always given positive feedback regarding the trip and have found it to be "a nice chance to decompress from freshman year," Kellems said.

Kellems said the program looks to students past and present to help plan and accomplish future goals.

After returning from the wilderness excursion, the course will have four class meeting sessions during the fall semester to help students continue learning and focusing on their goals.

Haley Powell, SOAR member and pre-occupational therapy student, said the course was one of her best experiences as a student at WVU.

"The atmosphere is great. I learned a lot about myself, like that I can be more independent than I thought," Powell said. "If your freshman year wasn't all that you expected, if you want a great experience, if you want to meet new people and learn about yourself in general – take this trip."

SOAR will begin taking applications Feb. 6.

Students can visit www.adventurewv.wvu.edu/soar for more information.

SOAR applicants are required to write a two-page essay explaining their interest in the trip.