Frequently Asked Questions

General

I have no outdoor experience, can I still participate?
Yes! Fresh X is a great introduction to wilderness adventure. We create a safe place to explore and learn new skills. There are different levels of challenge available for all experience levels.

I have tons of outdoor experience, will I be bored?
Not at all! Fresh X is a great place to share your experiences with other people and challenge yourself in new ways. There are different levels of challenge available for all experience levels.

Registration

Can I switch groups?
You can switch groups as long as space is available in the group you'd like to switch to. The latest date to switch is August 1^st. Call the Student Involvement Office at 740-368-3188 to make changes to your registration.

What if I am registered, but am no longer able to go?
Please contact the Student Involvement Office at 740-368-3188 as soon as you know you will not be able to participate. Your registration fee will be refunded if you cancel before August 1^st (June 12^th for the Athletes' Fresh X).  We will be unable to offer refunds for cancellations after these dates.

I'm an athlete, may I only sign up for the Athletes Fresh X?
Athletes may sign up for any of the three experiences. If you play a fall sport, just make sure that the trip dates don't interfere with your team's practice schedule.

Why do I have to do so much paperwork?
Each of the forms is essential to ensure your safety. Be sure to complete and mail all of the forms with your payment

What to Bring

What do I need to bring with me?
See the equipment list for your trip for the complete list and details.

Habitat Equipment List - link not yet in place

Wilderness and Athletes Equipment List

Where can I get all of the equipment?
Brand new outdoor gear can be expensive. There's no reason for you to go broke buying new stuff. Try and borrow as much as you can from friends and family. Thrift stores and outlets are inexpensive places to find the things you cannot borrow. Also, check the Wilderness and Athletes Equipment List to see what is available to rent from OWU.

Do I need spending money on the trip?
No, all expenses from when we board the bus on Sunday, August 16^th to the time we return to campus on Wednesday, August 19^th are covered in your registration fee.

Transportation & Accommodations

How will I get to the trip location?
You are responsible for transportation to Ohio Wesleyan University on the start date of your trip. From there we will travel in 12 passenger vans.

When can I move in to my dorm room?
You can move your things into your room when you first arrive on Saturday, August 15^th, and you will spend the first night in your room.  Students who participate on the Athletes Fresh X will move in on Thursday, August 20^th.

Where do I live when I return to campus?
Your dorm room will be open as soon as we return to campus.

Communication & Safety

What if my parents need to get in touch with me during the trip?
Fresh X is your first experience truly away from home. Parents are discouraged from contacting their sons and daughters. There will be an emergency contact person on call 24 hours a day. Phone numbers and instructions for contacting a student in case of an emergency will be sent with your registration confirmation.

What if I need to contact my parents during the trip?
Fresh X is your first experience truly away from home. You won't need to contact your parents unless there is an emergency, in which case Fresh X instructors will take the necessary steps to make contact with your parents. Students are not allowed to bring cell phones on the trip. However, instructors will have cell phones to use in the event of an emergency.

What safety precautions are taken?
We go to great lengths to ensure that everyone remains safe at all times. Our instructors are all professionally trained in each activity and in wilderness medicine. We will have a paramedic on call for the duration of the program.

If  your question isn't addressed on this page, please contact Debbie Lamp, Director of Student Involvement and the Hamilton-Williams Campus Center, at 740-368-3198 or dklamp@owu.edu.