The Spartan Outdoor Orientation Program (SOOP) is sponsored by UNCG Outdoor Adventures, the outdoor education and recreation program within the Department of Recreation and Wellness. SOOP is a unique program designed for first-year students at UNCG. We utilize adventure and outdoor recreation experiences to assist new students in bridging the gap from high school to college while building a strong community with fellow first-year students. Previous experience is NOT required for any of the programs, so this is a perfect opportunity to try something new! We hope you will consider this wonderful opportunity to explore the outdoors and establish a community with fellow first-year students!
Benefits of attending SOOP as a first-year student?
Gain a Sense of Community at UNCG
Through your experience with a fellow group of new students, it is our hope that you will begin to develop a sense of belonging to the UNCG community. In addition, you will be able to learn more about life as a student from your student trip leaders who will be able to offer boundless information and tips to help you succeed.
Environmental Awareness
All of our programs aim to increase the awareness and appreciation for our natural world. We will teach and expect all participants to practice Leave No Trace environmental ethics throughout each program. We will provide educational lessons along the way that focus on how to enjoy the outdoors in a way that promotes environmental stewardship.
Establish Friendships and Support Networks
We know college is a big transition and having support and friends can help with settling into a new environment. SOOP will provide a great opportunity to spend an extended amount of time with fellow incoming first-year students.
Outdoor Skills
All of our programs will teach outdoor skills at varying levels. Whether you are camping out in a tent during the Spartan Outdoor Experience or learning to cook backcountry meals for a multi-day trek during Highlands Backpacking; our experienced trip leaders will teach you all the necessary skills to live and explore in the outdoors safely and comfortably!
2026 SOOP Trips
Highlands backpacking | August 10-13
Highlands Backpacking will take students to one of the most beautiful hiking areas in Virginia where you’ll find wild ponies, wild steer, and wild hikers along the Appalachian Trail. Join us as we backpack our way through this incredible state park. You’ll enjoy views, nature, and delicious meals with your fellow backpackers, making memories that will last a lifetime. With a pack on your back, and trail under your boots, this short backpacking trip is sure to help you form strong connections with your fellow participants and learn more about what it’s like to be a first-year student at UNCG.
Cost: $125 (Includes: Transportation, Meals, Equipment: tents, sleeping bags, etc., and camping and activity fees)
- August 10: After moving into your residence hall in the morning, arrive at Piney Lake at 12pm for group activities, a pre-trip meeting, and a group meal.
- August 11-12: We will spend these days in Grayson Highland State Park on the trails hiking, exploring, and camping in new locations each day.
- August 13: Hike out and return to Piney Lake to depart.
Our first night will be spent together tent camping as a large group with all SOOP participants at Piney Lake. During the Highlands backpacking trip, you will be tent camping each night with fellow group members. While backpacking there are no modern restroom or shower facilities, therefore, you will be taught techniques to properly take care of personal hygiene while in a backcountry setting.
It is important to consider your current level of physical fitness and any other physical or mental limitations you may have when deciding to participate in any of our activities. For clarification on any activities and the difficulty, please do not hesitate to ask.
Some of the physical expectations for this program include, but are not limited to:
- Ability to hike 5-8 miles per day on terrain that is uneven and occasionally steep.
- Ability to carry 30+ pounds in a backpack while hiking during summer temperatures in the mountains.
- Complete the registration packet for the program you are interested in joining. Registration link coming soon!
- Once your registration packet is completed, pay online or by phone.
To pay by phone call: 336-334-3072 - Once we have received and confirmed your registration we will email you a Welcome Packet that contains important documents that will help your plan and prepare for your program.
Registration Deadline: Monday, August 3rd
*Program is limited to 8 participants
Spartan Base Camp | August 10-13
Kick off your college journey with us at Piney Lake, where we’ll spend the afternoon diving into fun team building activities, sharing a delicious group dinner, and settling in for a night of tent camping under the stars. Then we’ll split into crews for two days of adventure, half heading to Pilot Mountain to climb high above the Piedmont, and half traveling to Philpott Lake to canoe across its scenic waters. On day three, groups will switch so everyone gets the chance to paddle and climb, while cheering each other on along the way. On the final day, the group will come together for a day hike. With new friends by your side and unforgettable moments in the outdoors, this four-day adventure will launch you back to UNCG feeling confident, connected, and ready for your first semester at the G!
Cost: $100 (Includes: Transportation, Meals, Equipment: tents, sleeping bags, etc., and camping and activity fees)
- August 10: After moving into your residence hall in the morning, arrive at Piney Lake at 12pm for group activities, a pre-trip meeting, and a group meal.
- August 11-12: We will spend these days either rock climbing or canoeing in local recreation areas!
- August 13: On the final day both crews will come tog ether for a group hike. Returning to Piney Lake in the afternoon.
Our first night will be spent together tent camping as a large group with all SOOP participants at Piney Lake. All subsequent nights will be spent at Piney Lake, where we will make meals together, hangout beside a warm campfire and tent camp with fellow group
members.
It is important to consider your current level of physical fitness and any other physical or mental limitations you may have when deciding to participate in any of our activities. For clarification on any activities and the difficulty, please do not hesitate to ask.
Some of the physical expectations for this program include, but are not limited to:
- General stamina and mobility outdoors, which could involve gripping, pulling or balancing on uneven terrain.
- Ability to hike 4-5 miles in one day on terrain that is uneven and occasionally steep.
- Ability to swim—Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) will be worn at all times on the water, however, participants must still be
capable of swimming. If you are unable to meet this requirement, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate.
- Complete the registration packet for the program you are interested in joining. Registration link coming soon!
- Once your registration packet is completed, pay online or by phone.
To pay by phone call: 336-334-3072 - Once we have received and confirmed your registration we will email you a Welcome Packet that contains important documents that will help your plan and prepare for your program.
Registration Deadline: Monday, August 10th
*Program is limited to 20 participants
RELATED LINKS
For questions, email Shaine Middleton or call 336-334-3072
Hiking and Making Friends!
Hiking
Rock Climbing