Frequently Asked Questions
Q.How many participants will be on each trip?
A. There is a maximum of 10 participants with two Trip Leaders.
Q. How much do Basecamp trips cost?
A. All 5 day trips are $395. The seven day trip fees vary based on the nature for the trip and expenses involved. A $50 non-refundable deposit is due at registration. The remaining trip fee is due by June 30th. You can elect to pay the full trip fee at your initial registration.
Q. Are there scholarships available if I cannot afford the trip cost?
A. We are working on funding to allow us to offer a limited number of $300 per person scholarships for 2011. Please indicate your interest in a scholarship application when asked during the registration process. For more information about scholarships, click here.
Q. Where can I send in my signup form or other correspondence?
A. Signup forms and correspondence can be sent as follows:
Wisconsin Basecamp
Box 301
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
Q. What if I need lodging in Madison prior to or right after my Basecamp trip?
A. If you are attending SOAR directly before your Basecamp trip (recommended order), overnight lodging can be arranged thru the Center for First Year Experience in UW Housing facilities on campus. Other lodging options include Memorial Union Guestrooms (departure point and return point for the all trips), the at the new Union South (free bus to Memorial Union) or several private nearby hotels.
Q. Am I able to park a car on campus while I am on Basecamp?
A. While not encouraged, parking can be arranged thru the UW Transportation Services Office (608-263-6666). There is a daily permit fee and parking availability close to Memorial Union is very limited.
Q. Is there a number I can call for more information?
A. Calling 608-265-5723 will put you in contact with the Wisconsin Basecamp Office at the Wisconsin Union. Staff will be able to answer limited questions and put participants in contact with the Basecamp Administrator. Email is generally advised over phone calls.
Q. Who can I email for more info?
A. You can email the Basecamp Administrator, Jay Ekleberry.
Q: Where do Basecamp trips depart and return to?
A: All Basecamp trips depart and return to the Park St. Turnaround, west side of Memorial Union (800 Langdon St., Madison). If you take North Park Street north, all the way to Lake Mendota, you are there! After registering you will be mailed directions and a map. Participants are responsible for getting themselves to and from this location. We can provide assistance/information if you need it.
Q: Can I combine SOAR and Basecamp?
A: YES you can! We recommned that you do SOAR first and then do your Basecamp Trip. The Center for the First Year Experience (CFYE) holds spaces in those specific SOAR sessions that happen right before Basecamp Trips and inexpensive lodging can be arranged at UW Housing (thru CFYE) for the evening between your SOAR experience and the start of Basecamp.
Q: What will happen on my Basecamp trip?
A: Canoe lesson/Backpacking orientation
Icebreaker and getting-to-know-you activities
3 days canoeing and camping on the Wisconsin River (canoeing pace will be leisurely)/National Forest backpacking (hiking will be moderate difficulty)
Group discussions about the challenges and opportunities of college
Wrap-up party and activity day at Devil’s Lake State Park
Q: Do I need to be experienced in the outdoors or canoeing to attend Wisconsin Basecamp?
A: No experience in the outdoors or canoeing is needed. Instruction and assistance will be given in all trip activities. Participants will need a positive attitude and minimal amount of personal items.
Q: What equipment do I need to go on a Wisconsin Basecamp trip?
A: A list will be provided to trip participants with signup confirmation. They will primarily include basic clothing and personal items for a 5 day trip (change of clothes, toiletries, sleeping bag, pillow, etc.). Trip participants do NOT need to bring a tent or other camping gear except for providing own backpack for backpacking trips.
Q: Who leads the Basecamp trips? What are their qualifications?
A: Each trip will be lead by 2 students (UW-Madison junior or senior in good academic standing) who are trained in Wilderness First Aid and CPR, group dynamics, and outdoor skills. For full trip leader profiles, click here.
