2015 Adventure WV Retreat

Every year, Adventure WV hosts a staff retreat with the goal of bringing the Adventure WV community together to engage and build relationships with one another, retrain staff, and review the goals and mission of Adventure WV programs.  This years retreat was filled with firsts. It was the first time we utilized an Extension Services facility of WVU as the location of the retreat, and also the first time Adventure WV was able to include the Outdoor Recreation Center, Climbing Wall, and Outdoor Education Center staff. The retreat was a great success! We had so much fun at the beautiful Jackson’s Mill, and relieved to find the facility was able to provide space and delicious dining services for the 90+(!!) individuals officially now considered to be members of the Adventure WV staff.  

Adventure WV Staff 2015

Adventure WV Orientation Trip leaders arrived Friday evening, and spent the weekend living together in the Northern Panhandle bunkhouse, where they were able to get to know one another better, relax and hangout after daily workshops. 

Orientation Trip leaders arrive at the bunkhouse

 Greg Corio, the Director of Adventure WV, welcomed the student leaders and gave a presentation on the history of Adventure WV, how it has grown over the past 10 years, and the new, exciting changes underway for the University program.

On Saturday, the Outdoor Recreation Center, Climbing Wall, and Outdoor Education Center staff arrived and the day’s fun commenced! The first workshop included all staff members and was lead by Program Coordinator, CJ Belknap and Assitant Program Director, Nathan Harlan. Students learned how to facilitate initiative games, energizers, and how to identify the stages of group development.

 Director, Greg Corio, tells the history of Adventure WV 

Afterwards, staff members broke up into their respective occupation areas, and engaged in workshops that focused on technical and management skills seen within their jobs. The Climbing Wall staff practiced their knots, with Graduate Assistant, Kevin Shon, along with other rope management skills. The Outdoor Recreation Center (ORC) staff focused on customer service and skills associated with gear preparation, such as bike repair, bike rack mounting, and waxing skis and snowboards.

The Outdoor Education Center (OEC) staff, which includes the Canopy Tour and Challenge Course guides, covered the policies and procedures to be maintained at the OEC, the new educational curriculum used at the facility, and learned how to establish the framework for effective experiential education.  

Program Coordinator, CJ Belknap, talks about group dynamics

The Adventure WV Orientation Trip leaders were introduced to the new program schedule for the summer of 2015, reviewed policies and procedures of AWOT programs, and were given the Leave-A-Trace curriculum packet that they will use on trip to facilitate discussion and enable students to earn 3 credits towards their General Ed. Curriculum requirement.

LC member, Dave Billups leads an 'energizer' initiative

The day may seem as if it were all business and no play, but rest assured, at Adventure WV, FUN is a fundamental factor to program success. Staff had ample free time to relax, exercise, and play games. Some engaged in snowball fights, went on a run around Jackson’s Mill, and we all had a great time participating in group games we call ‘energizers’.

The retreat concluded with a presentation from the former WVU Provost, Jerry Lang, whose leadership and guidance has played a tremendous role in the growth and development of the Adventure WV program. Lang spoke to AWOT leaders about the important qualities embodied by leaders, and shared stories about what he has learned from his experience as a leader. We were very happy Jerry was able to join us and give valuable insight to our student leaders as they prepare for the challenging summer ahead.

Adventure WV full-time staff and Leadership Committee
(L-R: Marcedes, Morgan, CJ, Cassidy, Brett, Shannon, Shaw, Nathan, Marion, Kaylee, Dave, Birdie, Matt, Greg)

All in all, the weekend retreat was a great success; a celebration for the exciting direction Adventure WV is moving towards. It was great to share laughs and create memories with our new staff members and welcome everyone into the Adventure WV family. A big shout out and thank you is well deserved to our dedicated staff, whom without their hard work and preparation, this weekend would not have been possible.

To learn more about what we do at Adventure WV visit our website HERE
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Winter: Tis The Season Of Hibernation...Or Recreation!

By: Susan Harper

It was nearly 65 degrees in Morgantown on February 7^th, practically a heat wave considering the frigid conditions we’ve been braving this winter. Normally one would be ecstatic for such warm weather, but not this weekend. It was the day of the Coppers Rock Winter Festival!

Rolling down the drive of the Coppers Rock State Forest exit, you would have thought you had entered Narnia. From treetops to tree roots, a blanket of pure white snow coated the cold, hard ground. You would never have guessed it was so bare only miles away from the beautiful winter wonderland.

In celebration of Coppers Rock’s natural resources, people from near and far stopped on by to participate in and support those competing in the festival’s winter activities. From the Cross Country Ski Sprint of 1,000 feet to the Skiers Slingshot Paintball Biathlon, not a frown was in sight for everyone was too busy having fun.

As the day came winding down, the Women’s Frying Pan Toss came rolling in to top off as the last event. Women of all ages were welcomed to participate in the friendly battle to win the honorable prize. A glimmering golden frying pan would be given to the winner who could throw the frying pan furthest from her competitors.

A few tosses into the game and the unthinkable happened.  The frying pan used for the competition bearded it’s last toss until it broke into pieces, but the show had to go on. The trophy frying pan was sacrificed in order to finish the event we all had been waiting for.

After many tosses and exerting grunts, a new 2015 winner had reigned in first place. Amanda Mates won the prize of one bruised, scuffed up yet distinguished golden frying pan to hang up on her kitchen wall.  

The festival could not have gone any smoother on such a fun filled and adventurous day. The Coopers Rock Winter Festival fulfilled it’s duties of bringing folks together and proving that there is so much fun to be had outside, surrounded by the earth’s natural resources, even in the winter!


Founded in 1989, The Coopers Rock Foundation strives to promote preservation and recreation in the Coopers Rock and Snack Hill woodland districts. Check out The Coopers Rock official website at www.coopersrock.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities as well as ways to explore this outdoors playground!