What kind of camp is GEAR UP U?
GEAR UP U is an overnight academic camp that focuses on high school preparation, college and career planning, and leadership development.
What/who is GEAR UP?
West Virginia GEAR UP is a federally funded grant program intended to help you and your student plan, apply, and pay for education or training beyond high school.
What will my student do at camp?
Your student will participate career pathways classes, college mentoring, and leadership development.
Where will my student stay?
Marshall University (Huntington, WV) will provide students with lodging. Classes will be held on campus and in the immediate area surrounding Marshall University. Should transportation be required to and from classes, GEAR UP U and Marshall University staff will transport students.
What are my responsibilities?
As a parent/guardian, we expect you to make sure your student understands the GEAR UP U rules and expectations. If your student breaks the rules, you will be responsible for picking him or her up early.
You are also expected to provide or arrange for transportation to and from Marshall University and to help your student prepare/pack for camp.
Will my student need money?
All meals and school supplies will be provided by West Virginia GEAR UP. If you would like your student to have additional “spending money” that is permitted, but not required.
Who else will be there?
Students from each of West Virginia GEAR UP’s middle schools/junior highs will attend. WV GEAR UP serves schools in 11 counties and there will be between 200 – 250 students at camp.
Who supervises camp, and who will keep my student safe?
Safety and supervision are very important to us. GEAR UP U will have a full staff, which includes the following:
Professional staff members from West Virginia GEAR UP
Camp supervisors who also work in West Virginia GEAR UP schools (teachers, counselors and principals)
Camp counselors (college students) Resident advisors (college employees) Security officers
Camp nurse
Additionally, medical and liability insurance have been purchased by camp organizers in case of an emergency.
How much does camp cost?
GEAR UP U is FREE, but parents/guardians do have the responsibility of providing or arranging for transportation for their student to and from Marshall University in Huntington, WV (Cabell County). Parents/guardians must also help their student prepare for camp and provide them with items such as proper clothing, toiletries, etc.
Will the boys and girls be together or separate?
During day and evening hours, all students will attend classes and sessions together. At night, girls and boys will be housed separately. Students are forbidden to have a member of the opposite gender in their rooms.
How can I contact my student?
If your student has a cell phone, you may talk to him or her during “free time.” Your student will also have access to a phone at the residence hall and on campus if he or she wishes to call home and does not have a phone of his/her own. Emergency phone numbers will be provided for attendees and their families
My student takes medication. How/when will this be administered and by whom?
Prior to attending camp, students and guardians will be asked to complete a medical release form. By completing this form, you will be granting our camp nurse the permission and instructions to retain and administer medication to your student.
Can I visit my student at camp?
Of course — we would never keep parents/guardians away from their student. However, we would like for GEAR UP U to be a learning experience that helps students develop more responsibility and independence and would prefer that families attend camp only during the designated time periods on the first and last days. Arrangements can and will be made for special circumstances.
My student has special dietary needs. What arrangements can you make for this?
Prior to attending camp, students and their parents/guardians will be asked to complete an enrollment packet which will give you the opportunity to outline any dietary needs. Additionally, meals will be buffet-style and students will be able to choose his or her own food from many options provided.
My student is always hungry. Will he or she get enough to eat?
All three meals are buffet-style, which means your student can eat as much as he or she wants for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We will also provide snacks in the evening.
Will my student have a roommate? Can he or she request to room with a particular student?
Your student will have a roommate. The goal is to room each student with another student that attends school in the same county. Due to logistical arrangements, unless there are special medical circumstances, we cannot take room requests.
