Quest Course Preparation

This preparation sheet is for informational purposes and/or to provide suggestions on gear, supplies or attire for various activities/trips.  Please be aware that many of the items may not pertain to the activity of which you’ll be participating.  Use judgment in deciding which items relate to the activity of which you will take part.

Pennsylvania is usually a very comfortable place to spend time in the outdoors, but we can experience a wide range of temperature and weather on our courses.  You should be prepared by dressing appropriately.  Footwear should consist of lightweight hiking boots or sneakers—not open-toed shoes.  Clothing should be loose fitting and non-restrictive.  Sweat clothes will work if the weather is cool and dry.  During cool weather, more than one layer of clothing will keep you warmer rather than one bulky layer.  In damp weather, avoid wearing cotton in favor of wool, fleece or other synthetics.  A wind shell of some kind will afford protection from wind chill.   It is important to have the ability to remove or add additional layers of clothing depending on the weather condition and the level of activity.  Carry one more layer of clothes than you think you will need.  If you are unable to locate suitable clothing in your closet, Salvation Army stores and Wal-Mart are often able to provide inexpensive clothing suitable for varying outdoor conditions.

Quest courses are designed for beginners, so you will not be expected to demonstrate high levels of ability, but they provide a physical, psychological, and emotional challenge.  Courses occur in areas that often involve steep terrain, rough and narrow trails, wet or muddy conditions, and inclement weather. Most Quest activities are movement-oriented activities involving some strenuous activity. Quest staff will provide you with a safety briefing to prepare you for the activities and any safety issues you might encounter or skills you need.

Quest courses generally occur within an hour from the university but we occasionally travel farther distances to take advantage of unique terrain or weather.

Quest will provide all necessary equipment including sleeping bags, tarps/tents/ground pads, cooking gear, Carbide Lamps, rafts, boats, spray skirts, dry bags, paddles, harnesses, helmets, ropes, skis, ski boots, ice axes, crampons, wetsuits, booties, lifejackets, hardware and first aid supplies.  You may bring your own equipment and use it with the approval of Quest staff.

We suggest you bring the following items to make your trip comfortable and fun:

Warm Days:

• Baseball cap, sun hat or visor; sunscreen; sunglasses, restraining strap for glasses
• Loose fitting clothes (long pants will provide better protection)
• Lightweight hiking boots, sneakers, or shoes-no open toed shoes
• Wind shell or long-sleeve overshirt/sweater
• Rainwear
• A day pack is usually sufficient for carrying all essentials
• Overalls, if desired.  (Caving Courses only)
• Flashlight with spare batteries (Caving Courses Only)
• Lightweight leather gloves, if desired. (Caving Courses Only)

Cool Days (In addition To Above Items):

• Wool or Synthetic hat and gloves
• Wool or synthetic clothing including at least three layers with one being a

Heavy sweater, vest, or jacket

• Ski gloves

Water Activities:

• Set of dry clothes for after course.      
• Bathing suit; pair of shorts for women;
• Sneakers, river shoes or double-strapped sandals—no flip-flops
• Towel
• Latex dishwashing gloves to keep hands dry

All courses:

• Lunch – please bring a bag lunch and water. (If applicable)
• Change of clothing for a more comfortable ride home.
• Necessary prescription or prophylactic medication (i.e. for bee stings if you are allergic)
• Optional equipment: Camera, pens, journal.

COURSE INFORMATION

Course Title: __________Meeting Date: Place: __________Time: ________

Welcome to a Quest experience.  The information below has been designed to prepare you for your course.  Please read it carefully.  If you have any Questions, you may call the Quest Office at (570) 389-4323, e-mail us at quest@bloomu.edu, or stop by Walter Simon Hall on the campus of Bloomsburg University.  If you call the office on the day of the course and receive a recorded message, please call the Quest Equipment Room at 389-4384. If this is a group contract course, please call the cell phone number that was provided with your contract.

Instructors

Quest instructors are professional outdoor leaders, students, interns, and members of the community.  They are trained in specific outdoor pursuits, leadership, and first aid.  All are involved in on-going outdoor leadership training with Quest.

Forms We Need From You

*  A completed Quest AOR/Medical Form prior to participation in Quest activities.

*  Signed Parental Consent for participants who are minors (under 18 years of age).

Policies

For safety reasons, participants are required to abstain from alcohol and non-prescription drugs while participating in Quest Activities.  Please respect the rights and health of others with regard to smoking.  Participants will be held responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged equipment belonging to Quest.

Safety

Safety is a primary concern during any Quest course.  A safety briefing precedes each activity, where risks and protection against these risks are explained.  Participants are expected to abide by all safety rules and procedures defined by Quest staff.

Quest Refund Policy

Registration is complete when required fee is paid.  Cancellation of your registration by noon Wednesday, prior to the date of your course will guarantee you a refund of your fee minus 20% of the course price.  If you fail to cancel by that time, you must either supply us with a paying substitute or forfeit your fee.

Quest, Walter Simon Hall, Bloomsburg University

400 East Second Street, Bloomsburg PA 17815

(570)389-4323 · Fax:(570)389-2043 · quest@bloomu.edu

www.buquest.org