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Project Marj
Pre-Orientation Wilderness Experience

About

Project Marj is Towson University's Pre-Orientation Wilderness Experience that has been operating since 1977 and is an experiential orientation course designed for incoming Towson University freshman and transfer students. The program is modeled after Outward Bound, which works to develop group efficiency, ingenuity, leadership, and self-knowledge. The challenging adventure activities encourage participants to disregard self-imposed limitations on the mind and body and promote the growth of self-worth and esteem. It’s challenging in many ways, but with a focus on communication and responsible risk-taking, it concentrates on safety and is within the physical capabilities of the average healthy person. Students have the option to participate in either a five day Backpacking or Multi-activity (White water kayaking and rock climbing) trip.

History

Project Marj embodies the spirit of a woman whose devotion to life and education inspired others. During the summer of 1976, a group of twelve teachers spent three months in the mountains together as part of a Masters of Experiential Education program offered by Outward Bound and the University of Colorado. One of the teammates was Craig Dobkin, a Towson University kinesiology professor. On the trip, Craig met a woman named Marjorie. The two became good friends, sharing ideas about education and a love for the outdoors.

When Craig returned to Towson, he began work on a University program that would adhere to the educational philosophy shared by Marjorie and him. The program would make use of the environment and experiential education to empower incoming students. It was designed to teach new skills by using adventure as a foundation for change and growth. Naming the program “Project Marj,” Craig Dobkin presented the idea to the Director of Student Orientation, Dr. Donald Squire, and the project began in the summer of 1977.

FAQ’s

• Who can attend Project Marj?
• What are the activities?
• How to register?
• Deadline for registration?
• Refunds
• When Is Project Marj?
• Arrival Times
• Where are we going?
• Where to meet?
• Where do I park?
• Why should I participate?
• Who leads the trips?
• When can we move in?
• Will we miss mandatory orientation?
• What paperwork do I need to fill out?
• What gear do I need?

Project Marj is for incoming freshman and transfer students to Towson University.

5 Day Backpacking $300
5 Day Multi-Activity (White water kayaking and rock climbing) $325

Click here to go to the Registration page.

August 3 at 12:00 a.m.

No refunds will be issued after August 1, 2012

Dates: August 20 – 24, 2012

August 20

Backpackers: 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Multi-Activity: 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Backpacking will be hiking somewhere on the Appalachian Trail in Maryland or Virginia. Multi-Activity will be staying in Harpers Ferry, WV and climbing and paddling in the local area.

Burdick Hall, Gym 1. Click here for map/directions.

Towsontown Garage. Click here for map/directions.

Project Marj allows incoming freshman and transfer students to grow and make connections with others before they start their experience here at Towson U. This has been proven to help students with the difficult transition, making them more connected to the university community which increased their happiness and performance.

Click here to read more.

Highly trained student trip leaders lead Project Marj and other wilderness programs throughout the year. These students spend a full year training in many aspects of wilderness skills including, kayaking, climbing, backpacking, group development, risk management, leadership and are all certified Wilderness First Responders (WFR), an 80 hour wilderness medical course offered through either Wilderness Medical Institute or Wilderness Medical Associates. (links to sites)

All students have the opportunity to move in between 9am and Noon on Monday, August 20. Students must submit and email to adventure@towson.edu requesting to move in early before August 10.

Project Marj will not interfere with your mandatory orientation to the University.

You will need to complete a liability waiver (day of) and medical form. It is of the upmost importance that the medical form is completed before the day of the trip and that all information is accurate and up to date.

Click here for a copy of our medical form.

Project Marj will provide all of the necessary technical adventure equipment for the trips including backpacks, sleeping bags, tents, climbing equipment and kayaking equipment. Participants need to provide clothing, suitable footwear, and other personal items.

Click here for a complete gear list.

For more information, email adventure@towson.edu.