Frequently Asked Questions

Quill Camp is an extended orientation program that allows incoming students to explore Mason, its vast opportunities, and the surrounding community based on their individual interests. At Quill Camp, you will:

• Build friendships with people who have similar interests
• Learn about yourself and how you can make the most of your time at Mason
• Receive an immersive introduction to both Mason distinctives and the variety of experiences that the Fairfax and greater DC area offer!

Orientation at GMU gives incoming freshman a chance to get a feel for Mason’s campus, go through academic advising, choose their classes for the fall semester, and gain exposure to the departments at Mason that provide resources to help students transition.

Quill Camp builds off of some of these aspects and offers an in-depth opportunity to set roots down at Mason. Quill Camp helps direct the student transition experience by creating a context in which students can explore Mason and its offerings in a theme of interest. It will also allow students to build connections with peers and faculty/staff, ask questions of their Quill Camp counselors (upper-level GMU students), and participate in activities that will introduce them to our surrounding Fairfax, DC, and Northern Virginia communities.

Due to the small size of each program, we ask that you only choose one Quill Camp program to attend to leave opportunities for other students to participate in this unique experience.  Space is limited in and varies per each camp. 

All Quill Camps will be held based on GMU Fairfax Campus-Fairfax with the exception of Project Peak and Sneak Peak which take place primarily off-site within the surrounding community. The camps will be held on the following dates:

• Quill Camp: Sneak Peak – First-Year Session – July 15-16, 2023, Transfer Session – July 23rd, 2023
• Quill Camp: Republic – July 18-22, 2023
• Quill Camp: True Crime – July 18-22, 2023
• Quill Camp: Studio – August 1-5, 2023
• Quill Camp: Project Peak- August 13-16, 2023

For camps based on the Fairfax campus participants will stay in a traditional residential room with roommates or suitemates.

Participants on the outdoor adventure trips will sleep in sleeping bags and tents that are provided by the program and will stay at a group camp site. Please be aware that there is usually little access to bathroom facilities with running water or electric on these trips.

Any incoming first-year student can sign up, including spring admit students (those who are admitted for Spring 2023 can come to Quill Camp in Summer 2023). However, space is limited in each camp and will be filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

We are offering a Sneak Peak trip specifically for transfer students. We hope to offer more transfer specific camps in future years so please contact us if you are interested.

All camps are open to all incoming first-year students, no matter what your major is.  For example, if you plan to major in engineering but have a passion for politics or service, we would love to have you!

Registration opens on April 3rd, 2023.

Registration fees for all camps go towards meals, housing, transportation, activities, staffing, related equipment and rentals, and Quill Camp swag including a t-shirt. Registration costs vary for each camp and are as follows: 

• True Crime, Republic, and Studio – $250 
• Transfer Sneak Peak – $100 
• Freshmen Sneak Peak – $150 
• Project Peak – $300

Thanks to the support of the George Mason University Parent and Family Fund, partial scholarships for the quill camp registration fee are available. Scholarships are given out on a first-come, first-served basis and are intended for students with a high financial need. If you are interested in a Quill Camp Scholarship, please visit our scholarship page for more information and to apply.   

Quill Camp will give you an extra edge in preparing you for success during your time at Mason. You’ll get the opportunity to stay on campus, experience some of the resources and programs Mason offers, and meet students and faculty who will help you along your journey as a Patriot! 

The activities of Quill Camp: Republic is organized around activities pertaining to government and politics. Quill Camp: True Crime explores the world of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Quill Camp: Studio activities are all dedicated to exploring various forms of art. Project Peak is centered around the outdoors and adventure, while Sneak Peak is a shorter time period outdoor adventure.

Quill Camp(s): Republic and True Crime have a 40 person capacity. Studio has a 30 person capacity. Project Peak has a 36 person capacity. Freshman Sneak Peak has a 16 person capacity. Transfer Sneak Peak has a 40 person capacity.

Many of the camps take place over different dates so most of the camps will not interact with others. True-Crime and Republic will take place in the same week but the daily programming of each camp is tailored to its specific interest group; therefore each camp will engage in different activities and will only interact for small portions of the day. 

We will send you a full packing list, but you should be prepared to bring the following:

We will send you a full packing list specifically for each camp to all registrants a few weeks before arrival. Below is a basic list of what students should be prepared to bring:

• Toiletries/towels 
• Linens and pillow 
• Clothes and comfortable walking shoes 
• Medications 
• Reusable water bottle 
• 1-2 business professional outfits (True Crime, Republic, and Studio) 
• Masks

Sneak Peak & Project Peak’s packing list will include a number of outdoor gear and equipment that students can bring however it is not a requirement and we are happy to loan out any equipment that you may not already have including but not limited to, sleeping bags, rain jackets, hiking boots, backpacks, etc.

We are committed to serving all individuals! Should you require any visual, physical, or other accommodations please contact us at qcamp@gmu.edu so we can be best prepared to serve you!