MOOSE

MOOSE is a study-tour initiative designed and implemented by the Center for Campus Ministry’s Volunteer Services and may be taken for academic credit in conjunction with courses already offered by the College. The purpose of MOOSE is to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the American West through travel and volunteer work with the National Park Service. As a component of Maryville College’s Alternative Break program, MOOSE is designed to completely immerse students (and staff leaders) in the beautiful natural environment provided by Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. While camping for a week at each park, the MOOSE crew does volunteer work such as:

• trail maintenance
• painting
• building bear cages
• repairing docks
• restoring tent pads

More Travel Destinations

In addition to the volunteer work, participants visit various sites in the Midwest and Northwest such as Badlands National Park (South Dakota), Little Bighorn Battlefield (Montana), Mt. Rushmore National Monument (South Dakota), Devils Tower National Monument (South Dakota), Buffalo Bill Historic Center (Wyoming), and several others.

All participants will be camping in tents and will also be assigned to work crews, sharing responsibility for meal preparation, clean-up, and loading/un-loading of equipment.

MOOSE Outcomes

MOOSE gives students an opportunity to improve their outdoor life skills and team-building capabilities, while gaining an important awareness of environmental preservation and the role/function of the National Park Service. This trip offers a unique exposure to our country’s vastly diverse natural wonders, providing memories for a lifetime! Fund-raising for MOOSE is done throughout the school year, including a “stockholder” opportunity for interested patrons.

Further Information

If you are interested in learning more about the program, if you want to be a MOOSE stockholder, or if you are interested in being a participant, please contact:

Preston Fields
Director of Volunteer Services
865.981.8299
preston.fields@maryvillecollege.edu