WHAT IS MOOT?

moot

1. Subject to debate; arguable.

2. Law. Without legal significance, through having been previously decided or settled.

3. Medicine. Yale Medical Outdoor Orientation Trip. See illustration.

MOOT is a program to bring first year medical students out on the Applachian Trail for a few days of bonding and orientation before classes officially begin. This last year more than half of the incoming class participated, and we hope even more of you decide to join us this year!

The trips are designed for all levels of experience: those of you who have never understood the concept of sleeping on the ground and as well as skilled mountaineers will find the trip rewarding and fun. Transportation and food will be provided, and equipment rentals are available.

MOOT leaders are enthusiastic second year medical students who love the outdoors, or just like to meet the first years, and have been trained in SOLO wilderness first aid and CPR - after all we will one day be doctors! MOOT leaders will help you ease the adjustment to the outdoors and to Yale, after all, we did make it one year! At least two leaders will accompany each group.

WHEN IS MOOT?

The trips are scheduled for Friday, August 24th - Monday, August 27th on the Applachian Trail in southwestern Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut.

On Thursday, August, 23th, we will have a picnic dinner outside Harkness dormitory at 367 Cedar Street for all MOOT participants and leaders. At this dinner you will meet other first years and trip leaders. You would need to have your pack ready by this time so that your leader can make sure you are not missing any vital equipment. Firday morning we will have a light breakfast and head out by bus to the trailhead. You will back back in time for the pre-orientation activities by Monday night.

If you are planning on moving into Harkness, we have made arrangement with the dormitory staff so that you may being moving in at noon on Thursday, August 23th. You will be able to pick up your key in the Harkness office inside the lobby of the dormitory at this time.

WHEN DO I NEED TO COME ON MOOT?

Return to us, by June 30th (or ASAP for summer acceptances), the enclosed MOOT medical insurance forms I and II, signed consent, and the enclosed Bill and Equipment Invoice, payable to MOOT.

HOW ABOUT MY SPOUSE?

You are welcome to bring a spouse or parnter. This person should submit separate copies of all paperwork (medical insurance forms I and II , signed consent, and invoice payment).

WHAT ARE THE FEES?

The participant fee is $100 per person, which covers food, group equipment, transportation, support, and leader training. MOOT is a non-profit, student-run group. Rentals will be available at the fee of $15 per sleeping bag and $15 per backpack. If you need either be sure to reserve it on the Bill/Invoice.

We would like to be able to provide refunds to any students who sign up but have to drop out of the program after paying the fee. We will only be able to do so before June 30th. If for any reason you cannot participate in MOOT after signing up, please let us know immediately by emailing moot@yale.edu or by dropping us a note at the above address.

ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

The meals on the trail will consist of vegetarian foods which do not spoil, such as oatmeal, fruit, pita bread, peanut butter, macaroni and cheese, rice, and some vegetables. Please bring any snacks you want to supplement the meals we provide.

No alcohol, no drugs, no radios, no firearms, and we prefer no cigarettes as well.

Yale MOOT | Office of Student Affairs | 367 Cedar Street | New Haven, CT 06510