Bearkat Camp Welcomes Freshmen to Campus

Bearkat Camp Welcomes Freshmen to Campus

Fostering belonging for Bearkats begins from the moment they are enrolled. Incoming freshmen have a chance to meet their fellow first-time students at Bearkat Camp, a three-day, two-night experience that introduces students to the spirit, pride and traditions of Sam Houston State University.

Held at the University Camp grounds, Bearkat Camp boasts 340 acres worth of natural beauty. With a 200-bed capacity, sand volleyball courts, waterfront access complete with kayaks and canoes and multiple camp sessions held throughout July and August, there is room for lots of incoming students to join in on the fun.

Since its first season in 2009, the camp has evolved over the years through intentional reflection on the part of staff and feedback from both the staff and students. Lara Patterson has been at the helm of the camp since 2014 and uses her observations of students engaging with the program alongside interviews with counselors and survey data taken after sessions end to see what works and what needs adjusting.

“Those insights help drive changes each year,” Patterson said. “At the same time, every new lead staff team brings fresh ideas and energy to the process, so the program is constantly evolving to meet the needs of today's students while building on what we've learned from previous years.”

While she did not attend the camp herself, Patterson knows that as a self-proclaimed introvert, she would have greatly benefited from participating. Throughout her time leading the camp, she has watched countless students transform from nervous strangers to laughing, eating and doing just about everything together by the end of their time on the grounds.

Contributing to these close bonds is a friendly competition between campers that are divided into two groups, the Caddos and the Ravens. Representing the Native American group that previously had a community established on the grounds are the Caddos, while the Ravens reflect Sam Houston’s legacy with the Cherokee, who bestowed the Cherokee name Colonneh to Houston. As the two teams compete in activities like the high and low element challenge course, relay games and other team-building activities, students find friends in and out of their teams.

“Those friendships and sense of community are so important because starting college is a big transition. Seeing students realize they already have people in their corner before classes even begin is one of the most powerful outcomes of Bearkat Camp,” Patterson said.

And for those like Patterson who may be a bit hesitant to put themselves out there, the camp’s staff and counselors are ready to support and encourage them. The counselors are often students who attended camp in the past and are thrilled to welcome their underclassmen to the Bearkat community. Utilizing Patterson’s attention to these students who may not have made a connection on that first day or are sitting alone, the counselors and staff offer a helping hand.

For the camp director, the challenge of adapting to each student’s individual needs is a welcome one that makes the job ever more fulfilling. Patterson and her team look for opportunities to connect the young scholars with peers who share similar interests or experiences, fostering belonging before the first class day.

“Everything that's fun and meaningful about the college experience happens through friendships and community, but finding those connections in a new environment can be difficult,” she said. “Through Bearkat Camp, students arrive as strangers and leave with friendships, a sense of belonging and the confidence of knowing they already have a community waiting for them at SHSU. That foundation can make all the difference in helping students feel at home and succeed during their college journey.”

That difference has data to back it up. Since its inception in 2009, the camp has served as a key tool for student retention, with students who attend camp retaining at eight percentage points higher than those who do not attend, which Chris Malen, director of SHSU Campus Recreation and Recreational Sports, attributes to the bonds they form. According to Malen and Patterson, the key to success at camp is to be brave, say yes and be open to new experiences.

2026 Bearkat Camp sessions are on the horizon, with the first session starting on July 21. The cost of attendance is $125, which covers meals, lodging, a camp t-shirt and programming. For more information, visit the Bearkat Camp website. 

Register for camp through this link while there are still spots available.