Nineteen incoming Lander University freshmen recently participated in Lander's extended orientation program designed to assist students in their transition into the Lander community.
The program, known as Bearcat Camp, gave students an extra three days of orientation programs, a chance to explore Lander's campus and the opportunity to make new acquaintances prior to the start of the fall 2021 semester.
Lander's Office of Student Activities paired enriching activities, such as t-shirt tie-dying, water game relays, and a campus-wide game of glow-in-the-dark capture the flag, along with breakout sessions to explore common topics about transitioning to college life.
Students were divided into "families" during their stay, and bonded over common interests while learning about the many resources available to Lander students, including the Academic Success Center, the PEES gym, the Writing Center, the Bearcat Lounge and the "Bearcade," Lander's state-of-the-art gaming lounge. Students also competed against other family groups while learning Lander cheers, working through leadership exercises and exploring Lander's campus. Family groups competed for the coveted "Golden Plunger," in addition to other spirit awards.
"Our goal for Orientation is that incoming students make connections and start to build their Lander network," said Emily Weeks, associate director of Student Life at Lander. "Our goal for Bearcat Camp is that students form bonds that helps Lander feel like their home away from home before their first day of classes. Bearcat Camp is valuable for students because they get to make friends and learn about their campus in a fun and inclusive environment."
Registration for the July 22-24 session of Bearcat Camp is now open. For registration information, or to learn more about Bearcat Camp and Lander University's Orientation programs, visit www.lander.edu/orientation.