Featured | StudentsAugust 18, 2025

Cub Camp: A UAFS Tradition

Written By: Ian Silvester

Nearly half of the record-breaking 880 students living on the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith campus moved in on Wednesday (Aug. 13), marking the unofficial start to the three-day annual event known as Cub Camp. 

This year’s Cub Camp was the second of a new and improved slate of events under the direction of Maggie Heppner, featuring events like the Cub Camp Cup, Spirit Stick, and traditions like the color war and showcase. 

Maggie, a senior media communication major, led her second and last Cub Camp as director, welcoming new students to UAFS. 

“I’m leaving this position no longer insecure and shy, but as a self-assured, well-connected, and compassionate leader,” Maggie said. “To say this experience has changed me is an understatement. While I’m sad to leave it behind, I’m excited to make way for a new director who will get to find their purpose here at UAFS and experience the same mentorship and leadership as I did.” 

With Wednesday’s move-in complete, students began meeting in the RAWC Thursday for dancing, games, and powerful advice from Chancellor Dr. Terisa Riley before the camps broke into individual groups. During the small group activities, students got to know their fellow campers, explored the campus, and formed new relationships designed for a successful start to the year. 

The next two days featured rounds of capture the flag, a color war and a hypnotist. Activities were capped off with the camp showcase competition. 

But that wasn’t all. 

The last night of Cub Camp, Saturday, concluded with a moment of reflection: the annual candlelight ceremony at the Bell Tower. Sentiments were shared, a few tears shed, and the symbolic light of turning UAFS Cubs into UAFS Lions was lit. 

“One of the things that sticks out most is having this tight-knit community,” said Jaydy Najera, a first-year student majoring in nursing. “These are lifelong friends.” 

Fellow incoming geoscience major Jamari “Jay” Smith said the campus and the camp made him feel like he was home. 

“Getting to meet new people and stepping outside my comfort zone for once, honestly, it feels like I didn’t just get a new home, but a new family,” Smith said. 

During the ceremony, Dr. Dave Stevens, dean of students, recognized two individuals for this year’s Cub Camp Alumni Hall of Fame: Trenton Thompson and Chris Cardenas. Thompson, class of 2014, was dedicated to Cub Camp during his time as a student leader and “really lived and breathed Cub Camp,” Stevens said. 

Cardenas’ announcement was a surprise. He was recognized for his efforts as a member of the C-Staff, working behind the scenes to make Cub Camp possible. 

The second Cub Camp Cup was awarded to Blue Camp. 

“Cub Camp is the first tradition,” Devin Truong, Blue Camp counselor and sophomore computer science major. “It’s the friends and relationships that you build here. … Being a counselor and seeing the freshmen grow out of their shell and branch out, it’s an amazing thing to see and be part of.” 

With Cub Camp officially over, students prepared for the first day of classes on Monday (Aug. 18). 

• Tags:
• UAFS Tradition
• Move In
• New Student
• Cub Camp