Cub Camp Welcomes Incoming Students to UAFS

Written By: Ian Silvester

First-year students attending Cub Camp flocked to the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith for the annual event, which aimed to welcome them to campus, help them make connections, and start the semester off on the right foot. 

Often called the first tradition at UAFS, Cub Camp brings together hundreds of students for a three-day program where students can feel comfortable being themselves, said Cub Camp Director Kylie Becker, a senior psychology major. She noted her own experience attending was a way to connect with others who may feel apprehensive about coming out of their shell. 

“I came in extremely shy as a freshman, and Cub Camp truly broke me out of my shell and gave me opportunities that I never, ever would have expected,” Kylie explained. “It has made my college experience more than I ever could imagine, and I’m so thankful and in debt to the program. … When I first got here, I didn’t want to be involved in anything on campus, but I gave Cub Camp a chance, and it completely changed my mindset on everything.” 

This was Kylie’s fourth Cub Camp, first as a student, then as a counselor before joining the D-Staff last year and being named this year’s director. With her years of experience and watching things with Cub Camp grow and evolve, Kylie shook things up to help students who may have felt like her leading into camp for a more inclusive Cub Camp than ever before. 

“We replaced capture the flag with what we’re calling The Ocho Games,” she said, as an homage to the fan-favorite series on ESPN. “We had eSports games (Rocket League and Mario Kart), card games, partial physical games like ping pong and cornhole, and full physical games like a basketball tournament and pickleball. … It was a lot going on at once, but this way we were able to cater to each different personality.” 

Staples like Color War, Showcase, Roll Call, camp relays, the Spirit Stick, and Cub Camp Cup returned, but with more emphasis on positivity, encouragement, and interaction with other camps, not just the one students were assigned to. 

“I’m a very quiet person, so this was uncomfortable at first, but I have really grown and made a ton of new friends from my camp color and other camps,” said Releigh Burris of Alma. “It’s been one of the best things that has gotten me ready for the school year.”

Kylie said Cub Camp highlights UAFS’ main priority for students, “making campers feel welcome, included, at home, and giving them an opportunity to make memories and start their college career off in a great way.” 

Like Releigh, Matthew Ortiz of Fort Smith said Cub Camp left him feeling ready and more prepared for when classes begin. He was excited about how many people he met and called Cub Camp an enjoyable experience. 

Cub Camp concluded with the highly anticipated candlelight ceremony at the UAFS Bell Tower. The ceremony is a time for reflection and recognition of the work that led up to Cub Camp and the effort poured into the three days by campers, counselors, and D-Staff alike. 

“I hope everyone feels proud of themselves for what they’ve accomplished this week,” Kylie said.  

Matthew noted feeling apprehensive about joining in with his fellow campers in Gray Camp, but by the second day, he said he was all in on the experience. 

“People were doing things and enjoying it, and it seemed like fun. I wanted to have some fun,” Matthew said. “I started joining, and ever since, I realized how much of a nice community UAFS really is, especially with Cub Camp.” 

Matthew said the UAFS staff behind Cub Camp, Stephany Dobbins, new student and family programs coordinator, and Dr. Dave Stevens, dean of students, went out of their way to ensure he was able to have an enjoyable and stress-free experience. 

“I was having financial issues, and I asked if they could help,” he said. “They (Dobbins and Stevens) want you to join. I didn’t have to pay; I didn’t have to worry about the payment and could focus on my tuition.” 

The candlelight ceremony concluded with the announcement of the winning team, Pink Camp, which was awarded the third Cub Camp Cup. 

• Tags:
• UAFS Traditions
• Cub Camp