Registration now open for Camp Cowboy at OSU

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Incoming Oklahoma State University students have the opportunity to register to be a part of a storied university tradition as a Camp Cowboy participant.  In its 17th year, Camp Cowboy prepares new students for their lives as OSU Cowboys in a fun setting that includes a ropes course, zip lining, swimming and much more. This year’s camps begin June 5 and continue through August 9. 

Camp Cowboy offers students a chance to learn OSU traditions and create bonds with their new Cowboy family. This year, students can choose one of nine camps, including two new camp options that are held during fall semester enrollment. For the first time, New Student Orientation at OSU is partnering with Camp Cowboy to provide the two additional camps that include tours of the athletic facilities as well as onsite class enrollment. Unlike the weekend camp sessions, these two camps will be held Sunday through Tuesday and allow Camp Cowboy to double its capacity.

An August camp has also been added this year, providing more flexibility for participants, and offering international students the opportunity to attend without affecting their student visa traveling dates. Registration is for each camp is $170 and is available online at campcowboy.okstate.edu/registration.  

Kent Sampson, Campus Life director and Camp Cowboy adviser, describes it as the perfect opportunity to start building college friendships. “Statistics show that Camp Cowboy can also help students prepare for a successful college career,” Sampson said. “On average, students who attended the camp have a .16 higher grade point and are also more likely to graduate. Additionally, freshman to sophomore retention is eight percent higher than for those who do not attend.” 

Camp Redlands, where Camp Cowboy is usually held, is receiving renovations this year, thanks to OSU President Burns Hargis and the President’s Partners. The upgrades include a campfire area with a new fire pit and seating for approximately 200 people, a new sound system, projectors, screens and Wi-Fi.

Camp Cowboy is a student-led experience, including four student directors and approximately 150 student wranglers and counselors, who are the energy behind the experience. Camp Cowboy offers incoming students the opportunity to learn the ways and culture of being an OSU Cowboy in a real-time camp setting. For more information about Camp Cowboy, visit campcowboy.okstate.edu.