Frog Camp Information for TCU Faculty/Staff Partners

What is Frog Camp and how do I fit in?

Frog Camp is a three-day, off-campus, team-building retreat designed to help incoming students learn about TCU-- its history, traditions and spirit-- and to create friendships with faculty and staff, upperclass student leaders, alumni, and each other.

Participating Faculty/Staff Partners are invited to join a "Frog Group" composed of approximately twelve incoming students and two trained student facilitators.  The student facilitators lead the Frog Camp activities.  The faculty/staff partners participate as group members, community resources, role models, and friends.

Why should I volunteer at Frog Camp?

Many Faculty/Staff Partners have found Frog Camp to be a powerfully positive experience that connects them to students and each other in meaningful ways. 

It is our belief that faculty and staff participation greatly adds to the transition experience for new students, and helps them build significant relationships with members of the TCU community.

Specific activities help students transition from high school to college, address topics from diversity to academic excellence, and introduce our newest Horned Frogs to the meaning behind the Mission of the University.

If I agree to participate at Frog Camp, what is my commitment?

To help new students feel included in the TCU community

To work cooperatively with your student facilitators

Attendance at the Frog Camp session (or sessions) to which you have committed.  All Frog Camps are off-campus this summer and will involve sleeping away from home for the duration of the experience.

Uphold the TCU Mission Statement and abide by all Frog Camp rules and regulations

Help your student leaders plan at least one reunion for your Frog Group members (Attendance at the reunion is strongly encouraged, but not required.)

What is the cost to attend Frog Camp?

The camp fees for Faculty and Staff Partners are paid by the Frog Camp Program in exchange for your participation at camp.  The involvement of Faculty and Staff Partners is crucial to the success of the program, and we consider it a great honor that you are willing to spend your valuable time with students.

Do I need to be athletic or physically "in shape" to volunteer at Frog Camp?

Absolutely not.  None of the activities require any significant level of strength or athleticism.  Success is about communication, teamwork, and cooperation.  The only requirement is a positive attitude and a sense of humor.  All activities at Frog Camp are "challenge by choice," which means you can always choose not to participate in any activity.

Do I sleep in a cabin with students? 

No.   Faculty/Staff Partners are assigned to cabins or hotel rooms with other adults.  We let the student staff stay up with the campers!

What are the facilities like?

All cabins are air-conditioned and have hot and cold running water, showers, etc.  Meals are served in a camp dining hall.  The food is camp food-- nutritious and edible, but don't expect epicurean delights.  Think in terms of "summer camp" and you will not be disappointed.

What are the different camps like?

Casa Nueva:  Casa Nueva (which means "new home" in Spanish) is a camp designed to introduce students to Fort Worth and all it has to offer.  During this three-day camp, you will stay with your at a hotel conference center and explore the cultural, athletic, and historic high points of Fort Worth, "where the West begins!"  You may visit museums and the Stockyards, attend a play, or watch a major league baseball game.

Challenge:  Prepare to have a great time as your group works together on a team-building challenge course, relaxes by the pool, or plays sand volleyball.  During free time you might roast marshmallows, ascend the largest climbing tower in Texas or take a break from dancing at the luau to gaze at the stars through one of TCU's most powerful telescopes.  Prepare for an exciting experience at Challenge.  This camp takes place in Bruceville, Texas, south of Waco.

Quest:  At Quest you will divide your time between making the community better and jumping on giant trampolines on the camp's beautiful lake!  Camps at Quest work together on a community service project that might include building a Habitat for Humanity home, repainting houses for senior citizens, or serving meals at a homeless shelter.  Quest is a powerful experience that is hard to forget!  Quest takes place in a camp in Van, Texas.

Alpine: During this beautiful and rustic camp, you'll venture to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. You will stay in cabins, experience cold weather at night and have few modern conveniences. This five-day experience includes home-cooked meals in a warm hunting lodge, white water rafting, low and high element challenge courses, rock climbing, an adventure race, and close-knit friendships that can last throughout your college career.

Eco: Eco is a brand new Frog Camp, and we're excited about the chance to form a new TCU tradition. During Eco we'll explore the "responsible citizenship" and "global community" aspect of TCU's mission statement through the Eco Challenge, sustainability and leadership initiatives, service projects, and challenge course activities. This three-day camp will expose students to the potential they have as change agents and community leaders. Eco will take place outside of Dallas, Texas.

London: We will be partnering with the Honors Program for the first-ever international Frog Camp where students will get an in-depth look at TCU's role in the global community.

For more information about the specific camps, please visit the Frog Camp website.

When are the camps?

Challenge A: June 4-6

Eco: June 9-11

Casa Nueva A: June 19-21

Casa Nueva B: June 26-28

London: July 1-8

Alpine A: July 24-28

Alpine B: July 29-August 2

Challenge B: August 14-16

Casa Nueva C: August 16-18

Quest: August 19-21

How do I volunteer?

Registration for summer 2008 is here on this page.

What if I have other questions?

Carrie Zimmerman or John-Mark Day, First Year Experience staff members, can be reached at 817-257-7855.  Comments and questions submitted with your volunteer registration will go directly to their attention.

Interested?