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First Year Experience

Frog Camp immerses you in TCU history and traditions, helps you establish new friendships, and guides you in acquiring the skills you need to be successful in college.

A variety of activities like Challenge Course elements, Spirit Sessions, Frog Group discussions, and even  campfires (complete with marshmallows for s'mores!) ensure that you will have the know-how and friendships to make the most of your college years.

Unlike Orientation, Frog Camp is an optional program offered to introduce students to college life and relationships. Because each camp has limited space, early registration will help you ensure that you get the camp you want.

When you arrive at Frog Camp, you'll become part of a small "Frog Group" of no more than 15 students. Along with upper class students and a member of the faculty or staff, you and your Frog Group members will find out what it means to be Horned Frogs, and along the way, forge lasting bonds and friendships!

This year, a variety of camps will be offered. While each of the camps offers a different emphasis, all of the camps will give you the same set of core experiences. These common activities are what make Frog Camp a powerful event.

The camps differ in scheduled dates, where you will live during camp, and the type of challenge your Frog Group will face. Check out the camp descriptions below to find out more.

Pick the camp that fits your schedule and interests, and plan to have the time of your life!

Alpine A
June 30-July 4, 2005
Alpine B
July 5-9, 2005
Alpine C
July 30-August 3, 2005

$375 + cost of 
transportation to the Colorado Springs airport

Frog Camp Alpine

The warm lodge where you'll stay during Frog Camp Alpine serves as the backdrop for an adventurous trip into the mountains of Colorado. Prepare yourself for cold weather, few modern conveniences, and some awesome times!

From the base camp your group will embark on many fun and exciting activities. During your five-day experience, you will enjoy white water rafting, low and high team challenge courses, rock climbing and rappelling, and close knit friendships that can last throughout your college career.

Students need to arrive at the Colorado Springs Airport NO LATER THAN 2:00 PM on the first day of camp.

Departures from the Colorado Springs Airport on the last day of camp should be NO EARLIER  than 3:00 PM.

Frog Camp Casa Nueva

"Casa Nueva" means "new home" in Spanish, and at Frog Camp Casa Nueva, you'll learn what your new home - Fort Worth - has to offer!

During one of  these three-day Frog Camps, you'll stay with your new friends at a hotel conference center and explore the cultural, athletic, and historic high points of Fort Worth.  As part of Frog Camp Casa Nueva, you may visit museums, the world-famous Stockyards, a play, or even a major-league baseball game!  Also, Frog Groups will participate in a service project to support a community agency right in Fort Worth. Frog Camp Casa Nueva is an unforgettable introduction to your new home away from home!

Challenge A
June 2-4, 2005
Challenge B
August 16-18, 2005

$125
(Includes transportation 
to camp from TCU)

Check in: 1:30 pm at 
Daniel-Meyer Coliseum
Return:  5:00 pm at
Daniel-Meyer Coliseum

Frog Camp Challenge

The fun and tradition of Frog Camp all began at Frog Camp Challenge, and now you can be a part of it all as a new Horned Frog.

During your stay at this modern off-campus facility, your Frog Group will work together on a team building challenge course. As optional camp activities, you might relax by the pool, toast marshmallows at the campfire, play sand volleyball or frisbee golf, ascend the largest climbing tower in Texas, or take a break from dancing to gaze at the stars through one of the University's most powerful telescopes. If you accept Frog Camp Challenge, you'll discover why Frog Camp and TCU are both so special!

Frog Camp Quest

For a powerful experience helping others and making friends, choose Frog Camp Quest. This camp adds a unique twist to the Frog Camp experience by giving you and your new friends the opportunity to make a difference in the community through a community outreach program.

Frog Camp Quest is similar in many ways to Frog Camp Challenge...you'll be meeting new Horned Frogs, roasting marshmallows and staying up late hanging out. During the camp, your Frog Group will also head out to work on projects like building Habitat for Humanity homes, repainting homes for senior citizens, or serving meals at a homeless shelter. Frog Camp Quest will give you some unforgettable experiences!

How do I register for Frog Camp?

After you pay your TCU enrollment deposit, you may register on the web.   Because each camp has limited space, early registration will help ensure that you get the camp you want. You don't need to send any money at the time of your registration-- your account will be charged for the cost of camp.  (If you are ready to register for Frog Camp and Orientation, click here.)

How do I know what Frog Camp I will attend?

Confirmations will be given immediately when you register on line. 

How much does Frog Camp cost?

The University subsidizes all Frog Camps, but students pick up some related costs. The fee for each camp is listed above. A number of need-based scholarships are available, and you can receive an application by calling 817-257-7855. For every Frog Camp, your fee includes lodging, meals, activities and an official Frog Camp T-shirt and water bottle. The fee will be billed on your TCU student account, so you don't need to send any money at the time of your registration.

When do I arrive for my Frog Camp?

Although departure and arrival hours and subject to change-- and we'll notify you if they do-- the most current information about times will be posted on this website next to the description of the camp.

Why should I go to Frog Camp?

Unlike Orientation, Frog Camp is an optional experience that gives you the unique opportunity to get a head start on building relationships and adjusting to college life. No matter which Frog Camp you choose, you'll be placed in a Frog Group of no more than 15 students. You and your Frog Group will find out what it means to be Horned Frogs, and along the way, you'll forge lasting bonds and friendships!

How can my parents contact me in case of an emergency?

Social calls are not permitted to or from Frog Camp.  However, in the event of an emergency, your parents should call TCU Campus Police at any time of the day or night. The Campus Police can be reached at 817-257-7930 or 817-257-7777. They will have the appropriate information necessary to contact any of the Frog Camps.

What are the rules for Frog Camp?

Frog Camp is one of your first opportunities to make a good impression on current students, faculty, and staff, so we encourage you to behave like your reputation at TCU depends on it.  

Leave your cell phones and beepers at home or on campus.  Do not bring any alcohol or other drug products to Frog Camp (except prescriptions)!

What if I decide to cancel my Frog Camp?

Frog Camp registrants will be charged for camp unless cancellation is received in writing by us no later than 10 days prior to the scheduled camp.  You may mail or fax your cancellation.  Our fax number is 817-257-7285.  If you cancel within 10 days of the start of your camp, you will be charged for camp.

What should I pack for Frog Camp?

Here's the packing list for each of the Frog Camps.  Feel free to print this sheet out to help you get ready for the experience of a lifetime!

Please note that all items our expert Frog Camp packers consider "a must" are denoted by asterisks. Bring 'em...you'll need 'em!

Frog Camp Alpine

Picture ID for those traveling by air*
Insurance card/copy of Insurance card
Student/Participant Release and Medical Treatment Form*
Scenic River Tours release*
Adventure Experiences release*
Long and short-sleeve T-shirts &  sweatshirts
Long pants and shorts
Warm jacket, gloves and hat*
Toiletries, including towel and washcloth*
Flashlight and extra batteries*
Long and short underwear
Lightweight cotton and wool socks
2 pairs of comfortable shoes for outdoor  activities (One will get wet.)  Both pair should be closed-toed shoes
Swim suit and pool towel for hot tub and sweat lodge
WARM sleeping bag and pillow*
Camera & film
Insect repellent
Money for two fast-food meals, snacks, souvenirs, etc.
Water repellent jacket or rain suit for rafting trip - (Most people wear swimtrunks or swimsuit and shorts, and athletic sandals or tennis shoes. No flip flops are allowed on the rafting trip.   Neoprene rafting socks will be provided.)
Lotion, sunscreen, Chapstick, bandanas, sun glasses
Hat
Backpack (A small daypack is fine.)

Frog Camp Casa Nueva

Student/Participant Release and Medical Treatment Form*
Light, casual clothing for three days (Activities may include anything from sporting events to museum visits, but casual clothing is appropriate for all events.)
Comfortable walking shoes
Closed-toed shoes for community service
Swim suit and pool towel 
Toiletries
Camera & film
Sun screen and a cap
Personal spending money for one meal, snacks, souvenirs,  etc.

Frog Camp Challenge

Student/Participant Release and  Medical Treatment Form*
Light, casual summer clothing for  three days
Two pair of comfortable shoes - one will get wet
Single sheets, pillow, pillow case, and a light blanket, or sleeping bag*
Toiletries, including towel and washcloth*
Swim suit and pool towel
Sunscreen and cap*
Insect repellent
Flashlight
Camera & film
Change for the soft drink machine

Frog Camp Quest

Student/Participant Release and Medical Treatment Form*
Light, casual summer clothing for three days 
Pair of long pants (like jeans) & long-sleeved work shirt that you don't mind getting dirty
Hard-soled supportive shoes or boots (hiking boots are great!)
One pair of work gloves
Two pair of comfortable shoes - one will get wet
Swim suit and pool towel
Single sheets, pillow, pillow case, and a light blanket, or sleeping bag*
Sunscreen and cap*
Insect repellent
Toiletries, including towel and washcloth*
Flashlight
Camera & film
Change for the soft drink machine

This page updated 4/13/05