NEW STUDENTS

Are you interested in jump-starting your college career at Texas A&M by sharing in exciting experiences with fellow new Aggies? Venture Camps are designed with you in mind. The Extended Orientation Team in the Department of Student Activities has partnered with other areas on campus to welcome freshmen and transfer students through these new opportunities. Check out the information below to find out how you can be a part of these thrilling new programs. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, email our Extended Orientation Team or call (979) 845-1133 for more information.

VENTURE CAMPS: BACKPACKING

Backpacking is an in-person, 8-day program led by trip leaders from Outdoor Adventures who will guide incoming Aggies through the beautiful Gila Wilderness in New Mexico. While exploring this beautiful terrain, students will learn about Aggie traditions, college life, and campus resources in a unique setting! Participants will participate in peer-led group discussions with current Texas A&M students about college and life at Texas A&M. No prior experience is required, but a can-do attitude is a valuable asset.

12 PARTICIPANTS

$350 PARTICIPANT FEE

AUGUST 1 -9, 2023

VENTURE CAMPS: PADDLING

Paddling is one of Texas A&M’s outdoor extended orientation experiences held in-person in Arkansas. Join us for a six-day paddling trip on the Buffalo River. Outdoor Adventures trip leaders will serve as your guides on the river each day. In the evening, students will gather to participate in small group activities and discussions about traditions, campus resources, and college life at Texas A&M led by current TAMU students. No prior paddling experience is required, but a willingness to be an active participant, as well as a team player, is very important.

July 11-16, 2023

$350 PARTICIPANT FEE

12 PARTICIPANTS

REGISTRATION

Ready to register? You are in the right place!! Registration will be opening in April. Check back here or follow us on Facebook for registration updates.

Venture Camp is looking forward to another great year of welcoming new students to Aggieland, and we are continually excited to partner with incoming Aggies as they transition to Texas A&M through outdoor experiences.

Scholarships are available to those who demonstrate financial need and will be able to apply at the end of the registration form online.

If you have specific questions about our programs and the experiences offered, you can request information here. NOTE: If you are under the age of 18 and attempting to register for Venture Camps, you will need to have a parent or legal guardian complete the registration process on your behalf. This involves the parent or legal guardian creating their own account in their own name and then creating a sub-profile for you to register for Venture Camp.

Camp Registration will open soon.

PHOTO GALLERY

Check out some of the events, activities, and locations you’ll experience! as part of Venture Camp!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Check out our FAQ for more information about our Venture Camp programs!

How do I sign up?

Registration for Venture Camp programs will open in April. Participants will need to be admitted to Texas A&M as an entering freshman or undergraduate transfer student for the 2023 summer or fall semester. Check back here in early April for more information on how to register. NOTE: If you are under the age of 18 and attempting to register for Venture Camps, you will need to have a parent or legal guardian complete the registration process on your behalf. This involves the parent or legal guardian creating their own account in their own name and then creating a sub-profile for you to register for Venture Camp.

The registration fee for Venture Camp programs is $350 and covers all lodging, meals, transportation to/from Texas A&M’s campus in College Station, program materials, outdoor recreation equipment, fees for certified staff, and access to activity sites.

The full registration fee must be received to confirm your spot in the program you select. All registration fees must be received by the registration deadline. Payment may be made using a credit or debit card or electronic check.

The Texas A&M Department of Student Activities must pay a variety of charges to its partner institutions to hold and secure places, equipment, and transportation services for Venture Camp students. Some program expenses are incurred well before the program begins based on the number of students who sign up. Therefore, it is not possible for payments to be refunded in full if a student chooses to withdraw from the program. The refund policies are:

  • Any student who withdraws from the Venture Camp program must notify the Venture Camp Staff in writing by emailing Dalton Jones at djones@stuact.tamu.edu.
  • 30 days or more prior to camp program start date – 90% refund – $198.00
  • 29-15 days prior to camp program start date – 50% refund – $110.00
  • 14-7 days prior to camp program start date – 25% refund – $55.00
  • 7 days or less to camp program start date – 0% refund – $0.00

Please keep in mind that refund amounts are based on date of cancellation in relation to the program start date and not in relation to your registration date. To officially withdraw from the program or for questions about cancellations or refunds, please contact Dalton Jones at djones@stuact.tamu.edu.

During the registration process there will be an opportunity to apply for a full or partial scholarship to assist with Venture Camp program registration costs. We are grateful to generous donors who have contributed to allow us to offer a small number of scholarships to participants each year. Individuals who apply for a scholarship will be notified in mid-June about the outcome of their scholarship application.

Check-in and Check-out for both programs will be held on the Texas A&M main campus in College Station. During the program, participants will travel to the Buffalo River in Arkansas or the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico where the programs will take place. During each trip, participants will camp in tents along the trail or river.

Unfortunately, no. These programs occur at various locations, and participants are only able to check-in for the program on the first day and check-out of the program on the last day. Anyone who is not available for check-in on the first day will not be able to join the program later. Additionally, participants will not return to College Station until the last day, so leaving early is also not an option. Participants will not have access to their personal vehicles throughout the duration of the program. Please be sure your schedule can accommodate the full program schedule before you register.

We are able to provide meal options for most any need during our programs; however, it is very important that you inform us of these needs prior to camp during the registration process so that we can be prepared. Most food supplies and meals will be purchased and packed prior to the program’s start date.