Dawg Camp
What is Dawg Camp?
Dawg Camp is an extended orientation program designed to assist students with their transition into the University of Georgia community. These programs allow participants to meet other incoming students and connect with current campus leaders in the spirit of UGA’s history and traditions over the course of multiple days. Dawg Camp provides a foundation for a successful college experience by exposing participants to student life, exploring common transition topics, and engaging in fun and dynamic activities. This is also an opportunity to develop close friendships and meaningful skills to thrive in the first year of college.
Each camp has a specific focus - service, Athens-immersion, adventure, and leadership - that allows students to get the most out of their Dawg Camp experience!
Dawg Camp registration portals are now closed for Summer 2016!
Portals for Summer 2017 will open in December!
If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to e-mail us at dawgcamp@uga.edu.
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Dawg Camp Classic City
Dawg Camp Classic City is open to 10 incoming students per session. This program provides campers with the opportunity to partake in community service projects throughout Athens-Clarke County while gaining a unique understanding and appreciation for “The Classic City.” Throughout the week, participants explore campus and beyond to learn about their new home through a service-based lens.
Click here to see more information about this program, pricing, and a sample schedule!
Dawg Camp Fusion
Dawg Camp Fusion is a weeklong Athens immersion program for 12 incoming first-year students that offers a unique understanding of the Classic City and what makes it “home” for students beyond the UGA campus. Throughout the week, students are exposed to Athens by eating at local restaurants, exploring the thriving art scene, and touring local music venues as a way to learn about the city's rich culture. Participants also get the unique opportunity to meeting and network with local UGA alumni to learn more about their experiences and why they love UGA!
Click here to see more information about this program, pricing, and a sample schedule!
Dawg Camp Adventure
Dawg Camp Adventure is an outdoors, wilderness-based program open to 16 incoming first-year students per session. In partnership with the Georgia Outdoor Recreation Program and UGA Recreational Sports, Adventure gives participants the opportunity to camp and explore the North Carolina mountains while making connections with other participants and learning more about UGA in the great outdoors!
Click here to see more information about this program, pricing, and a sample schedule!
Dawg Camp Discovery
Dawg Camp Discovery is a three-day retreat open to 250 incoming students that focuses on the first-year experience, campus involvement, leadership, school spirit and traditions. Throughout the experience, participants learn more about themselves and build a sense of community among their peers. Participants also discover how to find their place at UGA based on their unique strengths, personality and skills.
Click here to see more information about this program, pricing, and a sample schedule!
Get Connected at UGA!
Dawg Camp is one of the best ways that an incoming student can get immersed into the UGA community, but we are not the only great resource for first year students! Check out other ways to get connected at UGA!UGA Dawg Camp
Contact Information
E-mail: dawgcamp@uga.edu
Phone: 706-583-0830
Twitter: @UGADawgCamp
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there something for me?
Yes! There is something for every new University of Georgia student – service, outdoor adventures, Athens immersion, school spirit/traditions – each program is designed for different interests!
Is Dawg Camp a summer-long commitment?
Dawg Camp programs run through the months of June and July with different programs taking place at different times. Discovery, our shortest camp, takes place during the last weekend of July; whereas, Fusion, Adventure and Classic City last from five to six days.
What is the difference between each camp?
Each Dawg Camp program speaks to various interests, which results in different program focuses. Adventure, Fusion and Classic City focus on the outdoors, Athenian culture, and community service in the Athens-Clarke country area, respectively. These camps run throughout the summer for five to six days and accommodate 10-15 students per session. Our last program of the summer, Discovery, caters to 250 students and focuses on building leadership skills, promoting campus and community involvement, fostering long-lasting friendships, and learning the history and traditions of the university. While each camp caters to different interests they are all built to ensure students walk away prepared, confident, and equipped to start their new adventure on the right foot.
Can I participate in more than one program?
Yes! All four programs are exciting and unique, so participate in as many as you would like!
When can I sign up and what is the deadlines?
Registration portals open on January 11, 2016! Registration deadlines are a week prior to the start of each program. This allow our staff enough time to prepare materials.
Will I receive a registration confirmation e-mail immediately?
An e-mail from the UGA Marketplace will be sent to you immediately as a receipt for your purchase. Each week, Dawg Camp will get a report of those who have registered and send them a confirmation e-mail with more information. If you have not yet received one and you registered less than a week ago, you should be receiving it soon!
Where do these programs take place?
Dawg Camp Classic City & Fusion takes place in Athens with students staying on campus. Dawg Camp Discovery takes places in Covington, GA at the FFA Retreat Center. Dawg Camp Adventure takes place in North Carolina. All check-in processes begin in Athens,GA for those programs that go off-campus!
Will I be allowed to visit with friends or relatives who live near my program location?
We do not allow students to meet with friends or family while they are immersed in a Dawg Camp program.
Why are the prices different and what do they include?
Since no two camps are alike, lodging, meals and activities vary for each and is reflected in the price. The price of each camp includes lodging, transportation during the program, meals, activities, and a t-shirt.
How will I know what to bring and when/where to be dropped off for each program?
An e-mail with all of these details will be sent to all participants two week prior to the start of their program. If you need that information in advance for some reason, e-mail dawgcamp@uga.edu.
What are the housing accommodations at Dawg Camp?
Dawg Camp Classic City and Fusion participants are housed in UGA residence halls located on campus. Dawg Camp Adventure participants stay outdoors in tents during their time in North Carolina. Dawg Camp Discovery participants stay in large, camp-style cabins with bunk beds. If you need any special accommodations (including gender inclusive housing options), feel free to contact us at dawgcamp@uga.edu.
How is Dawg Camp different than orientation?
At UGA Orientation, students have the opportunity to see campus, go through academic advising, select courses, and gain exposure to departments and student support resources at the institution. Dawg Camp focuses on the next step - the transition from high school to college.
Dawg Camp gives participants the opportunity to expand on the knowledge learned at orientation while being exposed to student life and UGA traditions, exploring common transition topics, and participating in fun and dynamic activities. Our programs allow incoming students to learn about more about what UGA has to offer and form closer bonds with their peers in a more casual environment.
Dawg Camp also provides the opportunity for participants to be mentored by Dawg Camp Counselors – UGA upperclassmen involved in many areas of campus that are trained and eager to help new students find their place at UGA and thrive in their first year and beyond.
What if my orientation session is after Dawg Camp?
Feel free to sign up and join us anyway! Participants do not need to attend orientation before attending Dawg Camp.
What if my desired Dawg Camp program and available orientation sessions conflict?
Dawg Camp operates in partnership with UGA Admissions. If there is a scheduling conflict with orientation that doesn’t allow a student to attend Dawg Camp, contact us at dawgcamp@uga.edu to discuss possible accommodations.
Should my family come?
The Dawg Camp program is for students only.
Are there scholarships available to cover the registration price for Dawg Camp?
Full and partial scholarships are available to attend Dawg Camp and are based on demonstrated financial need. For more information, contact Jen Rentschler at 706-583-0830.
What is the refund policy?
A $75 refund will be given to those who request it at least two weeks prior to the start of their original Dawg Camp program. Dawg Camp Adventure is the only program with a different refund policy. To view that policy, click here and look for Dawg Camp Adventure in the event filter.
As of 7/15/2016, our refund period has concluded for our summer 2016 camps.
Can I come to Dawg Camp after my first year instead of now?
Dawg Camp is a once in a lifetime opportunity only for incoming students to the University of Georgia. This means that the only chance students have to participate in this tradition is prior to the start of their first semester at UGA.
Can I attend Dawg Camp if I am a spring admit student?
Yes, all students admitted for the next academic year can attend Dawg Camp in the summer (e.g. if you are admitted for spring 2017 instead of fall 2016, you can come to Dawg Camp in the summer of 2016).
PLEASE NOTE: If you are a student with a disability which may need accommodation to participate in our program, please directly contact the Disability Resource Center (705-542-8719) for an evaluation of your needs.