Dawg Camp
What is Dawg Camp?
Dawg Camp is a nationally renowned 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 that allows students to get the most out of their Dawg Camp experience!
Registration for all summer programs are now open!
If you have any questions, check out the information guides below, our FAQ in the sidebar, or e-mail us at dawgcamp@uga.edu.
Be sure to connect with us on social media:
Facebook I Twitter I Instagram
Dawg Camp Discovery
July 26-28, 2019 (CLOSED)
If you are interested in attending Dawg Camp Discovery, please email Kaitlyn Shepard (kshepard@uga.edu) to see if space is available.
Dawg Camp Discovery is a three day retreat open to 250 incoming first year students that is centered on UGA spirit and traditions, campus involvement, leadership, and navigating the first year transition. Throughout the experience, participants discover more about themselves and find their place at UGA based on their unique strengths, personality and skills. Participants will also get to build a strong sense of community among their peers through elements of friendly competition and will be able to go into the first semester with a better understanding of what it really means to be a Georgia Bulldog!
Click here to learn more about this program, pricing, and a sample schedule!
Dawg Camp Classic City:
Session #1 - June 4-8, 2019 (FULL)
Session #2 - June 11-15, 2019 (FULL)
Dawg Camp Classic City is open to 15 incoming first year students per session. This program provides participants with the opportunity to partake in community service projects throughout Athens-Clarke County while gaining a deeper understanding service work 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 learn more about this program, pricing, and a sample schedule!
Dawg Camp Fusion
June 18-22, 2019 (FULL)
Dawg Camp Fusion is a weeklong Athens-immersion program for 15 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 learn more about this program, pricing, and a sample schedule!
Dawg Camp Connect
July 10-13, 2019 (CLOSED)
Dawg Camp Connect is a dynamic program built specifically for up to 15 transfer students to help adjust seamlessly into their new university home. As implied by the name, participants will have opportunities to connect with UGA, connect with Athens, connect with valuable campus resources, and, most importantly, connect with one another in a meaningful way in order to enhance their networks on campus and their transition to the Bulldog family before classes start in the fall. Next stop… UGA!
Click here to learn more about this program, pricing, and a sample schedule!
Dawg Camp Adventure
Session #1 - July 9-14, 2019 (FULL)
Session #2 - July 16-21, 2019 (CLOSED)
Dawg Camp Adventure is an outdoors, wilderness-based program open to 16 incoming first year students per session. With the North Carolina mountains as a backdrop, this program gives participants the opportunity to explore the great outdoors through camping, hiking, canoeing, and other outdoor recreation activities. Throughout the camp, participants have a change to learn more about themselves, form strong bonds with their peers, and learn more about life at UGA! Participants will also learn how to get plugged into similar experiences once they are on campus!
Click here to learn more about this program, pricing, and a sample schedule!
NOTE: When in the registration portal, use to drop down menu to select "Summer 2019" to view this program!
Dawg Camp Innovate
Aug 5-9, 2019 (FULL)
Dawg Camp Innovate is a weeklong Athens-immersion program for 20 incoming first year students that offers a unique opportunity to launch new ideas and think beyond convention. New students will participate in projects alongside Athens non-profits, explore innovation, and build relationships with local entrepreneurial leaders. While learning about their new home in the Classic City, Dawg Camp Innovate participants develop valuable leadership skills, explore UGA's involvement opportunities, and build a sense of community.
Click here to learn more about this program, pricing, and a sample schedule!
Meet our 2019 Dawg Camp Staff!
Each year, Dawg Camp selects a dynamic and diverse team composed of some of the best and brightest students at the institution to serve as Dawg Camp Counselors! Each Dawg Camp program has its own set of Counselors who are excited to meet the incoming class!At Discovery, Counselor pairs are split into three color groups (Red, Black, and Silver). At our other programs, each session has one pair of Counselors who then come back to assist with Discovery logistics. Once school begins in the fall, these Counselors then transition to being personal Peer Mentors.
To learn more about our #DC19 Staff, check us out on Instagram (@dawgcamp).
Feel free to ask any #DC19 Staff Member about their experience! We hope to see you apply for #DC20 Staff!
UGA Dawg Camp
Contact Information
E-mail: dawgcamp@uga.edu
Phone: 706-583-0830
Twitter: @UGADawgCamp
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you actually camp at "Dawg Camp?"
Depsite the name, Dawg Camp is simply the name of this transition program! Unless you attend Dawg Camp Adventure, you will not be camping outside, rather you are in a residence hall or a retreat site cabin with full amenities.
Is there something for me?
Yes! There is something for every new University of Georgia student – service, outdoor adventures, Athens immersion, transfer student, 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, Connect, Fusion, Adventure and Classic City last from four 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, Innovate and Classic City focus on the outdoors, Athenian culture, innovation, and community service in the Athens-Clarke country area, respectively. Connect is for our new transfer students and combines elements of other programs, but has transfer-specific information and programming. These camps run throughout the summer for four to six days and accommodate 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 programs are exciting and unique, so participate in as many as you would like! We recommend that transfer students only attend Dawg Camp Connect because the activities and curriculum are designed specially for them!
When can I sign up and what is the deadlines?
Registration for Summer 2019 programs is now open! Registration deadlines are approximately two weeks prior to the start of each program. This allows our staff enough time to prepare materials.
Will I receive a registration confirmation e-mail?
An e-mail from the UGA Marketplace will be sent to you immediately as a receipt for your purchase and give follow up information on each camp for you to take note of until it gets closer to your program date! About two weeks out, you will receive more detailed information to help you plan for your trip.
Where do these programs take place?
Dawg Camp Classic City, Innovate, Connect, & Fusion take place in Athens with students staying on campus. Dawg Camp Discovery takes places in Covington, GA at the Georgia FFA/FCCLA Center. Dawg Camp Adventure takes place in North Carolina. All check-in processes begin in Athens, GA for those programs that go off-campus! Dawg Camp Rise begins and ends in Athens, GA, however students will travel to the Georgia FFA/FCCLA Center in Covington, GA for part of the week.
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, Connect, Innovate, 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. Dawg Camp Rise participants are housing in UGA residence halls while in Athens, GA and camp-style cabins with bunk beds while in Covington, GA. If you need any special accommodations, 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/New Student Orientation. 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.
What if the Dawg Camp I want to go to is full?
Once a program is full, we will replace the registration link with a Waitlist link! Simply fill out the form and if a spot opens up, we will contact individuals in the order in which they completed the form.
Should my family come?
The Dawg Camp program is for students only.
Are there scholarships available to cover the registration price for Dawg Camp?
Yes! Scholarships (or fee waivers) are based on a completed scholarship application and demonstrated financial need. Dawg Camp Scholarship Application can be found by clicking here. Application review will begin on Friday, May 17, 2019 and will continue until all scholarship funds have been awarded, we recommend completing the scholarship form prior to the May 17 priority deadline. If you have a concern about your ability to afford a Dawg Camp program, please email us at dawgcamp@uga.edu.
What is the refund policy?
A 50% refund will be given to those who request it at least two weeks prior to the start of their original Dawg Camp program (the exact date is on your respective registration form). No refunds will be given for cancellations made after the registration deadline as program materials have already been purchased and reservations have been solidified.
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 2020 instead of fall 2019, you can come to Dawg Camp in the summer of 2019).
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.