Camp Redhawk has become a summer tradition that offers incoming freshmen a transformative, four-day experience, introducing them to campus life, engaging in many activities and creating connections.

According to SEMO’s website, Camp Redhawk will take place in three different sessions this summer. These sessions will occur from late June to the end of July.

Sophomore Musical Theater major Ava Barker says that she first heard of Camp Redhawk at freshman orientation, which led to her attending the camp.

“When I first came in as a freshman for orientation, they promoted Camp Redhawk a lot,” Barker said. It looked like a lot of fun, so I decided to sign up to get accustomed before I came into school.”

Not only can incoming freshmen attend the camp, but Camp Redhawk also offers the chance for current students to work as Nest Leaders (camp counselors.) The counselors' primary job is to mentor and guide the campers through the week.

Junior Dance and Exercise Science major Jaclyn Sexauer took on the role of nest leader this past summer. According to Sexauer, there is a selective application and interview process that all interested counselors have to go through.

“There was an application process that asked questions like ‘why you want to be a nest leader’ and different situational questions,” Sexauer said. “From that they interviewed everybody and narrowed it down from there.”

Sexauer said that one of the most rewarding parts of being a counselor was seeing her campers in the fall as SEMO students.

“I know I saw a handful of students one time showing campus around to a student I did not recognize as a camper,” Sexauer said. “So I thought it was really cool to see them take on a leadership role on their own once they got here.”

Camp Redhawk offers students the chance to get affiliated with campus and the tools available to help them as a student in the fall. There are also other bonding activities throughout the week, such as the Challenge Course which is an outdoor obstacle course and zip lining.

One of Barker’s favorite activities during the week was a scavenger hunt around the Cape Girardeau area.

“One of my favorite parts is definitely the day that we went and took pictures and had a scavenger hunt around the Cape area,” Barker said. “I had never really been to Cape before, so it was a really good way to see some of the restaurants and places to hang out before coming here.”

SEMO’s website states that the cost to attend Camp Redhawk is $200 after registering. The fee is payable by check or online.

According to Director of New Student Programs Katie Krodinger the cost is reviewed every year. The goal is to make the cost as low as possible while still funding all the necessities.

“The cost being $200 is inclusive so it covers the students' stay, all activities, meals and the shirts,” Krodinger said.

Krodinger also added that there are limited scholarship assistance opportunities for Camp Redhawk.

“We like to keep that cost as low as possible so the vast majority of students can afford to attend,” Krodinger said. “We do have a limited scholarship assistance available for those that the cost is still a burden.”

Barker said that she recommends new incoming SEMO students who are considering Camp Redhawk to attend.

“If it’s something that you can do I think it is super worth it,” Barker said. “It was a really great way to meet new people, especially outside of my major. It was a really great way to already know some familiar faces coming in.”