Bear Down Camp is a five-day camp for freshmen hosted by the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, the student government on campus. BDC gives incoming freshmen the opportunity to learn about the heritage, traditions, and history of the UA. Campers are also taught about things to do on and off campus, how to get involved, and gain information vital to a successful first year at the university. The workshops provided at camp teach students about the plethora of clubs and organizations on campus as well as where to go and who to talk to for help. Furthermore, campers are given the opportunity to become familiar with the university and its prestigious facilities before stepping foot in a classroom.
Through Bear Down Camp, campers will have the opportunity to meet students before the first week of school, giving them a strong network of peers to kick start their college careers. One student wrote, "I gained a group of close friends with which to start school and a familiarity with the school's songs and traditions that I would never have [obtained] otherwise. Essentially, I got the perfect preparation for starting college in a new state.”
Bear Down Camp is a wonderful and unique experience for freshmen at the University of Arizona. Campers can currently be seen throughout the UA community and are truly making a difference on and off campus because of the techniques and friendships that were made during BDC. One camper comments on receiving "friends and memories that will last a lifetime. Bear Down Camp helped me break out of my 'bubble' and get connected with campus life through amazing school pride and spirit”
Our Mission
The mission of ASUA’s Bear Down Camp is to provide a supplemental and integrative introduction to the University of Arizona for incoming freshmen students in order to improve their connection, retention, and overall success. BDC provides necessary tools while also supplying students with an opportunity to cultivate valuable relationships with fellow Wildcats and faculty early on during their college careers.
Core Objectives and Values
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INTEGRATION & TRANSITION: Bear Down Camp strives to help incoming students transition from high school to college by educating Gatitos on how to succeed in both a social and academic collegiate environment.
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CONTINUITY: Bear Down Camp provides a support system for all their campers, as well as a network of mentors and friendships they can turn to for the duration of their college careers.
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PRIDE & TRADITION: Bear Down Camp is built on the foundation of pride and tradition. We teach important aspects of our heritage and traditions as a University.
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INVOLVEMENT: Bear Down Camp believes involvement is the key to success at the university level, providing Gatitos with ways to get involved and excel in their field regardless of their interests.
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EXCELLENCE & SUCCESS: Bear Down Camp is committed to giving every student the necessary tools for their road to success. The goal is to answer every question before setting foot in a classroom.
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UNITY & INCLUSION: Bear Down Camp creates a sense of community at camp with the idea that no matter the individual, everyone is a Wildcat and has a place on campus.