Thank you for your interest in attending Bear Down Camp. As a camper, you’ll gain a head start in your Wildcat journey by building meaningful connections, learning about campus traditions, and discovering valuable resources to support your transition to college life.
Camp Dates: Sunday, August 17 – Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Early Move-In: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Registration for Bear Down Camp 2025 has not opened yet, but is scheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2025.
For any questions, please reach out to us at beardowncamp@arizona.edu.
Despite the name, Bear Down Camp is simply the name of this transition program! You will not be camping outside. However, camp is held on campus inside campus facilities.
Bear Down Camp will take place from Sunday, August 17th, to Wednesday, August 20th, with housing move-in scheduled for Saturday, August 16th. Please note that early move-in is not required to attend Bear Down Camp.
Our team is actively working to create a dynamic and informative schedule, which will be shared on our website and emailed to participants as soon as it is finalized. You can expect a balanced experience each day, featuring high-energy activities, engaging informational sessions, and meaningful learning opportunities.
Bear Down Camp is designed to be an inclusive and welcoming experience. All activities follow a "challenge by choice" philosophy, allowing you to participate at your own comfort level. Our dedicated camp counselors (Gatos) are here to support, guide, and encourage you to make the most of your camp experience!
Bear Down Camp registration will open on Sunday, May 4, 2025. A link will be provided on the Bear Down Camp homepage.
Bear Down Camp attendance cost for 2025 is $260. This fee will cover the camper's food for the duration of camp, camp shirts/merchandise, and all camp activities. There is an additional early move-in fee that will be a $30/day charge from Housing & Residential Life will be billed to your Bursar account. This is applicable from Sunday, August 17th - Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 and is separate from your registration payment.
All campers will receive an email confirming their spot in the program in addition to any missing or incorrect information that we may need but was not included upon initial registration. If you have registered for camp and have not received a confirmation email within 7-10 days, contact the administrative team immediately at beardowncamp@arizona.edu. Once registration has closed, weekly messages will go out to both campers and parents with information regarding camp.
Early move-in will have a $30/day charge from Housing & Residential Life billed to your Bursar account. This is applicable from Saturday, August 16th- Monday, August 18, 2025 and is separate from your registration payment. Check in for Bear Down Camp move-in is Saturday, Aug. 16th from 10-2PM. Students will move into their assigned dorm for the year at the time of move-in.
Early move-in is not required and is optional.
Campers still need to complete the online Housing process through the housing portal. As a BDC camper, you will see times on Saturday to select your move in time.
For questions about Move-In, please contact Housing at housing@arizona.edu, or (520) 621-6501, or visit www.housing.arizona.edu/movein.
For those living off-campus, you are responsible for your transportation to and from campus for each day of camp.
Several resources exist via the University as well as the Tucson Downtown Metro area to assist you.
For information regarding the on and around campus shuttle service — Cat Tran — please refer to the parking.arizona.edu website.
Additionally, for students living farther from campus in the broader Downtown and surrounding area, the Sun Link Street Car is an excellent option — with a stop conveniently located just steps from the Students Union.
Also be aware of Tugo bike share stations peppered around the University area. Tucson is a bike friendly community; this is a great way to commute and familiarize yourself with the area.
Campers will need to attend mandatory Destination Arizona sessions.
More information can be found on the Destination Arizona website.
At Destination Arizona, students get an introduction to campus life by exploring the university, meeting with academic advisors, selecting courses, and learning about student support resources. Bear Down Camp takes the next step—helping students transition from high school to college by fostering community, connection, and Wildcat pride.
Bear Down Camp provides an immersive experience where participants engage in UA traditions, dynamic activities, and student life, all in a fun and welcoming environment. This program allows incoming Wildcats to build lasting friendships, gain a deeper understanding of campus culture, and feel at home before the semester begins.
A key part of Bear Down Camp is the mentorship from Bear Down Camp Counselors—passionate UA upperclassmen involved across campus. These dedicated mentors are trained to help new students find their place, build confidence, and thrive during their first year and beyond.
An e-mail with all of these details will be sent to all participants prior to the start of Bear Down Camp. If you need that information in advance, please email beardowncamp@arizona.edu
Although camp is for students only, we offer a breakfast that families can attend.