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 16 – Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Early Move-In: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Registration for Bear Down Camp 2026 has not opened yet, but is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, 2026.
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 16th, to Wednesday, August 19th, with housing move-in scheduled for Saturday, August 15th. 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 31, 2026. A link will be provided on the Bear Down Camp homepage.
Bear Down Camp attendance cost for 2026 is $375. This fee will cover the camper's food for the duration of camp, camp shirts/merchandise, all camp activities, and our new camp discovery track. 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 16th - Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 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, newsletters will go out regularly 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 Sunday, August 16th- Tuesday, August 18, 2026 and is separate from your registration payment. Check in for Bear Down Camp move-in is Saturday, Aug. 15th 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.
Starting July 1, 2026, all registered participants and their parents/guardians will receive an email with a payment link and total amount due to attend Bear Down Camp. The total payment will be due no later than Friday, July 17, 2026.
If payment is not submitted, you will forfeit your place in camp.
If you need to cancel your Bear Down Camp registration, refund requests must be submitted in writing via email to beardowncamp@arizona.edu no later than 5:00 PM (Arizona Time) on Friday, July 31, 2026, in order to receive a full refund.
Unfortunately, no refunds will be issued after this deadline, regardless of circumstance.
NOW OFFERING | Bear Down Camp is now offering an exciting Discovery Track on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026. You'll find yourself learning and trying new things—from what you do (hands-on activities), to where you’ll go (roads less traveled), and to how you get around (think outside the bus).
Bear Down Camp Payment includes two meals per day, all camp activities, transportation during camp and your selected discovery track adventure.
Supplies and staffing are also included in the price.
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.
The cost of breakfast will be included in the camper payment; however, additional guests (including parents, guardians, etc) that will also be in attendance will be required to pay a fee of $27 per person.
Note: Once you receive your confirmation email, respond to let us know if your camper needs more than 2 guests for the breakfast. We may have additional spaces available.
Bear Down Camp offers a limited number of fee waivers for student campers with financial need. If awarded, students may receive either a full waiver ($375) or a partial waiver ($188), depending on financial need and the number of applicants.
To be considered, students must submit a completed waiver application by Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. MST. Due to limited funding, submitting an application does not guarantee a waiver. Any remaining program costs not covered by the waiver are the student’s responsibility.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA.
- Both the student and a parent/guardian must complete and sign the fee waiver application by the deadline.
- Fee waivers will only be granted to students who demonstrate financial need.
Important Notes:
- Completing this application does not register a student for Bear Down Camp.
- Students who receive a waiver will be automatically registered for camp.
- All other applicants must complete the standard camp registration process, which opens Sunday, May 31 2026.
- This form will open Sunday, May 31, 2026
Great Experiences, No experience necessary
Outdoor Recreation has something for everyone. Whether you are new or experienced, you will find trips, clinics, climbing, rental equipment, bikes, and all things outdoor—and some things indoor—to get you motivated, relaxed, extra time with your friends, and opportunities to meet new ones. Find the adventure that's for you.
Take a trip on a student led adventure
Stoke your wanderlust…it’s time for an adventure. On our student-led trips, you'll find yourself learning and trying new things—from what you do (hands-on activities), to where you’ll go (roads less traveled), and to how you get around (think outside the bus).
All trips are open to students, faculty, staff, and all members of the Tucson community. Take advantage of early bird pricing. Miss the sign-up date? There's still availability with a late fee applied.