Virginia Tech invites all incoming students to attend Hokie Camp, a high-energy experience where students can get to know the university and make friends before starting classes.

Held after students attend orientation in July, Hokie Camp is hosted by New Student Programs in the Dean of Students Office and is designed to help new students transition to life at Virginia Tech with a variety of fun activities and social events.

Students spend three days and two nights at the Smith Mountain Lake W.E. Skelton 4-H Educational Conference Center in air-conditioned, furnished rooms. Each student is placed on a color team (yellow, red, black, blue, or gray) of approximately 70 new students and 10 counselors. The teams participate in field games, a low ropes course, campfires, a cook-out, a dance party, and a competition to win possession of the Hokie Cup trophy. During their time at Hokie Camp, students also have the chance to canoe, climb a rock wall, play mini golf, and go swimming, if they choose.

Aside from recreational activities, students have the opportunity to learn about Virginia Tech traditions and seek advice about college from their upperclassman counselors.

"Students who go to this camp are arms and legs ahead of everyone else, whether it be in terms of making friends, knowing where to go for resources, or having upperclassmen as a resource coming in to college," said Matt Heaton of Bassett, Va., a senior majoring in business management in the Pamplin College of Business and student co-director of Hokie Camp. "They also have a sense of confidence, which motivates them to pursue leadership roles — which makes for a great college experience."

This year, students can choose from three available sessions, running from Aug. 9 through 11, Aug. 12 through 14, or Aug. 16 through 18. The cost of attending is $195, which covers transportation from Virginia Tech to Smith Mountain Lake, food and lodging, and a Hokie Camp T-shirt.

Hokie Camp is open to incoming freshmen and transfer students. Students can register for Hokie Camp through HokieSPA using their PID and password. Space for each session is limited, so students interested in attending are encouraged to sign up early.

New Student Programs is a department within the Division of Student Affairs. The Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech encompasses departments dedicated to providing a rich co-curricular experience and essential student services. Virtually every aspect of a student's life outside the classroom is represented through the division's departments.

Written by Carly Edwards. Edwards, of Smithfield, Va., is a sophomore majoring in marketing management in the Pamplin College of Business.

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