an experience for incoming students, pack leaders
Javelina Camp is a four-day, three-night event designed for incoming freshmen during which they learn about the spirited traditions of Texas A&M University – Kingsville (TAMUK) as well as bond and connect with each other in an interactive setting. It occurs a week before the fall semester starts. This year it is from Aug. 17 to 20.
“This is an experience incoming freshmen can go through to help make their transition into college easier and create new friendships and memories along the way,” three-time pack leader Kristian Amador said.
Amador looks forward to seeing new faces on campus and making memories with them and his fellow pack members.
He became a pack leader because he wanted to give back the same experience his pack leaders gave to him as a freshman.
This year, Javelina Camp will take place on campus. This is the second in-person camp hosted since the pandemic started.
Pack leaders and other staff members have taken precautions into consideration in order to ensure a safe environment for all.
Students who attend will stay in the dorm they will be living in for the rest of semester. Shortly after, they will get divided into small “packs.”
Each “pack” will have two leaders, which will be upperclassmen who were selected to lead incoming students during camp.
Pack leaders are an additional resource for students as they settle in and get ready to start their college years.
“I hope that [incoming] students understand that [Javelina Camp] is a safe place where they can be themselves,” senior Kassandra Gonzalez said. “I also hope they know they can always count on others, especially the pack leaders.”
Gonzalez is a first-time pack leader who signed up because she wanted to be a role model for incoming freshmen and show them what Javelina Nation is all about.
While Javelina Camp is designed for attendees to perform physical activities, it is also a time for them to reflect on their personal college goals.
“Coming to a university can be an adjustment. I hope students that come to Javelina Camp come in with an open mind and realize we are all in this together,” senior Micaela Gracia said. “We all want the best for our incoming Javelinas and want them to remember we are a family here at TAMUK.”
Gracia is also a first-time pack leader who, like Amador, is looking forward to meeting and making memories with incoming freshmen as well as seeing them grow after camp.
She joined because she wanted to help incoming students the way her pack leaders helped her. She mentions that Javelina Camp will always have a special place in her heart.
Throughout camp, students will get to participate in activities ranging from competitive to team-building ones such as Messy Hogs and a lip sync battle. Meals and Javelina swag will be provided to students attending.
“I am most looking forward to the lip sync battle,” Director of Registration for Javelina Camp Dakota Moberg said. “It’s great seeing all the freshmen collaborate and come out of their shells when they are on stage.”
Moberg wanted to become Director of Registration because Javelina Camp is what pushed her to get involved and create lasting bonds.
She also mentioned how she would not be where she is at today if she had not signed up for Javelina Camp her freshman year.
If a student brings their vehicle, they must park in Parking Lot “I” near the intramural fields.
Parking permits will not be required during the event.
For more information, email tamuk.javelinacamp@tamuk.edu.