What is Aggie Transition Camps (ATC)?
Aggie Transition Camps (ATC) is the recognized student organization that organizes and runs T-Camp every August and Howdy Camp every January. For more information on camps, please refer to our About Us page.
What is Transition Camp (T-Camp) and Howdy Camp?
Both T-Camp and Howdy Camp are 3-day, 2-night extended orientation programs designed to introduce new students to the traditions, yells, and involvement/networking opportunities that exist at Texas A&M; all of which are accomplished this through engaging skits, thoughtful discussion groups, and other interactive programs. Our main goal is to have campers leave with a newly ignited Aggie Spirit, and many lasting friendships.
Are T-Camp and Howdy Camp the same as New Student Conferences (NSC)?
Camp and NSC's are 2 separate orientation programs and are planned out of 2 different offices here at Texas A&M. NSC's are a required orientation program for all incoming students, whereas T-Camp/Howdy Camp are optional, (but highly encouraged), programs for incoming students.
Camp does not take the place of a New Student Conference. Again, in order to attend Texas A&M University, all new students are REQUIRED to attend a New Student Conference. For more information, visit http://newaggie.tamu.edu
Why should I attend Camp?
The counselors and staff for Aggie Transition Camps are dedicated to easing the transition experience for new students. We want to provide you with information about Texas A&M and welcome you into the Aggie family. Campers will leave with a network of friends to help ease the anxiety of entering a university with over 50,000 students.
Who is eligible to attend Camp?
Any student entering Texas A&M University may attend Howdy Camp in January or T-Camp in August every year and is open to freshmen, transfer, and graduate students. Any students who were unable to attend Fish Camp/T-Camp in the summer leading up to every fall semester have the option to attend Howdy Camp if they choose. Same goes for individuals who enter A&M in the spring semester, and were unable/did not attend Howdy Camp, may attend T-Camp if they choose.
What do you do at Camp?
First, students are split into "camps" that have a designated theme and color. In your respective camp (color and theme), you will furthermore be divided into Discussion Groups (DGs) and spend time getting to know each other and developing bonds that will last you throughout your college career.
Counselors have prepared skits to help teach you about the traditions and opportunities at A&M. In addition, our very own group of “yell leaders,” known as Team, will teach the yells and hold yell practice every night. We will also have guest speakers and programs such as Carpool and The Association of Former Students come and inform us about the amazing benefits their respective organizations provide Texas A&M students. There will also be small group interactions and a recreation of Silver Taps, Muster, and Bonfire.
As mentioned earlier, within each camp, you will be divided into Discussion Groups of 6-10 transfers and 2 counselors. These DGs are where the lasting friendships are made. In addition to meeting new friends, you will have the opportunity to learn about Aggie life through your counselors and ask them any questions that you may have.
What does AC Time mean?
AC Time is All Camp time. During these times your Individual Camp will be the other Individual Camps in your session to learn more about Yells, campus resources, and traditions.
What does IC Time mean?
IC Time is Individual Camp Time. All campers are split into “camps” that have a designated theme and color. In your respective camp (color and theme), you will furthermore be divided into Discussion Groups (DGs) and spend time getting to know each other and developing bonds that will last you throughout your college career.
When is T-Camp 2023?
T-Camp 2023 will offer 1 session happening August 14-16 at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, TX.
How do I register for T-Camp 2023?
Registration for T-Camp 2023 is now OPEN! Students who have been officially admitted* and have accepted their admission to Texas A&M can register for camp through the CircuiTree Registration Portal.
*PSA Students: You must have officially completed all program requirements and have gained your official admission to Texas A&M before you can register for camp. If you have questions regarding getting registered for camp, please contact the ATC Advisor, Dalton Jones, at djones@stuact.tamu.edu.
How much does T-Camp cost and what does that cost cover?
T-Camp 2023's registration fee has been reduced to $220 thanks to generous donors and patrons! With each participant's registration fee payment it includes transportation, lodging, meals, and ATC swag.
What methods of payment are accepted?
We accept credit cards through the CircuiTree registration portal when you register for camp. If you do not have a credit card, please contact our Director of Finance at atc-funds@dsa.tamu.edu and they will inform you of other payment options.
Are there scholarships available to attend Camp?
Yes! Scholarships are available in partial and full amounts. Prospective campers can apply for one of our scholarships when the register for camp through the CircuiTree portal. Please select the "T-Camp 2023 - Scholarship" option when you register and you will be prompted with the application questions during your registration process.
T-Camp 2023's Scholarship application will close on Monday, July 24th at 12:00 PM (Noon) CST. Scholarship applicants will be notified no later than Monday, July 31st on whether they will be awarded a full/half scholarship, or will not be awarded a scholarship to attend camp. If a scholarship applicant is not awarded a scholarship, they will be expected to either pay their outstanding fee balance or notify the Director of Risk Management & Administration and the Aggie Transition Camps Advisor that they would like to cancel their registration.
I have a question regarding the T-Camp program itself, who do I contact?
Because our Directors are mostly working remotely during camp, the ATC office will not be staffed throughout the 3 days of camp. You can call us at (979) 862-1785. After this time on Day 1, every camper will have the contact information of their Discussion Group (DG) leaders to contact with any questions. Campers can email our Director of Risk Management & Administration at atc-rm@dsa.tamu.edu with any questions leading up to, during, and after camp.
I’m registered for Camp, now what?
Once we have received your registration and have paid the registration fee, you will receive a confirmation letter via email. This email will provide detailed instructions of where to go the morning of Camp, what is needed to pack for Camp, and more. These confirmations will be sent automatically from the CircuiTree registration system.
What is the Camp Cancellation Policy?
Any participants that register for camp are succumb to the following cancellation policy, including a forfeiture of $10 any time after registration, forfeiture of 25% of the registration 1 month before camp, forfeiture 75% 1 week before camp, and 100% forfeiture of registration 1 day before camp.
Where is Camp located?
Howdy Camp and T-Camp will be held at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, TX. Day 1 check-in occurs on Texas A&M University's campus in College Station, and we take care of transportation to and from Lakeview in Palestine.
What should I bring?
Check our packing list for a comprehensive list of what we recommend bringing!
I need to leave camp early. What should I do?
Our recommendation to all registrants is that you attend the program from start to finish. It's an amazing time and we would hate for you to miss out on any portion of our program. We do not advise the following, but in the case of an emergency or special circumstance a participant's emergency contact may come pick them up at Lakeview. We highly encourage that you define your priorities when considering registering for camp (i.e. New Student Conferences, move-in, etc.). If a student determines that there is something that may take priority over camp that might make them have to leave camp early, we ask from a place of liability and risk mitigation that they do not sign up for T-Camp and consider registering to attend Howdy Camp 2024 in January.