Cardinal Camps are an exciting way to jump into college. For the third year in a row, North Central College offered nine different Cardinal Camps, which allowed students to arrive to campus early and participate in activities that prepare them for the year at NCC.
Six of the nine Cardinal Camps were held in downtown Chicago, Ill., two were held in Honey Rock, Wis., and one was held right on the campus of North Central.The two camps held in Wisconsin were the Hiking Expedition and the Leadership Challenge. The Chicago camps included Sports in the City, Faith and Action, Health and Wellness, Media and Communications and Social Innovation and Theatre.
The ninth Cardinal Camp, which took place on campus, was the Premier Scholars summer camp. All camps took place from Sept. 3 to Sept. 7, except the Premier Scholar camp, which took place from Aug. 26 to Sept. 7.
Kyle Lo Vecchio, a student who participated in the Premier Scholars Camp, says that Cardinal Camps are the “best experience you’ll ever have; everybody should try it.”
It is normal for incoming freshman to be nervous about meeting new people and leaving home. However, Cardinal Camps are a way to ease into the college setting and let loose some of the anxieties new students may be feeling.
Photo taken by Deidre Ewers
Alexander Duggan, who took part in the Leadership Challenge, expressed that Cardinal Camps are a “great tool to get integrated into the Cardinal community and gain more knowledge of North Central and your newfound friends.”
Students in each Cardinal Camp participated in activities that correlated to the title of the camp. Some of the activities included hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, visiting local establishments, such as churches, restaurants, museums, stadiums, theaters and schools, as well as participating as volunteers in a women’s marathon.
Photo taken by Deidre Ewers
“Cardinal Camps made being involved super fun and easy,” says Sam Cravatta, who participated in the Faith and Action camp.
Students chose these Cardinal Camps based on their interests, and anyone who has ever participated can tell you of their unique experiences.
Alan Schick, who also participated in the Leadership Challenge assures us it was “a great way to make friends—also making good connections with faculty and staff.”
It seems that incoming students who participate in Cardinal Camps seem to enjoy their experiences and feel more comfortable starting their freshman year.
