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Orientation Step 2: Oredigger Camp

Student on the zipline at Oredigger Camp

2021 Oredigger Camp

Get off to a great start!

The start of your first year of college can be daunting – it’s a new environment full of new experiences, new expectations, new people and, for most, a new bed. Get off to great start by making friends and building community at Oredigger Camp!

A few weeks before the start of classes, more than 700 first-year students will get to spend 2 1/2 days deep in the Rocky Mountains, having fun, making friends and learning what it means to be an Oredigger.

Encouraging vertical connections between current and incoming Mines students is at the heart of Oredigger Camp’s design. Peer Mentors lead nearly every activity at camp, and President Johnson gives some opening remarks and then steps back to join students for meals, impromptu conversations and occasional pickup game.

In 2021, three camp sessions will be held on: July 23-25, August 8-10, and August 17-19 at YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch. At this time, we are hopeful to have an in-person Oredigger Camp experience. However, depending on state and county regulations due to COVID-19, Oredigger Camp may be virtual.

Registration

Registration for 2021 Oredigger Camp will open on May 1, 2021. Please check back to this page to find registration details.

 

 

 

Contact

Office of New Student and Transition Services
Campus Living Office, Elm Hall
1795 Elm Street
Golden, CO 80401

Camp FAQs

What is Oredigger Camp?

Oredigger Camp is a program designed to foster connections with and across incoming students, current Mines students, faculty, staff and alumni. This is the fourth year for Oredigger Camp and will be a unique experience and opportunity for first year students to help solidify a tradition that will continue for years to come.

What do we do at Oredigger Camp?

Oredigger Camp will be a combination of engineering related small group challenges, team builders, and curriculum based around self-development and leadership. This will be built around other camp style activities such as zip line, ropes course, bonfires, and other outdoor activities.

How long is Oredigger Camp?

Oredigger Camp is a 2.5 Day Camp. It begins at 8 am on day one (on campus) and ends at 1:30 pm (2.5 days later on campus).
 

Who runs Oredigger Camp?

Oredigger Camp is designed and implemented by the Office of New Student & Transition Services. Just like the rest of our Orientation programs, Oredigger Camp will be led by a highly trained Camp Counselor Staff. Camp Counselors are some of our most successful and involved students on campus and are a great resource for students throughout their career.

Where is Oredigger Camp?

YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado.

What is provided if I attend?

Transportation to and from the camp, lodging at camp is provided, and food is provided (Lunch on day one to lunch on day 2.5). 

Lodging will be in dorm-style rooms, folks will sleep in bunk beds. Please note that bedding IS provided. (Linens and towels included).

When is registration (step 1)?

Registration will open on Friday, May 1, 2020.

What about out of area students?

We have a small number of residence hall rooms available on campus for those out of state/ region students needing accommodations the night before camp (8/2 and 8/4). These double-style rooms will include linens, but meals are not provided. Sign up is first-come, first served, and the cost is an additional $55 per student. Housing requests can be made here and a payment link will be sent to you after registration. Please note this does not apply to the August 18-20 Oredigger Camp session, as these students will be moving into their own residence hall the day before.

There are also shuttles available to and from the airport with special Mines rates. Information on transportation to and from the airport can be found here. For those out of state students, we will work with you to gather a group to use an uber/lift for the return trip to the airport to share cost.

What to bring?

Please read our full participant handbook that will be emailed in July.

Here are some suggestions:

  • Flashlight
  • Clothing for a two-night/three-day trip
  • Jacket or sweatshirt
  • Rain gear like a rain jacket or umbrella
  • Tennis shoes (there will be walking)
  • Bath/personal supplies (you may wish to bring shower shoes)
  • Sun screen
  • Lip balm
  • Any medications (including over the counter pain relievers/allergy medicines)

Please leave your iPods, iPads, tablets, etc. at home. There is very limited cell phone service, and students are instructed to leave them in cabins during activities.

Mines is a tobacco-free campus. Smoking is also prohibited at Oredigger Camp (including e-cigarettes). Please leave these items at home. 

 

I live near Granby, can I check-in at camp?

Exemptions may be made on a case-by-case basis for those who live near Snow Mountain Ranch or the surrounding area. Please send your request to nest@mines.edu. Include the student’s name, CWID number, and the session the student is confirmed for. Please make all requests at least 2 weeks in advance.