Orientation Step 2: Oredigger Camp

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 a great start by making friends and building community at Oredigger Camp!

A few weeks before the start of classes, more than 600 first-year student will get to spend 2 ½ days deep in the Rocky Mountains, having fun, making friends and learning what it means to be an Oredigger.

In 2019, three camp sessions will be held on: July 29-July 31, July 31-Aug. 2, and Aug. 13-15 at YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch.

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 the occasional pickup game.

Oredigger Camp 2018 Highlights
Day 1: Arriving at Oredigger Camp shortly before lunchtime, students spend most of tackling team-building activities—low ropes, tug-of-war and more.

Day 2: Starts bright and early with self-reflection and goal setting. Later, during free time, students soared through the mountain air on zip lines while others jumped in on pickup games of volleyball, 9 Square and Gaga Ball.

Engineering challenges got students thinking and working together. In one task, small groups build a basket out of plastic drinking straws and tape that could protect an egg when dropped from the top of a ladder. In another, larger groups are handed three rolls of duct tape and the challenge of taping someone to the wall. The group whose student stayed stuck the longest won.

REGISTER NOW:

Registration opens in late March. Students applying for Theme Learning Communities within the Residence Halls should plan to attend the August 13-15 session.

FINAL details will be emailed to participants with all they need to: park on campus, arrive check in, PACK etc in early July.

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 new program designed to foster connections with and across incoming students, current Mines students, faculty and staff. This is the third 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 a joint venture between New Student & Transition Services and Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership. 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, Granby, CO.

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). Unfortunately, due to the nature of the camp, we are unable to accommodate special dietary needs. For this reason, if you require something specific to you, we recommend bringing snacks or separate food. A refrigerator is available at camp.

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 is currently open for all three camp sessions (see the above links to register).

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 (7/28 and 7/30). 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 8/13 Oredigger Camp, 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.

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 newstudent@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.

Looking for a Scholarship?

There is an Oredigger Camp Scholarship based on financial need you can apply for which, if received, will cover the enrollment fees associated with camp.