Venture Camp: The Trail To Becoming an Aggie

For many incoming Texas A&M students, Fish Camp is a familiar part of the transition into college life. But for students seeking a smaller, more adventurous orientation experience through the backcountry of Arkansas and New Mexico, Outdoor Adventures offers an alternative: Venture Camp.

This summer, get ready to kick off on your path to becoming an Aggie through hiking, backpacking and paddling through both nature and traditions.

“[Venture Camp] is a good place to meet a cohort of people and connect with older students, who are the peer mentors,” Trip Supervisor Grace Herstad ’27 said. “Then get to enjoy the outdoors and learn a bit about A&M, get some advice about what’s next and understand traditions.”

Venture Camp has three sessions spread out over the summer and includes two formats — Path Finder and Inspire — allowing students to choose their own adventure. The third session held from Aug. 3-7., is reserved for students from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Path Finder is a nine-day backpacking trip through New Mexico’s Gila National Forest from June 18-26. Students hike more than 20 miles of scenic views through deep volcanic canyons, the Mogollon Mountains, rivers and creeks while learning about life and traditions at Texas A&M and building relationships with fellow incoming students.

Inspire, held July 13-17 in Arkansas, offers a shorter and more introductory outdoor experience. With the nightly comfort of a cabin and outdoor activities ranging from hiking in Jasper and rock climbing to paddling down the Buffalo River, Inspire creates space for students to experience and reflect on the Aggie spirit.

“[Inspire] is a little more introductory because we’re staying in a lodge,” Herstad said. “It is a bit more front country. It’s great if you’ve never camped before. [Path Finder] is a bit more remote and rugged. So that’s going to be you carrying stuff on your back, a little more back country.”

All camping gear is provided by Outdoor Adventures, meaning students only need to register, pack a few essentials and get ready to end their summer with an adventure.

“We have a very unique opportunity to build relationships with these incoming students because we are in nature,” said Savay Sexton ’27, peer mentor with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “It is a quieter environment. We’re there to have fun, but also to get to know one another in a very real environment where you can see who people truly are.”

Venture Camp fills up fast, so incoming Aggies grab your hiking shoes, mark your calendars and get ready to trade the usual orientation for an outdoor adventure. Incoming students interested in participating can visit the Venture Camp website for registration details and additional information.