Venture Camp: Where Tradition Meets the Trailhead

Rec Sports’ Outdoor Adventures invites incoming students to register for summer orientation camps

Every Aggie knows and loves Fish Camp, but if you’re craving something a little more unexpected — and a lot more adventurous — say hello to Venture Camp, an outdoor orientation experience for incoming freshmen. This summer, get ready for backpacks, hiking boots, and breathtaking landscapes, all while getting a crash course in Aggie spirit.

Led by fellow Aggies with Outdoor Adventures, these peer-guided experiences combine outdoor exploration with a deep dive into Aggie culture and traditions. Whether you’re hiking across the Gila Wilderness or paddling down the Buffalo River, the goal remains the same: to get outdoors, create a strong sense of connection, build confidence, and make the vastness of Aggieland feel a whole lot more personal.

Venture Camp offers two formats — Path Finder and Inspire — so students can choose their own adventure based on their comfort level and interests.

Two people in a kayak on a river, one waving and smiling, wearing a red life jacket and sunglasses. The other person, in the foreground, is also smiling and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a blue life jacket, and holding a water bottle. They appear to be enjoying a sunny day on the water.

A group of hikers with backpacks walking on a trail towards a large rocky hill under a clear blue sky.

A group of individuals wearing caps and sunglasses, forming a circle and holding hands in a team-building exercise outdoors.

Three hikers trekking across a rocky terrain under a clear blue sky.

A group of people wearing life jackets and hats gather around a kayak by a river, engaged in a discussion led by an instructor.

Two people kayaking on a river, with one paddling and the other appearing relaxed, surrounded by lush greenery and a few other kayakers in the background.

Two canoes, one red and one yellow, are parked beside a calm river bank surrounded by lush greenery under a clear sky.

Path Finder is a nine-day backcountry experience set in the Gila Wilderness of New Mexico, running from July 11 – 19. Participants will hike more than 20 miles of remote terrain, forming tight bonds while camping under the stars and learning about Texas A&M traditions.

Inspire is a five-day camp based in Arkansas, held July 28 – Aug. 1. With rustic cabins as home base, campers will hike, rock climb, and paddle their way through day trips mixed with community-building activities and reflection.

Each trip is packed with opportunities to connect — with nature, future classmates, and the true meaning of being a Fightin’ Texas Aggie.

“This camp was absolutely amazing,” Jayden Fox ’28 said. “After being in this camp, I officially know what it’s like to be a part of the Aggie family and witness the truly remarkable Aggie spirit.”

Venture Campers walk away with more than just memories — they leave with friendships, a stronger sense of identity within the Aggie network, and a pretty solid tan. Spots for these unique orientations go fast, so incoming students, mark your calendars! Registration opens Thursday, May 1. To learn more, visit the Venture Camps website.