Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Camp War Eagle 101


Hello new parents and students – welcome to the Auburn Family! We are so glad that your child has chosen to attend the loveliest village on the plains for college, and we are even happier that you chose to visit Auburn with them! Camp War Eagle is exciting and informative, but it can be a little overwhelming. Here’s some helpful hints and tricks for getting through these two days from our intern and current Auburn University student, Rachel!

1. Know that it’s going to be very, very busy (but awesome!)
The best part about CWE is that the excellent staff and counselors give you all of the information that you could ever need about academics, campus life, residence halls, financial services and more. It’s a busy two days, but it will be informative and helpful and fun! 

2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
The whole point of CWE is to become familiar with Auburn. If you have a question about anything, even if you think it’s too specific, ask anyway! Someone will know the answer.  When I went to Camp War Eagle, I had a really weird, specific question about registering for classes in the Honors College. Even though my counselor didn’t know the answer, it only took him two seconds to find someone who did. The CWE counselors are trained specifically to help you, so utilize them. You can always call the Foy Information Desk (remember that from your campus tour?) if you need to. The number is 334-844-4244.



3. Attend the business fair!
I know, at the end of Camp War Eagle you might be completely exhausted and want to head home (or back to your hotel bed!) But you should consider attending the business fair.  The business fair has representatives from companies and organizations from all other the community. There’s lots of freebies, including free food and giveaways. If you visit our table, you can enter to win a semester of free textbooks! We also have information about booking hotels during football season, so stop by!
Additionally, if your student wants to live off campus, many of the apartment complexes have representatives at the fair too. Come visit, enter to win free books and take a look around (and grab some free stuff!)

4. Be prepared to console if your student didn’t get the “perfect schedule.”
One of the most common things I hear about Camp War Eagle is, “I didn’t get the classes I wanted.” Those of us at the Tourism Bureau that went to Auburn remember going to Camp War Eagle and not getting any of the classes we had planned for! Don’t worry – it will not ruin the rest of your college career. You have plenty of time to take the classes you need and registration is SO MUCH EASIER after Camp War Eagle. You are not doomed to 8 a.m. classes forever, I promise.

5. Bring the right stuff with you.
Besides sheets and shampoo, your student also needs to bring his or her completed form for the Medical Clinic! If you don't have it, no worries - you'll just have to send it in once you leave Camp War Eagle. It’ll also make your student's life easier if they’ve taken the Math Placement test – that way they can sign up for the right math class if they need to! If necessary, have them take the Foreign Language Placement Test too. Aigle de guerre! (That's War Eagle in French.)


6. Explore!
Auburn University is great (and, of course, the reason you’re here) but the community has a lot to offer too. Instead of rushing out of town after Camp War Eagle is over, consider staying an extra night and trying out one of our fabulous restaurants (see our Best Bites list here), or checking out the boutiques downtown. Once football season starts, Auburn gets busy! Take this opportunity to enjoy the peace and calm that Auburn prides itself on...on every day except gameday!



7. Practice your “War Eagle!”
If you’re not an Auburn alum, chances are you aren’t used to saying “War Eagle!” yet. That’s ok, because you’re going to get plenty of practice during Camp War Eagle. Don’t be shy about it! You and your student are now a part of the Auburn Family. Just because you aren’t the one attending Auburn doesn’t mean you’re off the hook – whenever my parents wear their Auburn gear (in Colorado!), at least one person will say “War Eagle!”

We are looking forward to having you here! Have fun and don’t hesitate to contact us or the CWE office if you have any questions!

Here are some helpful links and phone numbers:
Camp War Eagle office: (334) 844-4501 
Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau: (334) 887-8747 
Foy Information Desk: (334) 844-4244

Camp War Eagle Website: 

Camp War Eagle Frequently Asked Questions:

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Summer Camps in Auburn-Opelika

Good news, parents! School is out and summer is in, which means it’s time for camp! Auburn-Opelika has dozens of summer camps available for your kids, whether they are outdoorsy, artsy or just plain antsy! Space is limited, so be sure to register soon.

The pool at the Auburn/Opelika Marriott at Grand National.
Auburn-Opelika Marriott: Soaring Summer  
If your family chooses to stay at the Auburn/Opelika Marriott at Grand National this summer, you’ll have access to the brand new adventure of Soaring Summer! Soaring Summer is part vacation, part summer camp and an all-around affordable getaway for your family. With daily activities that include shows from the Auburn University Raptor Center, pool games, hiking, campfires and live music, Camp Soaring Summer is the perfect reason why your family should consider taking your summer vacation with the Auburn-Opelika Marriott. The kickoff event for Soaring Summer is Thursday, May 8, at 5:45 p.m. with a Raptor Center show at 6 p.m.
For more information and to RSVP, contact Bill Lang at bill.lang@rtjresorts.com.


Auburn University Camps
Auburn University hosts many camps throughout the summer that appeal to many different age groups and interests. Take a look below at some of the camps offered, and be sure to visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercamps/ 
to see more and to register.

Sports  
If it’s a sport, Auburn University has a camp for it. Check out the main website here for a full listing, but here are some of the main camps offered in June and July. Sports not listed here include tennis, volleyball, lacrosse and more.

Baseball
For the younger children, Auburn University offers the Future Tigers Youth Camp (ages 6-12) in July. For older and more skilled athletes, Auburn Baseball will host the Auburn Baseball War Eagle Exposure Camp for ages 13 through graduated high school seniors. For more information, visit http://www.collegebaseballcamps.com/tigers.

Women’s Basketball
2014 Terri Flournoy Overnight Camp (4th-8th grade) in June, Elite Camp (8th-12th) in June. For more information visit http://www.auburntigers.com/camps/aub-w-baskbl-camp.html

Football
Camps offered for grades 3rd and up. For more information visit http://www.auburnfootballcamps.com/.

Golf
Camps offered for boys and girls from ages 9 – high school graduates. For more information visit http://www.auburngolfcamps.com/auburn-tiger-golf-camp.cfm

Soccer
Camps offered for boys and girls for many different ages and skill levels. For more information, visit http://www.auburnsoccercamp.com/.  

Swimming
Swimming camps offered through Auburn Aquatics for boys and girls of varying ages and skill levels. For more information visit http://abcsportscamps.com/auswim

Attendees of the Robotics Academy will learn about the emerging science of robotics.
Pictured here is South's BEST, a regional robotics competition.
Educational
Auburn University offers more than 30 educational summer programs, ranging from the hard sciences of engineering to programs like creative writing and debate. Here are a few noted programs, but a full list can be found at http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercamps/.

Robotics Academy  
Open to rising 7th-9th graders, Robotics Academy is a 4-day camp (June 24-27) where students learn more about the emerging science of robotics. Working in teams, students will engage in engineering problems that will end with a competition on the last day of camp. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/academic/cosam/departments/outreach/programs/robotics_academy/index.htm.

World Affairs Youth Seminar (Model United Nations)
Open to rising 10th-12th graders, the World Affairs Youth Seminar is perfect for anyone with a passion for politics, debate and social studies. Students will represent countries and use their skills to examine real global issues that affect us today. The camp runs from July 6-11. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/wa.htm.

Introduction to Cyber Security Engineering
Introduction to Cyber Security Engineer is one of four summer courses offered by Auburn University for high school juniors and seniors. Students will work in the engineering and computer science laboratories and learn the basics of investigating computer crimes. Each student will earn 2 hours of college credit. The program runs from July 6-25, and the program cost of $4,000 covers tuition, books, supplies, housing, dining and transportation. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercollege/cybersecurity.htm.

The Auburn University Theatre Program, which hosts the Musical Theatre Academy.

Arts
Auburn University offers plenty of arts camps for your budding actress, drum major, Project Runway contestant or rock star. A full list can be found at http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summercamps/.

Musical Theatre Academy  (July 6-11)
Designed for rising 9th-12th graders, the Musical Theatre Academy is a week-long residential workshop for dance, choir and theatre students. Students will engage in one-on-one guidance from Auburn University Department of Theatre staff and will stage a musical revue at the end of the week. Cost of the Musical Theatre Academy is $635 per person and it includes instruction, housing, meals and recreational activities for the camper. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/musicaltheatre.htm.

Project Design Week  (July 13-18)
Interested in becoming a fashion designer or interior decorator? Then this is the camp for you. Project Design Week is a fun-filled camp where participants in 9th-12th grade get to learn the ins and outs of the design industry through hands-on experience. Cost is $645 per person and includes housing, dining and all recreational activities. For more information and to register visit  http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/projectdesignweek.htm.

Guitar Workshop (June 27-29)
Designed for ages 10-18, Auburn University’s Guitar Workshop will feature guitar faculty member Joseph Ikner and other guest artists instruct musicians of all skill levels on the guitar. Program cost is $359 and includes instruction, housing, dining and recreational activities. For more information and to register, visit http://www.auburn.edu/outreach/opce/summerexperience/guitarworkshop.htm.


Auburn Parks and Recreation
Auburn Parks and Recreation offers many different summer camp options, including arts and crafts, sports and even therapeutic camps for the disabled. Check out their full listing in their brochure here on page 25! Camps include Superhero Training Camp, Fairy Princess Camp, Summer Dance Camp, and even Irish Dance Camp! Most camps are weekdays from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.auburnalabama.org/parks/Default.aspx?PageID=670.


Opelika Parks and Recreation
Opelika Parks and Recreation also offers summer camp programs for area kids, including cheer camp, tumbling camp, Art Camp and Opelika Sportsplex Day Camp! Specifics including dates and pricing can be found at http://www.opelika.org/Default.asp?ID=832&pg=Summer+Camps.

One of the presentations given by the Louise Kreher Ecology Preserve.

Forest Ecology Preserve Go Native! Summer Camp
The Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve is hosting multiple summer camps throughout the summer, with programs ranging from 1st grade to 7th grade! Each camp is held for one week, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration is $100 and includes a daily snack, activities and t-shirt. Membership with the preserve is required. Campers will learn how Alabama’s Native American people lived and prospered in the area. Campers will also learn about the native and invasive plants and animals found there through nature studies, crafts, games, hikes, and more.
The camp for 5th-7th graders, held from June 9 -13, is a special Hunger Games Training Camp that is designed to teach campers basic survival skills.