NW Valley Times

Grand Canyon University’s campus came to life this week in the middle of a hot and quiet summer, when 64 incoming freshmen swarmed its grounds for the first Herd Camp.

Welcome Programs hosted students from Southern California, New Mexico, Texas, Nevada, and Arizona, with a detailed itinerary packed with information sessions, events, and fun initiatives intended to show them the heart of GCU and its campus culture.

“The reason we did this is because we want to prepare students to be more successful and have a more well-rounded experience at GCU,” said Welcome Programs Coordinator Michaella Smith. “We care about their academic success, but we also care about them developing their faith, finding community, finding their own interests and passions.

“Our big goals for Herd Camp are connection, preparedness and commitment.”

The three-day camp schedule reflected these goals as students went from speaker sessions, small groups and campus tours to Lopes Olympics, scavenger hunts, pool parties and even a day-trip to the original grounds of the university.

These students received a new outlook on the school and what their life could look like as a Lope.

“We want them to feel connected to each other and the campus and to feel committed to their journey,” added Smith. “We just want to give a little taste of what GCU is.”

Monday morning kicked off camp when students started arriving for their first speaker sessions. Smiles, laughter and chatter filled Thunderground as students began connecting with one another and making their first GCU friends through ice breaker games.

Team bonding continued when students visited the Lopes Performance Center for the Lopes Olympics. Volleyballs soared through the air, basketballs plunged through hoops on one side of the courts while on the other side students dodged, ducked, dipped and dived in an intense game of dodgeball. Even the student volunteers joined in.

Campuswide scavenger hunts and small artsy activities such as making friendship bracelets, scrapbooking and board games marked the end of the first day where students got to unwind while sharing what they learned in their first speaker sessions on stewardship and leadership.

Danyn Quintero, an incoming forensic science major appreciated the immediate opportunity to make college friends.

“I thought this would be a good idea to get involved and meet new people,” Quintero said. “I chose GCU because it is a Christian university closer to home where I feel safer and more comfortable. Plus everyone here is so nice –the campusand everything about it is great.”

Students not only made new connections with each other but with the universityand its rootsas well.

The Prescott National Guard Armoryand Museum formerly known as GCU’s original grounds welcomed two full charter buses of students for a tour ofthe facility.GCU alumni Anna Faith Smithand Keith Baker greeted themwithaGCU history talkin whichthey shared howthe school was foundedandthe growth it has experienced overthe years. Students exploredthesmall spaceand walkedthe halls wherethefirst graduating classesofGCU spenttheircollege years.

To cool off fromtheArizona heatstudents spenttheirfree time kayakingand paddleboarding at Watson Lakeand exploring Prescott.

Incoming history major Anthony Chalhoub found his connection tothe school throughthecamp’s various activities.

“I feel like it is perfect for me.My favorite partisthat everyoneisdifferent.To seeahuge groupofpeople whoare interested inthe same kindofthings yetaresodiverse atthe same timeisperfect.I feel like everyone just connects here.They don’t have tototryingtofitin.”

Allstudents will bereturningto campus next month whenthe highly anticipated Welcome Week kicks off theschool year.

“Herd Campis designedto helpstudents thinkmore deeplyand intentionallyandtostart building connectionsfroman earlier standpointso they arereally well setupforWelcome Week,” Welcome Programs Director Charity Norman said.

“Welcome Weekissuchabigfunweekbutitcan alsobeoverwhelming.studentsarejustgettinghere thereisalottoadjustto,and then classesstart right away.This campisamuchmore intentional intimate environmentforstudents.”

Itisthe calm beforethestorm.

Incoming hospitality management major Aubrey Posey foundthe timingofHerd Campto beexactlywhatsheneeded.

“I wantedtocometothiscamp tomakenewfriendsand havetheopportunitytoseecampusbeforeitgetstochaotic.”

Herd Camp gavethesestudentsaglimpseofwhattoexpectoncethey officiallyjointhe herd.

GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can bereachedat [email protected]

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