“Drop your cool” is a common phrase used throughout Camp Crimson. Every year campers come into camp thinking dancing should be illegal, sweating is gross, and acting like an absolute goober should be forbidden. However, those perceptions quickly change after they surround themselves with some of the most outgoing and personable students on this university! I can recall coming into Camp Crimson thinking it was going to be the longest three days of my life. I was wrong and far from ready to leave. Camp Crimson got me so excited for this next chapter of my life. I graduated from a small town high school so the thought of coming to a huge college made me very anxious. Luckily, I got three small group leaders that helped make my transformation to the University of Oklahoma so wonderful and stress free! You too will have amazing Small Group Leaders that will be mentors and great friends to you all throughout your college experience.

Camp Crimson is one of the first times where people associate you as an official “college student”. You are no longer in high school! Woo Woo!  In fact, you are now a part of the Sooner family! Camp is where you will make some of your first and perhaps even your favorite Sooner memories. Camp impacted my college experience so much that I have been involved with it for the past three years. I came back as a Small Group leader and now I am an Orientation Guide. You will meet so many new friends throughout your time at camp. There is even a chance you may meet your suite mate while you are here too!

So if you are hesitant at all about camp… I hope this puts you at ease. It is going to open your eyes to so many new things. The opportunities are endless here at the University of Oklahoma, and I hope that you will join us at Camp Crimson to see that for yourself! You will leave sore from wobbling, hoarse from yelling your family chant, and extremely full of Chick-Fil-A, but I can assure you that it is all worth it. I can promise you that you will leave eager to return in August!

#yOUStartHere class of 2017!

Taylor Gardner

Senior Communication Major

Duncan, OK