Fish Camp Digest Issue 6

Fish Camp Digest
Issue 6, Winter 2011
Connecting with the Past Members of Fish Camp
Fish Camp 2011 continues to build on the foundation established 57 years ago!
Howdy! Director Staff 2011 wishes you a happy new year and is pleased to bring you the sixth issue of
the Fish Camp Digest. In this edition, you will learn how the Fish Camp 2010 season concluded and what
lies ahead for Fish Camp 2011.
Fish Camp 2010 brought more than 5,300 freshmen registrants! The 2010 directors, co-chairs, and
counselors excitedly welcomed these new students to Texas A&M throughout the month of August. Once
again, Fish Camp saw a large number of scholarship requests from freshmen and counselors. As a result,
Fish Camp awarded approximately $54,000 worth of financial assistance to 391 incoming freshmen in
the form of full or partial scholarships. In addition, approximately $10,600 in full or partial scholarships
were provided to more than 65 counselors. It is only because of the generosity of past and current
donors that Fish Camp is able to provide these funds and, as a result, provide life-changing experiences
for freshmen and invaluable leadership experiences for current students.
In addition, Fish Camp 2010 was excited to experience several exciting
improvements and upgrades at Lakeview Methodist Conference Center,
where Fish Camp is held each year. Directors, co-chairs, counselors,
and freshmen benefited from these changes throughout the month
of August. Overall, Fish Camp 2010 was a great success!
Fish Camp
Excitement
and anticipation
abound when the
charter buses roll into
Lakeview for Day 1 of
each session
Headquarters was
one area to receive
improvements. See Page
7 for details of other
areas to recieve
upgrades
When asked “What did
you expect from
Fish Camp,” the Class
of 2014 said:
“I expected to learn all of A&M’s
traditions but came away with so
much more. I now understand the
meaning of the Aggie Community and
experienced it in an awesome way.”
Fish Camp from a Freshman Perspective
Kati Rollinson ’14, Communications major
Session E Aqua: Camp Phinney
Q. What was your favorite thing about Fish Camp?
A. Meeting my new best friends, and starting my freshman year with
counselors who could help me whenever I had questions.
Kati (right)
with Mauricio
Vasquez (one of her
DG Leaders)
“Fish Camp was nothing that
I expected it to be. It was an
extremely enjoyable and engaging
experience that taught me what
being an Aggie is all about.”
“Honestly, I didn’t know what to
expect from Fish Camp. However,
I have learned how to make new
friendships, transition into the Aggie
life, and what the deeper meaning to
being an Aggie is.”
“Going into Fish Camp, all I expected
was to meet fellow Aggies just like
me. I have gained knowledge, lifelong friends, a mentor, ideas, and
dreams...all from Fish Camp!”
“I expected a simple camp where
everyone would be everywhere,
but the fact that we had our small
group, which was like a family that
we belonged to, certainly gave me a
place and a way to never feel alone.”
“I expected it to be just fun
and games, but it was that and
much more. I made friends, built
connections with my counselors, and
created a feeling of acceptance like
in a family. I completely love Fish
Camp and what it has given me. All
freshmen for future years should be
informed of this awesome opportunity
because it can change a person’s life.
It changed mine for sure.”
“I expected to meet incoming
freshman and to make new friends,
as well as to learn from and make
friends with older A&M students. Also,
I wanted to learn more about A&M,
and I wanted to be surrounded by the
A&M culture.”
Q. What was the most benefiical thing you learned while at camp?
A. That there were always people ready to help me find classes, eat lunch with
me, give me study tips, and anything else I needed.
Q. Has information you learned at Fish Camp and/or people you met helped
during your transition to Texas A&M this fall? If yes, how??
A. Absolutely. My fish camp is my family; they are with me every day, and we
do everything together.
Kati (second
from right) with
Michelle Moe (center,
her other DG Leader)
and some other Camp
Phinney ladies
Q. Are you interested in becoming a Fish Camp counselor?
A. Yes. I will be applying as soon as I can.
Q. Please share any other thoughts/comments about your Fish Camp
experience.
A. PHINNEY FOR LIFE!
Kati pictured with her
Mauricio, Michelle and the
other freshmen in her DG
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Fundraising and Development Initiatives
Fish Camp Donor Levels
Fish Camp has been supported over the years by many generous donors. These
donors have assisted with covering operational and logistical costs of Fish Camp
and have assisted with funding used for freshman and counselor scholarships.
In response to that, the Fish Camp 2010 directors unveiled the naming of the
organization’s donor levels. The 2011 directors would like to share
Fish Level -DG Level -Camp Level -Session Level -Copeland Level -Lakeview Level --
$160 - $249
$250 - $999
$1,000 - $4,999
$5,000 - $24,999
$25,000 - $99,999
$100,000+
Questions about donations and donor levels can be directed to Scott Petrowski
at [email protected].
Fish Camp “4 Fish” Initiative
Fish Camp 2011 plans on continuing the “4 Fish” campaign started by the 2010
Director Staff. The directors are continuously working toward making Fish
Camp an experience that every freshman can attend; this includes alleviating
the financial burden that registration costs bring to some freshmen and their
families. As a reminder, the name for this initiative is a spin-off of the generous
desire to aid students you have never met, to leave a mark on the lives of Texas
A&M students for years to come, and to aid in the costs of keeping the focus of
all Fish Camp efforts FOR FISH!
Several Fish in this
sea of hundreds are recipients
of donor generosity by way of
registration scholarships
If you are interested in helping Fish Camp achieve the vision of creating the
best experience “4 Fish”, you can do so by donating the current freshman
registration cost ($160)! Your donation will go directly toward the endowment
that provides a continual funding source for freshman scholarships, and $160
donation amount coordinates with the “Fish” donor level listed above. Fish
Camp 2011 directors hope you are as excited as we are about making this
transition experience available to freshmen who might not have the funds to
attend. For more information on ways to donate, please see page 8.
Individuals donating
$160 or more will receive this
“4 Fish” sticker decal for
their car
3
When asked “What did
you expect from
Fish Camp,” the Class
of 2014 said:
“I wasn’t sure what to expect when
I came, but I’m really glad I went.
I gained a better understanding of
Texas A&M and what all is offered.”
The country
western mixer is always a
crowd favorite
“I expected for it to be a fun
experience and an opportunity to get
to know people, but I realize now
it is so much more. It really makes
you realize how great of a school
A&M. It’s a wonderful experience for
freshmen. I had a blast, and I am now
much more excited and prepared.”
“I expected to learn all the traditions
and gain friends. I also gained
mentors and people that I know I can
count on to go to.”
“I expected to meet a couple of
new people and learn about a few
traditions. It completely exceeded
my expectations! I met a ton of
people and learned more about
myself than I have over the last four
years of high school.”
“I expected to meet many people
and learn more about A&M in order to
make my transition easier and more
successful. I also hoped that it would
instill the Aggie spirit within me and
make me extremely proud to be an
Aggie. My expectations were met.”
“I expected to learn the Aggie
traditions, but it was so much better
than I expected. I met some awesome
people and feel better prepared for
college because of the information
presented.”
When asked “What did
you enjoy most
about Fish Camp,” the
Class of 2014 said:
“All the people I got to meet and the
way it made me feel. In just a couple
of days, Fish Camp made me feel like
I belong somewhere and I am part of
a family.”
“Becoming more confident in
myself.”
“All of the counselors and staff were
so energetic and excited for us to be
there. I had tons of fun and met
lots of cool people. everyone was
accepting of each other and we
all got along. It was a tremendous
experience!”
Fish Camp from a Namesake Perspective
Recently we sat down with 2010 Session D Red Namesake Tia Crawford
and Session A Purple Namesakes Stephanie and Nick Zuniga to talk
about their favorite camp memories. Here’s what they had to share
about their experiences at Fish Camp.
Q. What were you looking forward to most when you found out
you were named as a Fish Camp 2010 Namesake? How were those
expectations fulfilled throughout the next 6 months?
Stephanie and Nick Zuniga (SNZ): Our interaction with students. Having
both been advisors for Greek organizations, we’ve been blessed to work
with some of the most talented students at Texas A&M. In addition, some
of our close colleagues who are Namesakes, told us time and again, that
the camaraderie amongst the camp is by far the most rewarding part of the
experience. We were astonished by the time, effort and true sincerity that
each of our Fish Camp students displayed in Camp Zuniga. Nick also got really
excited that he finally got to be part of the shaving cream fight!
“Being able to embrace and see the
true spirit of Aggieland.”
“Being in a DG (Discussion Group).”
Nick &
Stephanie with
Camp Zuniga Co-Chairs
Tyler Carpenter and
Molly Fleming
“Being able to understand and
appreciate A&M’s traditions and
atmosphere. The mixers were a great
way to meet people, learn how to
dance (2 step) and be yourself.”
“Everything! Especially mixers!!”
“Everyone was welcoming. I’m very
outgoing, but when meeting people,
I can be shy. At Fish Camp, I never
felt like I was alone because the
counselors and other campers were
outgoing and kind. I made many new
friends, and I feel like my transition
to college will be a lot easier because
of Fish Camp.”
Freshmen
on their way to the country
western mixer
Tia Crawford (TC): I really looked forward to getting to know the co-chairs
and counselors. I had been slightly familiar with the Fish Camp organization
and how each camp develops their own personality and sense of family. I was
looking forward to seeing how the personality of Camp Crawford would unfold,
being a part of it, and joining forces in order to ultimately impact the lives of
the incoming freshmen. My experience far surpassed my expectations. It was
truly amazing.
Tia (right)
at Lakeview
outside of Copeland
with Camp Crawford
Co-Chair Joe
Brown
Q. What did you enjoy most about being at Lakeview for Fish Camp?
SNZ: Sharing our Aggie experiences with incoming freshmen. We were
constantly having conversations with several Fish, and they asked us about a
wide variety of topics. Being able to provide them with some guidance and
enhance their Aggie experience was very rewarding. (cont. on Page 5)
4
Q. What did you enjoy most about being at Lakeview for Fish Camp 2010?
TC: I enjoyed seeing the counselors in action. Tired or not, they were not going to let anything stop them from
creating a memorable, welcoming environment for the freshmen, an experience that the freshmen would never forget.
I would described them as servant leaders. They literally wore their hearts on their sleeves and selflessly served the
needs of the students. Their commitment, dedication, and passion for the students was evidenced by the experience
that they were able to create at Lakeview. My hat goes off to them!
Q. What is your favorite “freshman moment” from the four days at camp or from the Fall semester?
SNZ: During the last campfire, Camp Zuniga broke out into song. The entire camp brought us into the middle of the
circle (of about 150 students) and chanted our camp theme song over and over. We saw how their Fish Camp experience
truly changed their lives and we were very proud to have been a part in one of their first Aggie traditions
TC: My favorite “freshman moment” would definitely be the final “campfire” night where the freshmen themselves
were the speakers. It was just amazing to see the transformation that took place. I remember seeing the freshmen at
the beginning when they were nervous, they did not know anyone, and they did not know what to expect. To then see
such a turnaround, to see the relationships that had been formed, and to hear them speak of the impact that their
experience thus far had already made was just amazing to witness.
Tia (left)
with friend and 2009
Namesake Lesley Ann
Brown
Nick &
Stephanie
with their Camp
Zuniga Flag
Q. What are five words that describe your overall experience as a Namesake, and why?
SNZ: Honor – We were, and still are, very honored to be Fish Camp Namesakes. Teach – We witnessed many
“teachable moments” during our experience that showed us that Aggies truly do want the best from each other.
Excitement – Each and every second of Fish Camp, from being Namesakes, to all the meals and get-togethers after,
are full of excitement! Care – Camp Zuniga was full of care. Care for each other, care for the Fish, care for the Aggie
Traditions and care for the “Fish Camp” name and philosophy. I don’t know if they realize it, but from the outside,
we saw it and still see it everyday. Adoration – We felt this from each and every member of our camp and were truly
honored to be a part of their lives.
TC: Honored, Humbled, Memorable, Indescribable, Inspiring
Q. Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience?
SNZ: Thanks for this amazing opportunity!
TC: I am forever grateful for having the opportunity to have this experience
and share my passion for impacting students with great people.
Nick &
Stephanie with
all of Camp
Zuniga
Tia
(center)
pictured with
Camp Crawford
Co-Chairs Joe
Brown & Jen
Smith
5
Fish Camp 2011 Director Team
The middle of September marked the beginning of a new year of Fish Camp when the
2011 Head Director was selected. By early October, the 2011 Director Team was in
place and kicked off the year by unveiling their vision:
“As professional and dedicated members of Fish Camp, we challenge ourselves to
become better leaders and will continually devote our efforts to provide the best
possible Fish Camp experience to all members of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie
Class of 2015, through everything that we do.”
From left
to right:
Scott, Maddy,
Ryan, Brittany,
Matt,
and Molly
Scott Petrowski ’11
Head Director
Major: Biomedical Science
Hometown: Memphis, TN
[email protected]
Madelyn Rather ’11
Brittany Weaver ’11
Ryan Doyle ’11
Administration
Public Relations
Major: Finance
Hometown: Frisco, TX
[email protected]
Major: Psychology
Hometown: League City, TX
[email protected]
Staff Development
Molly Fleming ’11
Matthew Way ’11
Membership Selections
Operations
Major: English
Hometown: Victoria, TX
[email protected]
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Colleyville, TX
[email protected]
Major: Supply Chain Management
Hometown: Katy, TX
[email protected]
Fish Camp Advisor
Jomita Fleming
[email protected]
Questions?
Contact us at:
[email protected],
979.845.1627, or the
emails listed below.
Fish Camp Advisor
Abby Howell
[email protected]
If you would like to be removed from this digest subscription, please email [email protected].
6
Improvements Made to Lakeview
Fish Camp 2010 is excited to share that they were the first to experience some
significant and very beneficial improvements.
Fish Camp Headquarters (front side of Roy Hall Hall)
• A third service window was added to the front entryway/service area and
enabled Crew to provide better service to camp visitors and guests.
• The back wall (shared with Aqua Room) was pushed forward to make the
headquarters storage area smaller and more suitable to HQ needs.
When asked “What did
you enjoy most
about Fish Camp,” the
Class of 2014 said:
“DG time was a great time to express
my personal feelings and outlook
towards making the transition to
college. Overall, every counselor
I came in contact was more than
welcoming to questions and offering
advice.”
“Everyone was very approachable and
genuinely happy to be there.”
New service window
(above) and redefined HQ
storage sapce (left)
Aqua Room (back side of Roy Hall Hall)
• The side wall (shared with Headquarters/Crew) was pushed back to make
Aqua Room larger. The larger room allowed for additional freshmen to be
assigned to Aqua Camp at each session.
“Finding people that didn’t just
wan’t to talk worthless topics, but
instead talk about things that are
important to you and how you feel
about attending this college and what
are some of your emotions that come
along with this feeling.”
“Being in a friendly environment.”
“Being able to dance without being
made fun of.”
Larger space
for Aqua Camp
Room
“All the people and the interactions. I
made so many new friends and really
feel like other Aggies are part of my
family now.”
Fish Camp Staff House
• A separate office addition was placed on the front right corner of the
house, allowing directors and advisors a separate work space to conduct
Fish Camp business while at camp.
• The front of the house was expanded 5 feet to allow for additional living
and special guest space in the living room and dining room areas.
• The kitchen and back bedroom underwent small renovations to allow better
flow through the kitchen/laundry area.
“I enjoyed the team building
activities the most.”
Yell Practice on
Day 1 in Copeland
“I loved meeting new people and
talking with my DG. The time spent
at Fish Camp, especially with my DG,
helped me to feel a lot less nervous
and much more prepared for college.
I love knowing that I have an instant
group of friends when I move down to
College Station.”
Staff House Office
addition (left) and Staff
House living room extension
(right)
7
The 2011 Director Team is planning for
the Class of 2015 and is excited to
announce the dates for Fish Camp 2011:
Session A: August 1st - 4th
Session B: August 4th - 7th
Session C: August 7th - 10th
Session D: August 10th - 13th
Session E: August 13th - 16th
Session F: August 16th - 19th
Session G: August 19th - 22nd
Registration for Fish Camp 2011 will be
open June 1st - 30th on the Fish Camp
web site http://fishcamp.tamu.edu.
Camp Wesner spead throughout
the Purple Room for DG Time
Interested in making ONLINE
Fish Camp donations?
Session G does
an all-session dance in
Copeland
If you would like to donate online, please
visit http://givenow.tamu.edu. Specify
to which endowment you would like your
donation to contribute.
Or, if you prefer not to donate online,
please fill out the form below and
return to the Texas A&M Foundation.
Please check the box for the
endowment to which you would like
your donation to contribute.
If you have any questions, contact Scott
Petrowski at [email protected].
Texas
A&M
Foundation
□ Fish Camp Endowment (used for operational costs)
□ Fish Camp Scholarship Endowment (used for freshmen financial assistance)
PLEDGE INFORMATION
My personal pledge:
$
My matching gift company will contribute:
Name of company:
$
Total Commitment:
Payment Schedule
$
Year 1
$
Year 4
$
Year 2
$
Year 5
$
Year 3
$
DONOR INFORMATION (Please Print)
Name
Class Year
Address
Email
Phone
PAYMENT INFORMATION
Enclosed
Contribution:
$
Please make checks payable to TEXAS A&M
FOUNDATION.
• On the memo line, indicate – Fish Camp Endowment
OR Fish Camp Scholarship Endowment.
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Return to:
Texas A&M Foundation
401 George Bush Drive
College Station, TX 77840-2811