Orientation
Fish Camp
Fish Camp began in 1954 when YMCA Director Gordon Gay took a few incoming cadets on a camping trip near Mexia, Texas. From its small beginning, the program continues to be the most significant transitional experience in the lives of freshmen. Fish Camp, held at the Lakeview United Methodist Conference Center, involves 5,000-plus students—including more than 900 upper-class counselors and staff members—as well as many members of the Texas A&M faculty and staff who volunteer their time to introduce incoming freshmen to Aggieland.
Held during the three-week period preceding the fall semester, each four-day session is designed to aid students in the transition from high school to college and particularly to Texas A&M. It is an optional program intended to provide incoming students the opportunity to establish friendships, meet student leaders, become familiar with Aggie traditions and learn about Texas A&M campus life. Faculty and staff members speak on topics such as study habits, personal goals, Aggie traditions and history, extracurricular involvement and campus services.
In addition to providing educational programs, group activities and small group discussions, the camp allows students to get to know each other through recreation, intramural sports and evening theme mixers. Fish Camp is not just a four-day activity in August. It is a year-round event where upper-class students remain in contact with their new friends, providing mentor support, motivation and companionship. For more information, please call (979) 845-1627 or visit the Fish Camp website at fishcamp.tamu.edu.