Housing and meals are included in the camp at no cost.

The group will eat all meals together, most at the The Fresh Food Company @ Downing Student Union (DSU), where there are many choices: fruits, salads, vegetables, sandwiches, meats, desserts, and beverages, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Some meals will be ordered from local restaurants (pizza, for example). Alternative meal options will be provided to meet dietary needs. Please let the Camp Coordinator know of any dietary restrictions so accommodations can be made.

Campers will stay in Southwest Hall, which is centrally located on campus.  Each camper will have an individual room unless they choose to share with one roommate.

Housing Supervision & Safety: Trained Male camp counselors will be staying in rooms in the designated male wing/floor. Trained Female camp counselors will be staying in rooms in the designated female wing/floor. To ensure the safety of all campers there will be a set lights out time each night at 11:00 pm. Campers must stay in their dorm rooms until morning (emergencies being the only exception). Under no circumstances are male campers allowed to go to female wing/floor or female campers allowed to go to the male wing/floor. In addition to camp counselors staying on site with campers – the camp coordinator, a representative from the WKU Housing and residence life, and the WKU Police are available 24/7.

Campers will participate alongside a group of other first-generation students, hear each other's questions, and share the journey! 

Camp staff will include WKU faculty, staff, and current students who will be able to share information about the transition to college from a variety of perspectives.  Sessions will be provided by professionals who work directly with financial aid, advising, and more. 

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Join us for an opportunity to get a taste of what college life might look like for you. The camp will be a mix of skill building, information sharing, and social activities and will be interactive and hands-on throughout.  Camp sessions will include:

• teambuilding and exploration of personal strengths,
• hands-on, customized financial aid information,
• application and admissions process,
• exploration of campus, and
• learning about college essentials.

Learn new skills ...

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... have some fun!

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The F1rst Gen initiative is designed to provide connection and highlight resources to help students meet and overcome challenges as they Climb the Hill.  The initiative includes targeted activities, scholarship opportunities, and faculty, staff, and alumni first-gen advocates.  Follow the links to see more information!

What to bring:

• • Comfortable shoes for walking on campus, including some long distances and climbing stairs!
  • Alarm clock
  • Pillow, pillowcase, blanket, sheets (twin extra-long sheets) OR sleeping bags OR flat sheets to wrap the mattress
  • Towel, washcloths, soap, shampoo, shower shoes, etc.
  • Umbrella and/or raincoat in the event of rain. Walking on campus will occur regardless of the weather.
  • Sunscreen (optional -there will not be significant time outside.)
  • Water Bottle
  • Optional: Camera, cell phone and cell phone charger, laptop/tablet, laptop/tablet charger
  • Casual clothes suitable for indoors and outdoors  (clothes hangars, if needed)
  • Optional: Snacks for dorm – snacks and drinks will be provided in evenings
  • Optional: Spending Money (housing, activities, meals, and snacks will be provided; students may wish to purchase items from the WKU Store or vending machines)
• What NOT to bring:  NOTE: The camp schedule is very busy and will include visiting many locations across campus.  You should not bring valuables or should plan to leave them in your room at the residence hall during the day.  It is very easy to lose track of items and can be difficult to remember where they may even have been left behind.
  
  • Candles, fireworks, incense, lighters, matches
  • Televisions
  • Electronic entertainment or Gaming devices of any kind
  • Video game consoles, Blu-ray, DVD, or Video players
  • Laser pointers
  • Food products that contain nuts
  • Tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, vape products
  • Expensive items (jewelry, etc.)
  • High caffeine or energy drinks
  • Bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, skateboards,
  • Knives or weapons of any kind
  • Toys that are like weapons such as nerf guns, plastic swords, and water pistols
  • Anything potentially dangerous or distracting

Code of Conduct

·        As a camper in the WKU First-Gen High School Summer Camp at WKU, I agree that I am subject to the supervision and authority of the faculty, staff, and counselors in charge. I understand that standards of conduct will be stipulated by the staff, faculty, and counselors. I agree to abide by these standards and conduct myself in a manner that will make my family, community members, and school proud. I know that to get the most out of the camp experience, I need to direct my positive energy toward learning in the sessions and participating in the activities outside the sessions.
·        I understand that I am expected to treat others respectfully. 
·        I understand that staff discretion will apply if there is any question about appropriateness of my clothing.
·        I agree to use the internet in sessions only as directed by camp staff, reveal no personal information (name, phone number, address, etc.), and neither transmit nor receive illegal or inappropriate material.
·        I understand that I will not be allowed to leave campus unless (with the exception of camp functions) picked up by parent/guardian. My parent/guardian and I must check out in person with my counselor before leaving and check in with my counselor or camp staff/faculty upon returning.
·        I understand if I am found in possession of tobacco, vaping paraphernalia, illegal drugs or alcohol, or if I endanger the health and/or welfare of myself or others, I will be sent home immediately. I also understand that if my behavior is seriously disruptive or destructive in the sessions or in the environment outside the classroom, I may be sent home. I understand that in the event I am sent home or leave for any reason, my family will be - responsible for any additional expenses related to going home.
-        I understand that I am responsible for my belongings.  (Camp staff will try to help recover lost items, but it is best for valuables to be left in your residence hall room during the day.)
·        I understand that I must stay in my residence hall room after lights out at 11:00 pm and agree not to let any other campers in my room other than my roommate if I have one.
·        I understand that if I intend to drive myself to camp and park my car on campus that I am expected to check in my keys with camp staff for the duration of camp.
·        I understand my room and bathroom must be clean before I check out.
·        I understand bringing any items on the “What Not to Bring” list is in violation of the Code of Conduct.
·        I understand failure to abide by the Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary action up to and including being sent home.

Click Apply Now and complete the digital form to let us know you are interested in camp.  We will use the information you supply to send the camp Application and Medical Information and Release Forms to be completed. Be sure to supply complete information when you submit your application! 

Thirty slots are available.  Apply early!

The dates, below, are for 2024.  Dates for 2025 will be added to this page by March 2025.  Check back in the spring!

Applications will be sent to students and parents/guardians beginning April 8.
Completed applications are due by April 29.
Students and parents/guardians will receive confirmation that the student has a spot at camp OR on the waitlist on about May 17.
Campers who submit an application after May 17 will be added to the waitlist and notified if a opening becomes available.

If you have questions or have been accepted and now cannot attend camp, please contact us.

Email: firstgen@wku.edu    Phone: 270-745-3920