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The UA student-run Camp Wildcat will inform underserved youth about what it means to be a university student and a Wildcat during a weekend-long retreat on campus.

By University Communications
March 25, 2009

Encouraging students to consider college is important, particularly for those who are underprivileged.

That is the message behind Camp Wildcat, a student-run nonprofit organization that hosts camps throughout the year for underprivileged youth living in the Tucson area.

"Each camp has a unique theme and this camp features the plot of a real-life fairy tale to show campers just how magical the University can be," said Andrew Friedman, the camp's co-director.

"It's also an excellent opportunity for us to share our story with the community," said Friedman, who is also a UA senior and Honors College student who is studying systems engineering.

Camp Wildcat hosts camps at sites throughout southern Arizona and also host a visit to the Grand Canyon once annually.

The organization is planning for an upcoming benefit auction, which will be held next month, and its camp.

This weekend, campers will take over Bear Down gym and various sections of buildings at the UA. The camp, which is called "Quest for the Kingdom: A Real-Life Fairy Tale" this year, will begin the evening of March 27 and run through March 29 at various locations on the University campus.

"The majority of the time we take the campers to a campsite for our weekend camps or we visit their school and do shorter day activities with them there," Friedman said. "Our on-campus camp is really the only time that we work with students on campus."

The camp was created specifically for youth who are financially disadvantaged or mentally and physically disabled, Friedman said.

During the camp, about 50 sixth and seventh grade students will sleep over at the UA and work with University students who will lead activities and discussion groups centered around the college-going process.

The students will convene at the UA Friday night and split into groups and participate in exercises meant to acclimate themselves with one another.

On Saturday, campers will learn about programs in chemistry, engineering and dance, among other UA programs. They will also see presentations by Physics Factoyr, a team of scientists at the UA, and will learn about the science of making liquid nitrogen ice cream. UA students have also coordinated interactive evening activities for the campers.

On Sunday, the campers will engage in a college talk and participate in a mock graduation ceremony, among other activities that will encourage them to think about goal setting.

"This year we want to focus on college and figuring out ways where they could fit in," said Bailey Cool, Camp Wildcat co-director.

"College is like a fairy tale, but you can get your happy ending at the end," said Cool, a UA Honors College student and sophomore studying media arts and English. "It's a journey, and it's something we want to get them more excited about."

The student-run organization is also hosting a benefit auction on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. with a live and silent auction with items that include tickets to local events, artwork, jewelry, historic memorabilia from the Tucson area and an event package from Abella Wedding and Event Center in Tucson that is valued at more than $3,000. All proceeds benefit Camp Wildcat's programs.

The benefit auction will be held at the UA's Student Union Memorial Center, 1303 E. University Blvd., in the North Ballroom. Tickets are $15 for UA students and $20 for the general public and will included dinner and live entertainment.