R.O.C.K. Camp Now Accepting Applications for 2019 Mentors

R.O.C.K. (Razorback Outreach for Community and Knowledge) Camp is an extended orientation program designed to help new students gain valuable insight and knowledge about their new home at the University of Arkansas. R.O.C.K. Camp and R.O.C.K. Camp Adventure continue to succeed because of the student mentor staff.

R.O.C.K. Camp mentors help create lasting friendships and welcome new students into the Razorback family by learning traditions, engaging in service, and setting the tone for a successful college career.

Sophomore Jasmine Dennis said, "It was a great experience, and I'm so glad I could be a part of something so monumental in an incoming freshman's college experience."

Matthew Meyers, assistant director of New Student & Family Programs and camp director, is looking for highly dedicated students who are looking for a way to give back to the incoming class.

"I think if we all looked back at our first year in college, we all would have done a lot of things differently," Meyers said. "It's hard to know what to expect, so having someone who gets what that's like and who can guide and support you authentically through this transition into college can make all the difference. We are looking for those individuals who love this school and who are wanting to make the first-year experience the best it can be for our incoming students." 

According to junior Ryan Martin, "Being a R.O.C.K. Camp mentor is great because it helps teach you how to be a better leader. You get to help incoming freshmen learn traditions and participate in all of the R.O.C.K. Camp activities. It's a lot of fun and you get great work experience out of it as well."

Junior Callie Malone said that being a mentor "is an amazing opportunity to meet new students and get involved in their lives to make sure that their first impression of the University of Arkansas is a positive one."

Dennis, Martin and Malone have all served as mentors, and both Martin and Malone have also served as student coordinators for R.O.C.K. Camp.

Information about the R.O.C.K. Camp & R.O.C.K. Camp Adventure mentor positions can be found at rockcamp1.uark.edu/staff/mentor-staff. Applications are due by 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31. To ensure that applicants are a good fit for the program, they will participate in both individual and group interviews to learn more about what it takes to be a successful mentor.

Please email Matthew Meyers at mgmeyers@uark.edu for more information.