OU Camp Crimson creates student connections, makes college transition 'less intimidating'

Senior Ireland Keane still remembers the moment she met her Camp Crimson group member, Libby Olson. Both were pursuing marketing degrees and going through sorority rush. Both bonded over their love of country music singer Zach Bryan and volleyball.  

“Libby really helped ease the uncertainty of freshman year,” said Keane. “It was nice to have someone right down the hall to learn and grow with, not only during freshman year, but throughout our time at OU.”  

For more than 25 years, OU has hosted Camp Crimson, a launching pad for new students to find connection and belonging at the University of Oklahoma.

This year’s five-day orientation will be packed with activities that allow students to get to know campus, connect with their peers, faculty and staff, learn about OU's history and traditions, complete their first-year training and attend fun-filled events.  

Students participating in Panhellenic Association and Interfraternity Council recruitment, the Pride of Oklahoma, ROTC, OU Athletics and International Student Orientation also participate in Camp Crimson.  

Zac Stevens, interim director of New Student Programs, said Camp Crimson is an experience in which students can begin to recognize the reality of their new chapter in life and form bonds with fellow students. 
 
“The most important thing they’ll get from Camp is the establishment of connections,” said Stevens. “Many campers leave with new connections that will continue to grow during their time at OU.”  

Lauren Horner from Durant, Oklahoma, where the town population is less than the Norman campus, said she felt nervous about attending OU. Only a few people from her hometown went to OU. During Camp Crimson, Horner developed lasting friendships and discovered a passion for leadership.   

“Camp Crimson helped that transition be less intimidating,” said Horner. “I was able to find friends who I would keep throughout my college career. We shared that common background of not really knowing anyone else on campus.”

“I keep in touch with my small group. We even go on trips together such as to Florida for spring break and Austin, Texas, every summer,” said Horner. 
 
After personally experiencing the impact of Camp Crimson, Horner volunteered to be a small-group leader in 2022, a camp guide in 2023 and currently, and is now a member of the 2024 executive committee.  

To learn more about Camp Crimson and the official camp schedule, visit: https://www.ou.edu/orientation/freshmen-students/camp-crimson