Cards Camp

 

Registration for Cards Camp 2023 has closed!

August 12-16, 2023

It's Time to Explore!

What is Cards Camp?

Cards Camp is a 5-day, 4-night immersive experience designed to give students a jump start on their college journey.  On- and off-campus programming will include small group activities, team building exercises, and other engaging opportunities to discuss meaningful topics surrounding transitions to college life.  Camp participants will connect with peers, student mentors, faculty and staff to begin building their Cardinal community. 

Cards Camp will begin on the University of Louisville campus, where resident students will have the opportunity to move into their residence hall early .  After time to acclimate to campus and some activities on-campus on day 1 and a night in their residence hall room, campers and staff will travel to the North Central 4-H Camp in Carlisle, KY on the morning of day 2 of camp.  This is a traditional summer camp experience and most programming will be held outdoors, with traditional summer-camp style housing in air conditioned cabins with twin bunks.  Students will return to campus and their residence hall on Wednesday night, ready to start Welcome Week activities with the rest of the new students arriving on campus on Thursday.

To be eligible for Cards Camp, students must be a first-time in college student who is eligible to attend a freshman orientation session.

Cards Camp Students

Cards Camp Guiding Pillars

Leadership:

  • Personal reflection
  • Increased self-awareness
  • Exposure to university programs, resources, and traditions

Community:

  • Connect with students and faculty in a diverse environment
  • Build lasting relationships with peers and student mentors
  • Engage with university faculty and staff

Service:

  • Participate in a community service project
  • Learn about service opportunities and ways to contribute to your campus
  • Begin learning about social issues in our community and leave with a personal plan of action

Adventure:

  • Step outside of your comfort zone
  • Challenge yourself and support your peers
  • Short-term immersion in a rustic camp experience with outdoor team building activities
  • HAVE FUN!

Registration

Register now for Cards Camp 2023!  Log in using the email/password you used when you applied to UofL. Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.  The registration limit is 120 total students (60 female and 60 male). Registration for Cards Camp closes on July 15, 2023!

The registration fee for Cards Camp is $200, due within one week of registration submission in your New Cards Gateway.  Students will be notified via email when the fee is applied to their account.  Students must already be registered for and/or attend New Cards Orientation before registering for Cards Camp. 

The Cards Camp registration fee includes all meals, lodging, transportation, camp t-shirts, water bottle, and all programming materials. 

No refunds will be issued for cancellation of Cards Camp registrations after payment is submitted. 

 

Schedule of Events

Students will move into their Residence Hall for the Fall 2023 semester and check-in to Cards Camp on the afternoon of Saturday, August 12, 2023.  After hall move-in and some time to acclimate, there will be a Kick-off event and Family Farewell, followed by activities on the UofL campus for the evening. On Sunday morning, campers will depart campus for 4-H Camp to begin the adventure portion of their camp experience.  Cards Camp students will return to the UofL campus on Wednesday evening.  View full schedule of events. 

What to Bring

You'll be with us for 5 days. You'll need to bring some basic items for your overnight stays, as well as some optional comfort items. View packing list.

Cards Camp Need-Based Scholarships

Any Cards Camp registrant who applies and demonstrates a financial need by the Cards Camp Scholarship priority deadline of May 20 will be guaranteed a scholarship in the range of $25-$125.  Award notifications will be made via email on May 24.  Final payments for Cards Camp will be due by June 9.  Any applications received after the priority deadline will be evaluated first come, first served, based on the availability of funds.

Apply for a Cards Camp Need-Based Scholarship here.

Meet the Cards Camp Staff

We're assembling a group of Cardinal Allstars to help you have a great Cards Camp experience. Meet our team.