2004 Frosh Camp counselors announced

Gann, a University of Memphis sophomore, attended Frosh Campbefore his freshman year and said it was "an awesomeexperience."

"Frosh Camp has a direct impact on how successful freshmen areon campus," the education major said. "Hopefully, we can raiseretention rates around school."

Frosh Camp is a week-long session aimed at helping freshmen intheir transition from high school to college and getting themexcited about going to The U of M.

"Students begin to get strong, positive feelings about The U ofM, so when they arrive on campus they will begin to feel involvedwith The University," said William Porter, assistant vice-presidentfor Student Affairs and dean of students. "Frosh Camp is also anopportunity for current students to have significant responsibilityfor a large program that is meaningful to The University."

While the counselors and executive board members havesupervision, students plan and execute the program themselves.

Many schools have adopted a similar program, Porter said, "ButThe U of M's Frosh Camp is unique in giving students responsibilityfor the program.

Counselors begin training sessions Saturday, and training willcontinue until the first camp session at the end of July. Thecounselors are not paid for their work.

"They put in a lot of time and effort," Porter said. "The levelof dedication and commitment to the program is impressive. The onlything they get in return is the satisfaction of providing a greatprogram for the freshmen."

Counselors must be spirited, reliable and willing to commit thetime necessary and they must also have good communication skillsand be knowledgeable about The University, Porter said. Inaddition, counselors must be strong students with good reputationsand have an understanding of and an ability to work with a diversegroup of people. The counselors are diverse and representative ofThe U of M student body, he said.

Head camp counselor Melinda Laroco said she has "no regrets orworries" about this year's group of counselors.

"These are the best of the best," she said. "They really live upto what Frosh Camp is and take it to another level."

Almost 140 people applied to be counselors. Fifty were chosen ascounselors, with 12 as alternatives.

Laroco, who attended camp as a freshman and was a counselor forthe past three years, said Frosh Camp is important because it issome students' first college experience away from their parents andhigh school friends.

Senior Sarah Leonard will return for her second year as a campcounselor.

"Frosh Camp really helps you grow as a person," she said. "Andit helps The University by getting the freshmen excited about The Uof M. Frosh Camp is one of the most rewarding experiences."

Each year about 400 freshmen attend the camp, which began in1994.

"For many students, Frosh Camp is one of their best memories,"Porter said. "People who don't go always regret it. Frosh Camp isone of the best things The University does for its students."