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Student Leadership, Involvement, & Community Engagement (SLICE)
Student Union & Recreation Center (SURC) 250)
(509) 963-1850
slice@cwu.edu

 

Start your CWU experience with Cat Camp

What is Cat Camp?

Cat Camp is a leadership-transition program designed to welcome incoming first-year and transfer students to the CWU community hosted by Student Leadership, Involvement, & Community Engagement (SLICE)! This camp has two separate sessions that offer unique experiences for each group. In each session, campers will have the opportunity to learn more about themselves, create connections with other incoming students, develop a stronger understanding of CWU, and begin their CWU legacy through service. Both camps will have similar framework for leadership development but will have specific excursions to support a variety of interests.

Meals and lodging are provided for each particpant throughout both Cat Camp expeiences. Along with a Cat Camp t-shirt, transportation, and other camp materials.

"I learned how to better lead a team and strategize to get a project done. I definitely feel more connected to CWU because I know more about the school along with all the people I was able to connect with. It made the transition a lot easier." - Cat Camp Participant 2022

How to Register?

Student registration is limited and occurs on a first come, first serves basis, and registration closes 14 days prior to camp. Payments will be taken via a secure web payment.

*Students are welcome to request for the fee to be waived! Our priority is you attending if the fee would make you not want to attend!

Accommodations

We pride ourselves in staying inclusive and respectful to provide the best experience for every student. If you require any accommodation, please contact SLICE@cwu.edu to make appropriate arrangements.

Cat Camp Overview, Sample Schedule, & Session Information

  • Here's an overview of what to expect!

    Adventure is out there! Join us for four-day, three-night session at Black Diamond Camp in Auburn, Washington. In this session campers will dive into their leadership style while becoming one with nature as they experience a variety of events, activities like our "Dive In Movie", community development, low & high ropes courses and more!

    Adventure Schedule Overview

    September 10 (Move-In) Day 1 (September 11) Day 2 (September 12) Day 3 (September 13) Day 4 (September 14)
    Students attending Cat Camp will move in early on September 10 as coordinated by Housing and Residence Life.

    Check-In (opens at 2:00 p.m. - leave by 3:00 p.m.)

    		 Wake Up & Breakfast Wake Up & Breakfast Wake Up & Breakfast
    Move-in between 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. (must be registered for Cat Camp to move-in early)

    Arrive to Black Diamond Camp and get a welcome to camp

    		 All Camp Challenge Load Vans & meet with Outdoor Pursuits & Rentals Team Meeting
    Get settled in your bunk Leadership Development Experience White Water Rafting Safety Leave to Service Project
    Team Meeting Team Meeting White Water Rafting Engage in collective service project
    Dinner Lunch Lunch Lunch
    Roll Call & Showcase Leadership (Part 2) Downtime Camp Graduation Celebration
    Speed Friending Goofy Relay Challenge Team Meeting Depart for CWU Ellensburg campus
    Community Connections (movies/games) Team Meeting Outdoor Hike Return by 3:30 p.m.
    Downtime & Break Dinner
    Dinner Goal Setting Workshop
    Team Challenge Preparing for College
    Community Connections (optional hike, camp fire) "Dive-In" Movie

    *Please note that the above is a tentative overview and items are subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does Cat Camp cost?

    Cat Camp costs for 2023 will be released soon, don’t hesitate to reach out to slice@cwu.edu requesting for the fee to be waived.

  • When do I have to register for Cat Camp?

    Student registration is limited and occurs on a first come, first serves basis, and registration closes 14 days prior to each camp. Payments will be taken via a secure web payment. Remember there are a limited number of spots, so sign up as soon as you can!

  • Who can go to Cat Camp?

    Cat Camp is designed for new first-year and transfer CWU students. Students starting this fall at any of the CWU campuses are welcome to attend Cat Camp! Our goal is to connect you with other new students and show you help you prepare for a successful college journey.

  • Who are the staff for Cat Camp?

    You will see some familiar faces at Cat Camp as your Orientation Leaders are also serving as the Camp Staff! These incredible student leaders will offer support, experience activities with you, and be awesome connections for the fall quarter. These Camp Leaders are led by 3 incredible SLICE Student Leads and the professional staff Leadership Coordinator.

  • What is included for student participants?

    All components of the camp experience are included for participants (lodging, transportation, meals, t-shirt, leadership materials, and excursions).

  • What is the lodging situation?

    We have hotel-style lodging with separate beds and one bathroom per room!

  • When do I move-in to my residence hall if I participate in Cat Camp?

    Students joining in on Cat Camp will move into their respective residence hall early on September 10. Additional information will come in your Cat Camp confirmation packet!

  • Does Cat Camp replace my orientation experience?

    Nope, Cat Camp does not replace orientation! Cat camp is completely optional for students and is supplemental to all of the great experiences at orientation.

  • I want to attend Cat Camp but I already live on the west side of the state. Can I meet you there?

    We know students attending Cat Camp are joining from a variety of locations. We are hosting a secondary check-in on the west side at the CWU Des Moines Campus and we will provide transportation from there! Please note: this secondary option is only available for participants that request to check-in on the west side. Make sure you indicate that you want the west side check-in option in your camp registration.

  • I'm registered! What should I bring?

    A full packing list will be provided to each student who registers for Cat Camp. Here is a condensed list to help you visualize what to bring:

    • 1 water bottle (essential)
    • Light Jacket/Sweatshirt - sometimes it's cold
    • Necessary clothing items to stay comfortable (t-shirt(s), Shorts/pants, socks, sneakers, hat
    • Sunscreen
    • Lip balm
    • Flashlight (we'll have some too!)
    • Personal toiletries
    • Sunglasses
    • Sleeping bag or linens (whatever will help you feel comfortable)
    • Pillow/pillowcase
    • Towel and shower shoes
    • Wildcat Pride! (Oh wait - you already have that!)

    Please note: Alcohol and other drugs (including marijuana) are not permitted for the duration of Cat Camp. Cat Camp is not responsible for any lost or stolen items that are brought to camp.