East Campus Provides Perfect Setting for Pre-Camp
By: Damon Markiewicz
One of the timeless traditions at Springfield College is Pre-Camp, a student-run program for first-year Springfield College students, designed to help them get a head start on transitioning into their college experiences. What assists Pre-Camp in allowing first-year students to feel comfortable on Alden Street is the peaceful setting of East Campus.
"I think that as a pre-camp leader, you do have an impact in some type of way no matter what, because you help someone start their college journey at Springfield College, and that is special," explained Pre-Camp leader Kevin Giulini, a member of the class of 2024. "Especially being out at East Campus and being exposed to that facility so early on. I was able to make a really special connection with East Campus and to this day as a senior, it is where my home is on this campus."
Pre-Camp’s main goal is to assist first-year students in making friends, gain a perspective on the college experience, and help students gain a sense of confidence as they begin this new stage of their lives.
"Being a pre-camp leader is something that I will cherish forever," said Giulini. "This program gives you many tools and opportunities for your first year of college."
During four days and three nights at East Campus, Pre-Camp participants take part in multiple sessions that allow students the opportunity to embrace the challenges of leaving home for the very first time. Pre-Camp participants can relate with student-leaders in a unique and fun environment that encourages reflection and acceptance.
"As a participant, it's all for you, and you get to soak everything up that you can," concluded Giulini. "As a leader and eventually as a co-chair, I was able to give back that experience to first-year students and watch the magic that happened for me, happen for them."
