The Honors Program sponsors several early-arrival opportunities for new honors students each August that fall into two categories: Retreats and Course-Based Camps. Students can only register for one since they run concurrently.
Retreats
Enjoy being outside? How about some friendly competition? Want to meet lots of honors students at once? One of our retreats might be for you:
H-Camp
H-Camp is our traditional camp at an off-site location filled with camp games, friendships, and connections.
H-Day
H-Day is a one-day excursion to a campsite filled with fun times and memory-making.
Course-Based Camps
Our course-based camps are 1-credit honors courses that are condensed into a few days, highly experiential and immersive. Each camp is considered one of our Honors Signature Experiences and is based on a particular theme:
Honors Potions (HP) Camp
HP-Camp is an experience unlike any other on campus. Instead of camp games, it will feature potion-making and Harry Potter-inspired fun.
One Credit to Rule them All (OCRA)
OCRA is a camp devoted to fantasy worlds. Learn about castles, culture, siege engines and more in this Lord of the Rings-inspired experience!
The Think Tank
Think Tank is a course where students will compete in ethics case competitions together. Prepare to be a leader of tomorrow, today!
Gator Crossing
Gator Crossing allows students to explore UF and Gainesville like a true villager in this Animal Crossing-inspired course.
Comic Camp
Comic Camp lets students reflect on what it means to be entering college as they read carefully selected graphic novels.
FAQs
- Can I register for multiple retreats?
Unfortunately, no. The calendars for H-Camp, H-Day, HP Camp, Think Tank and OCRA overlap.
- Can I register for either retreat if I will be in Gainesville for Marching Band or Sorority Rush?
Unfortunately, no. Band and rush are huge time commitments, and they overlap with the retreat schedules.
- When can I move in if I am attending either retreat?
Campers participating in either H-Camp, HP-Camp, Think Tank or OCRA can move into on-campus housing early. Housing and Honors will be in touch with more information about early move-in for retreat participants.
- Do SHO members receive a discount?
Every student is now automatically a member of SHO, as of Fall 2023, so there is no longer a member / non-member pricing difference.
- Can I get the registration fee waived for either camp if I demonstrate financial hardship?
Because of the cost it takes to put on H-Camp and H-Day, we cannot waive fees completely. However, some campers may be eligible to receive a discounted registration price due to financial hardship, and they should contact Dr. Forbes if they believe this to be the case. HP-Camp, Think Tank and OCRA-Campers will not have their fee discounted.
- Is there a waitlist?
There is a waitlist for all five retreat experiences. Students on the waitlist will be notified if a spot becomes available.
- How will I get to camp?
HP-Camp, Think Tank and OCRA camps take place on the University of Florida campus, so transportation will include walking and campus buses. H-Camp and H-Day take place off-campus, and the cost of registration includes campers’ motorcoach transportation fees.
- How do I register for the course credit I earn for doing HP-Camp, Think Tank or OCRA?
Do not worry – the Honors office will register all HP-Camp, Think Tank and OCRA participants for the Fall course credit prior to the start of their respective camp.