Duck Camp educates Thunder ducklings

Richland Collegiate High School Duck Camp, a full-day orientation for incoming students, was held Aug. 12 on campus, with approximately 260 students in attendance.

 Duck Camp included an opening ceremony, a rotation of five student groups through five different sessions and a final rally. The rotation sessions included a campus tour and group bonding activities.

 "RCHS is excited about the upcoming Duck Camp," assistant principal Heather Albuquerque said before the event.  "The RCHS senior mentors have spent three months preparing for this year's Duck Camp.  Their intent is to make the 2011 Duck Camp better than the prior year's camp."

Laura Barker, 17, double major in psychology and business, is a mentor at Duck Camp. Mentors tour the students around the campus, get their IDs taken and instruct them on how to use eCampus and eConnect. They also equip them with tips on preparing for college success, learning styles and college transitioning.

According to Barker, Duck Camp is similar to the program that first-time college students go through at Richland, though RCHS students also have unique experiences geared toward the high school aspect.

"In my opinion, Duck Camp is an excellent opportunity for new students to get to know the campus, as well as the staff that will be supporting them throughout their education at Richland," said Barker.

One of the incoming students, Bailee Cole, 16, was homeschooled prior to attending the orientation. She met new people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds and is excited about her first year at Richland.

"I'm looking forward to service learning the most this year," Cole said. "It's not something I'm familiar with, so it will be one of my many new experiences."

Other incoming students are nervous about their new environment but excited that Richland is offering them a different atmosphere than traditional high school.

"I've learned in Duck Camp that this program is quite serious and does not tolerate immaturity and irresponsibility as compared to public and private high schools," Kevin Charles, 16, a computer science major, said. "This program seems to require dedication and determination."

Duck Camp aims to make incoming students feel more comfortable on campus before class is in session. It also makes them familiar with the campus layout so the first day of school will not be as difficult.

"Duck Camp has greeted me with energy that I have come to love in just two hours," Charles said.