Issue date: 7/10/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Brian Jansky Members of Camp Trott enjoy the sun and the sea July 1 as they relax on a road trip to Mustang Island on the Gulf of Mexico. All Fish Camps take road trips in hopes of bonding, and beaches are frequent destinations. [Click to enlarge]

Most students have heard of Fish Camp, but many don't realize that every summer approximately 900 Aggies volunteer for one of Texas A&M's most recognized traditions.

Counselors, in the months prior to Fish Camp, get together with their partner and plan the discussion group times, said Fish Camp Co-chair John Nicholson.

Discussion groups, or DGs as they are affectionately referred to, are smaller assemblies where two counselors can get to personally know a group of freshmen.

Planning the DG times allows the two leaders to learn how to get the freshmen to open up, and also "have some fun and enjoy their time," Nicholson said.

Now as a co-chair, Nicholson said he facilitates the development and growth of the counselors and gets them leaders ready for what they are about to do come August.

The counselors also go on three road trips prior to Fish Camp. "Road trips give an alternate environment outside of Texas A&M," said Alison Gonsalves, who was a counselor and is a co-chair.

Nicholson, who will volunteer at his fifth Fish Camp in August, said that typically the counselors will either go to a co-chair's or another counselor's home and they are limited to a seven-hour drive outside College Station.

This allows bonding within the camp, and counselors can learn to understand differences people have, Nicholson said.

"It's given me the opportunity to step outside my shell," Gonsalves said. "[The trip] gently forces you to get to know some people," she said.

Gonsalves also said that getting to know different types of personalities prepares you as a counselor so you won't be intimidated by the variety of freshmen.

Continued...

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