Participant Experience
Schedule: To take a look at the 2026 CAMP schedule, please click here. Families are invited to join us for one of the highlights of CAMP on June 27 at 10:30 a.m. in Reese Phifer Hall, Room 216. Students will showcase the campaign projects they have worked on throughout the week, offering a look at their creativity and accomplishments. RSVP here to attend and celebrate their CAMP experience!
Packing: Participants will need to bring clothing for six days (including one business-casual outfit for final presentations), bedding materials, toiletries and towels. To view our suggested packing checklist, click here.
Parking: We’ll provide a map of parking and housing information soon. Also, during the summer UA has several road closures due to construction. Click here for all current and on-going road closures. These may impact your travel routes and add additional travel time.
Transportation: There is one shuttle services for airport transportation. We recommend the below option.
- Crown Transportation: https://www.crowndriven.com/
If you have any additional travel questions, email Lexi McMahon.
Housing Arrangements: Participants will be housed on-campus in one of our amazing residence halls. This year we will be in Lakeside West. All residence halls are furnished with extra-long twin beds. Each suite will sleep two students of the same gender. Participants will have the opportunity to identify a roommate preference on the registration form. Participants are responsible for their bed linens, towels and toiletries. Take a look at all our residence halls here.
In Case of Emergency: In case of an emergency where you need to contact a participant, contact Tisch Student Services at 205-348-8599. The staff will be able to get any necessary messages to CAMP participants.
Cell Phone Policy: Students are encouraged to remain engaged and interested in the experience. Cell phones are permitted, and students may be encouraged to use them as a supplement to content sessions. This use will be at the discretion of the faculty.
View the Parent Handbook: The CAMP Youth Program Parent Handbook contains valuable information for parents/guardians, schedules and sample forms. Click here to view the Parent Handbook.
FAQ
What is CAMP?
Communication and Media Preview (CAMP) is a six-day, five-night immersive experience at The University of Alabama. During CAMP, students will practice skills and improve knowledge related to the fields of communication and media, develop connections with aspiring communicators, and become familiar with the college experience.
Participants will create original work with cutting-edge technology alongside the nation’s leading experts in areas such as advertising, communication studies, creative media, news media and public relations.
Participants will be exposed to various career options in the field and cultivate their interests around communication and media while engaging in a hands-on, team-centered learning environment. With a focus on sports, CAMP allows students to learn how sports media professionals use communication every day in a variety of settings ranging from press conferences to social media and event planning.
What are the skill teams?
At CAMP, participants are split into skill teams based on the skills they’re most interested in. The different skill teams are listed below.
- Broadcasting: Interview and report on newsworthy events.
- Media Production: Work with media editing software to piece together visual, verbal and graphic design content.
- Writing: Tell the stories of individuals, organizations and their ideas through print media.
- Social Media: Generate awareness and excitement around events, people and causes using today’s foremost social media platforms.
- Promotion: Gain attention and generate awareness.
- Public speaking: Craft and deliver your verbal message.
Who should attend CAMP?
This is a great opportunity for students involved with their high school’s broadcast, film, journalism, school paper, yearbook, literary magazines, or student government programs, or students interested in career paths in communication. Attending CAMP allows students to get hands-on experience before ever stepping foot in a college classroom, putting them one step ahead of their peers.
CAMP is designed for high school sophomores to incoming college freshmen.
If your student does not fall within the above age limit, but you think CAMP is still the experience for them; please email Lexi McMahon.
What should participants bring to CAMP?
You don’t want to leave anything behind! We’ve made a packing list to help you think of everything.
How much does CAMP cost?
CAMP 2026 costs $955 plus additional fees.
Please keep a record of your registration email confirmation to present at check-In for your CAMP session.
*CAMP refunds can only be applied to any registration fees paid to The University of Alabama. This does not include any travel and lodging costs you incur before or after registering for the program.
Do parents/guardians get to see final student presentations?
Yes! Parents are invited to CAMP presentations and an optional walking tour of campus! CAMP participants will present their projects in Reese Phifer Hall (Room 216) on the final day of CAMP. This is a chance for you to see your student’s hard work and contributions during the CAMP program.
Where will participants stay on campus?
Participants will stay on campus in one of our housing options with current C&IS upperclassmen. Participants must bring their own sheets and linens.
What will participants eat during CAMP?
All food will be provided during the week at UA dining halls or catered meal options. If you have dietary restrictions or any additional accommodations, please let us know in the registration and we will happily work with you.
Are there preferred hotels available during CAMP week for parents/guardians?
Yes! We have an exclusive University of Alabama rate available at 99.00 per night plus tax at Comfort Inn and Suites Tuscaloosa Downtown Near University. Families can book this rate anytime using code LBAMA or the link below, and it will remain active through your event dates of June 21 to 27.
What is there to do in Tuscaloosa? (For parents/guardians visiting with their students)
Tuscaloosa is home to a vast array of remarkable sights that are known only inside its bounds. With hundreds of restaurants, activities, museums and parks, it has managed to become one of Alabama’s most progressive cities. Visitors come to enjoy the refreshing atmosphere, historic features and bustling nightlife that Tuscaloosa has to offer. For more information on Tuscaloosa or ideas for how to best plan your stay, visit http://visittuscaloosa.com/.
If you have additional questions, please call Tisch Student Services at (205) 348-8599 or email us at uaccis@ua.edu.