Participant Experience
Schedule: To take a look at our CAMP 2024 schedule please click here. We will have our CAMP 2025 schedule ready in the Spring!
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: A map of parking and housing information are now available. 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 are several shuttle services for airport transportation. We recommend the below options.
- Groome Transportation: https://groometransportation.com
- 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. 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. We will update this section once our specific dorm has been selected for CAMP 2025.
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.
This year’s sports focus will allow 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 does each skill team do?
- 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.
High school students who are interested in exploring the field of communication and information sciences and being one step ahead before ever stepping foot into a college classroom.
CAMP is designed for high school sophomores to incoming 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?
Communication and Media Preview (CAMP) costs $950, which includes lodging, meals, administrative fees, on-campus transportation and materials.
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.
Are scholarships available for CAMP?
Yes. There are a limited number of scholarships available to students with expressed financial need. Students who apply for a scholarship should wait to register for CAMP until hearing back about their scholarship application status. Click HERE to access the scholarship application.
Do parents/guardians get to see final student presentations?
Yes! Parents are invited to CAMP presentations, the closing luncheon 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 at 10:30 AM. This is a chance for you to see your student’s hard work and contributions during the CAMP program. Following presentations, the students will have one last meeting with their project teams and you all will be escorted to Tutwiler Hall for the closing luncheon.
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 Burke Dining 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 resources that can help out-of-town participants with travel?
Yes, of course! We want to make your travel to Tuscaloosa as simple as possible. We’ve provided some parking and travel information that can answer questions and assist out-of-town participants in their arrival.
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.