Camp Redhawk
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Camp Redhawk is for new students during the summer before their first semester at SEMO.
Camp Redhawk is a four-day, three-night summer experience designed to help new Redhawks feel confident, connected, and excited before classes even begin. Instead of arriving on move-in day knowing no one, you'll build friendships, explore campus, connect with current students, and discover how to make the most of your SEMO experience. By the time classes start, you'll already feel like you belong.
Whether you're looking to make friends, get involved, or simply feel more prepared for your first semester, Camp Redhawk helps you start college with confidence.
Camp Redhawk 2026
Camp Redhawk 2026 is full! Thank you for the incredible interest in Camp Redhawk. Both 2026 sessions have reached capacity.
Join the waitlist! Openings may become available and students on the waitlist will be contacted if a space opens.
- Session One: June 14 - 17, 2026
- Session Two: July 13 -16, 2026
Students attending Session Two may stay an additional night to attend First STEP Orientation. Housing and meals are included for just $30, making it easy for students traveling longer distances to complete both experiences in one trip.
Why Go to Camp Redhawk?
The first few weeks of college are easier when campus already feels familiar.
Camp Redhawk gives you the chance to build friendships, learn your way around campus, and discover where you belong before the semester even begins.
By the time classes start, you'll already have:
- Friends to eat lunch with and recognize around campus
- Confidence navigating campus and Cape Girardeau
- Connections with current student leaders who can answer your questions
- A better understanding of clubs, organizations, traditions, and leadership opportunities
- Memories that make you feel like a Redhawk from day one
Many students say Camp Redhawk is where they met their first college friends and gained the confidence to start their college journey.
Sign up here for Camp Redhawk 2026!
All About Camp Redhawk
- Zipline and conquer the Outdoor Challenge Course
- Explore Main Campus, River Campus, and downtown Cape Girardeau
- Swim, climb, and compete at the Recreation and Aquatic Center
- Complete fun team challenges with your Nest
- Hear advice from current student leaders
- Learn how to get involved on campus
- Visit the Academic Dome and leave your mark by chalking your name inside
Every activity is designed to help you meet people, build confidence, and feel at home before classes begin.
Camp Redhawk is a great fit if you:
- Want to meet other incoming students before the semester starts
- Are excited to get involved on campus
- Want to feel more confident on your first day
- Enjoy trying new activities and challenging yourself
- Want to make the most of your college experience from day one
The cost to attend Camp Redhawk is $225.
Your registration includes:
- Four days and three nights in a residence hall
- All meals
- Activities and supplies
- Transportation during camp
- A leadership experience you'll carry into your first semester
Limited need-based scholarships are available for students with demonstrated financial need. Financial aid and University scholarships cannot be applied toward the registration fee.
No two days are exactly alike, but you'll spend your time exploring campus, participating in leadership activities, competing with your Nest, hearing from current students, and enjoying signature SEMO experiences.
Sample schedule here:
Day 1
- 3 p.m. - Check-in
- 5 p.m. - Nest Chat
- 5:45 p.m. - Dinner
- 6:45 p.m. - Camp Redhawk Opening
- 7:30 p.m. - Nest Games
- 9:30 p.m. - Backyard Bash
- Midnight - Lights Out
Day 2
- 7:30 a.m. - Wake Up
- 8 a.m. - Breakfast and Nest Check
- 8:45 a.m. - Depart for River Campus
- 9:15 a.m. - True Colors Personality Type Assessment
- 10:15 a.m. - River Campus Tour
- 11:30 a.m. - Lunch
- 12:30 p.m. - Explore Downtown Cape Girardeau
- 1:30 p.m. - Return to Main Campus
- 1:45 p.m. - Responsible Redhawks
- 2:15 p.m. - Leadership Programs
- 2:30 p.m. - Nest Project Prep
- 3 p.m. - Map of Myself
- 4:30 p.m. - Activity of Choice
- 6 p.m. - Dinner
- 6:45 p.m. - Nest Challenge Part II at the Aquatic Center
- 9:30 p.m. - Return to Hall
- 9:45 p.m. - Nest Chat
- Midnight - Lights Out
Day 3
- 8 a.m. - Breakfast and Nest Chat
- 9 a.m. - Secret to Success
- 11 a.m. - Redhawk Athletic Rally
- Noon - Lunch
- 1 p.m. - Nest Project Prep
- 1:30 p.m. - A Bird's Eye View from the Academic Dome
- 3:30 p.m. - Nest Project Review
- 4 p.m. - Nest Project Presentations
- 5 p.m. - Student Leader Panel Q and A
- 5:45 p.m. - Dinner with Student Leaders
- 6:45 p.m. - Building Challenge
- 9:30 p.m. - Return to Hall
- 9:45 p.m. - Final Nest Chat
- Midnight - Lights Out
Day 4
- 7:30 a.m. - Wake Up
- 8 a.m. - Breakfast, Room and Nest Teardown, and Nest Check
- 8:45 a.m. - Depart for Rec Center/Outdoor Challenge Course
- 9 a.m. - Open Rec and Ziplining
- 11 a.m. - Depart for Closing
- 11:30 a.m. - Closing Ceremony and Awards
- 12:15 p.m. - Room Check Out
ALREADY REGISTERED?
We're excited to welcome you!
About two to three weeks before your session, you'll receive an email with everything you need to know, including:
- Required medical and liability forms. You'll turn these in at camp check-in.
- Academic Dome Liability Release
- Liability Medical - For Participants Under 18 - A parent or guardian signature is required
- Liability Medical - For Participants Over 18
- Packing list
- Check-in instructions
- Camp reminders
The same information is also available below if you'd like to get a head start.
It's time to start packing!
The Essentials:
- Comfortable clothes (include a SEMO, or red or black shirt for activities)
- Tennis shoes (two pairs recommended)
- Activewear for ziplining and outdoor activities
- You can participate in ziplining and a high ropes course at SEMO's Outdoor Challenge Course. Many students recommend longer shorts or athletic pants and a t-shirt with sleeves for this to increase comfort.
- Bedding or sleeping bag for an extra-long twin bed
- Pillow
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Insurance information
- Sunscreen and bug spray
- Light snacks
Optional things
- Spending money for snacks or the SEMO Bookstore
- Small fan
Yes!
- Alcohol or drugs
- Fireworks
- Weapons
- Candles
- Other valuable or unnecessary items
Campus Life
Coordinator for Leadership and Involvement
PHONE
LOCATION
University Center 414
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS1200
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
Campus Life
Director of Campus Life
PHONE
LOCATION
University Center 414
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS1250
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
PHONE
LOCATION
Academic Hall 105
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS3550
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
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Contact Us
Phone
Location
Office
Mailing Address
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701