One of Springfield College’s timeless traditions is Pre-Camp, a student-run program for first-year Springfield College students, designed to help them get a head start on transitioning into their college experiences. What assists Pre-Camp in allowing first-year students to feel comfortable on Alden Street is the peaceful and tranquility setting of East Campus.
“We always say East Campus heals all, and as soon as step onto East Campus, you feel a calm, accepting energy, where individuals can feel they can be their true self,” said Springfield College Pre-Camp leader and Class of 2023 English and Elementary Special Education major Maura Flaherty. “We are very lucky at Springfield College to have a setting like East Campus, a space that allows us all to be together as students and feel comfortable in sharing our experiences.”
Pre-Camp’s main goal is to assist first-year students in making friends, gain a perspective on the college experience, and help students gain a sense of confidence as they begin this new stage of their lives.
“One of my greatest moments at Springfield College was when I first stepped on East Campus as a first-year, and how comfortable I felt because I love the outdoors. The setting of Pre-Camp allowed me to feel like I was at home,” said Springfield College
Pre-Camp leader and Class of 2023 Physical Therapy major Adam Riley. “East Campus allows a comfortable space where individuals can take that step to learn, take that step to grow. I remember feeling that way when I attended Pre-Camp, and we brought that focus as leaders as well. The setting of East Campus allows students to challenge themselves in a comfortable space.”
During four days and three nights at East Campus, Pre-Camp participants take part in multiple sessions that allow students the opportunity to embrace the challenges of leaving home for the very first time. Pre-Camp participants can relate with student-leaders in a unique and fun environment that encourages reflection and acceptance.
“We are fortunate to have East Campus, a space on campus that allows for individuals to navigate through their academic coursework and relationships with others, and do it in a setting that is very comfortable,” added Flaherty. “That’s why I always tell people to experience East Campus, because it’s a setting like no other they will experience.”
