Leeward Community College (LCC), sponsored by GEAR UP Hawai`i, recently hosted a successful three day pilot freshman camp. The purpose of the camp was to help incoming LCC students build a connection with LCC before they have to do their first official student business with us, which is registration. Thirty campers were hosted on the Pearl City campus and engaged in fun and educational activities every day.  College Scenes Investigation, SCANGO, College Jargon Quiz Bowl and a Student BBQ were some of the exciting activities.

The campers were able to familiarize themselves with the campus layout, interact with campus service providers, make new friends, meet some of the faculty, and be better prepared for their first semester of college. On the last day of the camp, campers received assistance in planning their fall class schedule, and then officially registered for their first semester at LCC. These students have taken their first big step towards their college career.

The Freshman Camp was successful due to the cooperation and efforts from LCC’s GEAR UP Project, the Student Services Division—including Counseling, Admissions & Records, Financial Aid, Student Activities and Upward Bound—the Learning Resource Center, the Human Resources Office, the KI Program, the Educational Media Center, over 25 instructors from various disciplines, LCC’s 10 active Student Clubs and their advisors, and LCC’s Student Government.  It also received invaluable support from Ron Felipe and staff (LCC’s Copy Center), Francis Hirota and staff (LCC’s Maintenance Dept.),Travis Kono and staff (LCC’s Uluwehi Cafe), William Akama and staff (LCCW), LCC’s Business Office, LCC’s Job Prep Services, Jean Fujita, Kathleen Okazaki, Therese Nakadomari, Reef Amano,  Jackson Tsujimura, Manny Cabral, Mike Pecsok, Sandy Hoshino, and Mark Lane.