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The freshman leadership camp has several purposes.
Recent national studies within veterinary medicine have called for
veterinary colleges to do more in developing the non-technical
competencies needed for successful provision of veterinary services.
Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s freshman
leadership camp is one way in which WSU CVM has responded to this call.
Other reasons include having fun while building a sense of community
between students, faculty and administration, emphasizing cooperation
rather than competition between students, defusing anxieties associated
with entering professional programs, teambuilding, improving
communication skills, and problem-solving.
The freshman leadership camp is held each year during the week prior to
the start of fall semester. Almost all members of each incoming class
currently attend the camp along with selected upper class
representatives, faculty, and administrators. In fact, significant
effort is exerted by the College to facilitate the opportunity for each
student to attend. The camp typically runs three days. The site is Ross
Point Conference Center in Post Falls, Idaho. Participants are bused to
the camp site and back. Camp accommodations range from hotel style rooms
to rustic cabins designed to sleep up to twelve.
The majority of the curriculum for the camp is based upon experiential
learning of emotional intelligence and servant leadership through
teambuilding activities and ethical discussions. Having fun in this
process remains a key element of the camp. Bug races, a dinner cruise on
Lake Coeur D’ Alene, and evening campfires with smores are traditional
social activities.
As the camp has become more established and improved, other supporting
activities have evolved that are directed towards student spouses,
significant others, and family. For example, educational seminars
suggested by previous classes have been implemented that assist loved
ones with acclimating to the Pullman area along with what to expect as a
result of the academic demands placed upon the students. Pet sitting
services are also provided by upper class member so that first year
students can attend camp.
Each year suggestions from the students are incorporated into the
development of the following year’s camp. The number of students who are
willing to volunteer to return as upper class representatives has grown
substantially, and has required the implementation of a lottery system
to determine who gets the privilege of returning as upper class
representatives.
Each year, WSU CVM also hosts representatives from other programs and
organizations who come to this student leadership camp to get ideas on
how to facilitate similar activities at their home program or to gain an
understanding of the personal growth that occurs. To date, the
preponderance of the cost associated with this camp has been graciously
provided by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. The number of allied organizations
willing to support this camp continues to grow by virtue of reports
submitted by their representatives who have personally observed the
benefit to the students.
Please click on the corresponding link for images from each year’s camp.
Class
of 2008 Class of 2007
Class of 2006
Veterinary Leadership
Experience 2004
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