Cub Camp: Spotlighting Maggie Heppner

Starting college is a big step in a student’s life. It’s normal to feel anxious and excited for this next chapter. The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith (UAFS) allows first-time students to be a part of a three-day social orientation. Future lions are able to meet their peers and make new relationships. They are also able to gain insight from upperclassmen about what it’s like and what it means to be a UAFS student.

Meet Maggie Heppner, a junior majoring in Media Communications and the Director of this year’s Cub Camp. She is in charge of hiring the Director’s Staff, all Chairs, Counselors, along with the C-Staff. Maggie coordinates training for the staff. When asked about what this means, she said, “We train them on how to have conversations with these campers, on our campus resources, and on other special important topics such as Title 9.” Other than hiring and training, she is also in charge of the “logistical and creative aspects of Cub Camp.”

Maggie went to Cub Camp as a freshman. She claims that she’s naturally kind of shy, and it allowed her to come out of her shell. When asked about why she wanted to be a part of this UAFS tradition, she said, “I decided to be a Counselor my sophomore year and at the end of Cub Camp 2023, I thought I would take a leap and apply for Director. I felt I had a vision for Cub Camp areas we could change/grow in.”

The Director of Cub Camp also made a point to discuss how special this tradition is! She noted that, “Most colleges do not have a social orientation. The connections students make at Cub Camp are connections they will carry with them through all their time at UAFS.” 

So what makes Cub Camp 2025 so special? Maggie says that for herself, she is “excited to be able to do it a second time without the first time Director nerves.” After all of the hard work she has put in, she said she loves, “Getting to watch everyone connect and grow together,” and she is looking forward to being able to “take it in with the view of a Cub Camp veteran.” Since it’s her last year, she wants to soak up every second!

Cub Camp recently just announced a brand new color, Gray. Maggie says that they decided to add a new color due to the camps being too crowded. She states, “This will allow students to get a more one-on-one experience with their counselors.” Adding a new color not only adds more excitement to this year’s Cub Camp but will also make it even more memorable.

This UAFS tradition has always been special not just for future lions but also current ones as well. It allows new students to find their new home and friends, along with current students sharing their own experiences. Cub Camp allows new students to be filled with anticipation for what’s to come with this new era in their life while also feeling comfortable at their new home.