The University will be closed December 19, 2024 to January 5, 2025. If you need assistance during that time, please call 1-855-OWU-1842 and leave a detailed voicemail along with your contact information. One of our colleagues will respond to your call as soon as possible.
If you would like to make a 2024 gift, please make your gift before midnight on December 31.
During the camp, you will build friendships with other new students, connect with great student leaders, and get to know supportive faculty and staff.
While each of the three camps offers a unique experience, all of them will focus on learning the traditions of OWU, building new friendships, reflecting on the transition into college, and building the skills and relationships necessary to thrive at OWU.
Fun! New friends! Adventure! Great conversations! And a deep connection to OWU!
Camp Oh-Wooo provides three different types of camp experiences – Challenge Camp, Service Camp, and Wilderness Camp. There's something for everyone! Individual camp descriptions are below.
At each camp, you will be part of a small group of 8-15 new students led by two OWU student leaders who are excited to share their experiences with you. Small groups may also include a faculty or staff member, and the activities you do with your group will be the foundation of your camp experience. You'll get to know your fellow Bishops, explore who you are, talk about the college experience, and learn what it means to be part of the OWU family.
OWU will release information about Camp Oh-Wooo, our mandatory orientation program that all new-students participate in (*NCAA fall athletes, see info that follows) as part of the June Virtual Orientation experience. As part of the virtual orientation experience, new students will get to preference their camp locations. We make every attempt to try to place students in one of their top two choices. In early August, you will receive an email with your camp location. Camp Oh-Wooo is a fun, engaging, and educational experience to learn from current students and bond with other incoming students. Camp Oh-Wooo is available to all incoming students and transfer students.
*If you are a fall athlete in an NCAA-sanctioned sport (cross-country, field hockey, football, soccer, volleyball) then you will not be a part of a Camp Oh-Wooo track due to your fall sports schedule. You will participate instead in your team's welcome program. Student athletes still need to participate in the on-campus schedule on Monday, August 19, and Tuesday, August 20.
You will move into your residence hall on Thursday, August 14, and participate in OWU move-in traditions with your family and the OWU community. Your family will leave campus Thursday evening (don't worry, we'll leave time for good-byes), and your OWU adventure begins!
On Friday, August 15 Wilderness, and Challenge Camp participants will head off campus to their respective sites. Service Camp participants will stay on campus for their camp experience but serve at service sites off-campus all around the Delaware and Columbus areas. All students return to campus on Sunday, August 17.
On Monday, August 18, and Tuesday, August 19, all new students will participate in a number of academic and student life events to prepare you for the first day of classes on Wednesday, August 20, while also connecting you with your fellow classmates, faculty, staff, and senior students.
Do you love meeting new people and making friends? You'll love Challenge Camp! Set at a beautiful wooded camp facility with cabins and group lodges, Challenge Camp will include low- and high-element challenge course activities.
Challenge your mind while building friendships and learning teamwork skills.
Opt-in for a high ropes adventure above the scenic forest canopy.
Meet new friends around the campfire and stay up for some late-night fun.
Have a heart for volunteering and service? This experience is for you! At Service Camp, you will serve the Delaware and Columbus community in meaningful ways, while experiencing the same small group bonding that the other camps experience.
Learn about local organizations and how you can continue to get involved after camp.
Learn what it means to engage in quality community service through direct service, education, and reflection
Serve in a food pantry, clean up local community parks, and learn about ways you can volunteer during your OWU experience and beyond.
Looking for an outdoor adventure? Look no further than Wilderness Camp! Set in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia, this experience offers outdoor adventures like rock climbing, canoeing, hiking, and tent camping in a rugged setting.
Challenge yourself, soak in nature, and talk about college life at OWU.
Choose between rock climbing, canoeing, caving, and hiking in scenic West Virginia.
Build teamwork through games and activities each evening.
Challenge yourself and try something new.