Frog Camp

Join us at Frog Camp! Frog Camp 2023 Dates:

Casa Nueva A: June 3 – 5
Casa Nueva B: June 10 – 12
Mystery: June 14 – 18
All Stars A: June 17 – 19
Casa Nueva C: June 23 – 25
All Stars B: June 28 – 30
Casa Nueva D: July 6 – 8
NOLA: July 11 – 15
Costa Rica: July 14 – 20
Alpine A: July 22 – 26
Alpine B: July 27 – 31
Challenge A: August 9 – 11
Challenge B: August 13 – 15

A TCU tradition since 1993, Frog Camp provides incoming students with an opportunity to make new friends, experience TCU spirit, and learn what it takes to be a Horned Frog.

What is Frog Camp?

Frog Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime program that introduces incoming students to the TCU community. This extended-orientation program is offered off-campus in different locations. Students walk away from Frog Camp with new friends, faculty/staff resources and upper-division mentors. Participants also get an inside look at what it means to be a Horned Frog, learn TCU traditions, and how to make a difference at TCU. 

Although there are different camps, all incoming students will have a similar small group experience. Participants are placed into small groups with two upper-division facilitators, and a faculty/staff mentor. Small groups will be home base for campers throughout their Frog Camp experience, and they will explore and discuss many aspects of going to college and becoming a Horned Frog.

TCU Faculty & Staff Partners

Current TCU Faculty & Staff Partners are invited to join us this summer.  Help us welcome the Class of 2027 to the TCU Family.

Faculty/Staff Sign Up Here

All the Details

Only incoming students who have submitted their tuition deposit will have access to Frog Camp registration.

Those who have sumitted their tuition deposit can login to their myTCU portal, click on the Admission Status & Checklist tile. Students will be prompted to complete several general information forms and then will have the ability to register for a Frog Camp session.

Each camp has a limited number of spots. Once a camp is full, there will be an option for students to be added to a waitlist. We recommend waitlisted students also register for a camp that is available. This is because there is no guarantee spots will become available at the camp a student is waitlisted for. Spots can go quickly, so we recommend that students register as soon as possible.

This summer we are experiencing a very high demand for Frog Camp and recognize many options are full. Please place yourself on a waitlist and as we receive cancellations throughout the summer, we will use our waitlists to ensure as many students go to Frog Camp as possible.  Unfortunately, we are unable to add any additional Frog Camps to our schedule.

TCU has recognized the value of this experience, and we are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity to attend Frog Camp at no cost for any of our camps located in Texas.

Our Alpine camps, located in Colorado, do have a fee of $800 for participants. This fee will be charged to the student’s account after the completion of the camp.

New Orleans does have a fee of $2,200 for participants. This fee will be charged to the student’s account after the completion of the camp.

Mystery does have a fee of $2,200 for participants. This fee will be charged to the student’s account after the completion of the camp.

Our international Frog Camp, located in Costa Rica does have a fee of $4,500 for participants. This fee will be charged to the student’s account after the completion of the camp.

Cost of Frog Camp
  • Alpine-$800
  • Mystery-$2,200
  • New Orleans- $2,200
  • Costa Rica-$4,500

Frog Camp Cancellation & No-Show Policy

There is a late cancel or no show fee of $250 for our camps in Texas. Should participants cancel their registration after the cancellation deadline listed below, this fee will be charged to their student account. Similarly, students will receive this charge if they do not show for the camp for which they are registered.

When scheduling travel, students must plan to attend their registered camp in its entirety. Students are unable to arrive late or leave early from camp, please make travel arrangements accordingly.
TCU is not responsible for any missed or delayed personal flights. Please plan time in between returning from Frog Camp and your own personal travel accordingly.

Housing Accommodations

If you are attending a Frog Camp and will be participating in an Orientation session the next day, you have the option to remain in accommodations on campus between programs and do not need to provide any extra information. If you are participating in an Orientation session and attending a Frog Camp the next day, the same applies. Unfortunately, TCU cannot provide additional housing accommodations outside of these situations. If you are arriving early or staying late, please make your own accommodation reservations off campus at a local hotel.

Camp Specific Information

Mystery: June 14-18

The check-in for Frog Camp Mystery will take place at the DFW Airport at 8:00 am on June 14.

For your returning flight back home, we ask that you book your flight out of DFW after 5:00 pm on June 18 as that will give you time to make your connecting flight.

NOLA-New Orleans, LA: July 11-15

The check-in for Frog Camp New Orleans will take place at the DFW Airport starting at 8:30 am on July 11.

For your returning flight back home, we ask that you book your flight out of DFW after 5:00 pm on July 15th as that will give you time to make your connecting flight.

Costa Rica: July 14-20

The check-in for Frog Camp Costa Rica will take place at the DFW Airport starting at 7:00 am on July 14.  Don’t forget to bring your passport!

For your returning flight back home, we ask that you book your flight out of DFW after 8:00 pm on July 20 as that is when we are currently schedule to arrive back at DFW from our destination.

 Alpine A: July 22-26

The check-in for Frog Camp Alpine A will take place at the Colorado Springs Airport on July 22. We ask that your flights arrive no later than 1 pm, as our AEI Basecamp staff will meet us there to transport us to our camp location for the week.

For your return flight back home, we ask that you book your flights after 1 pm on July 26th. We will depart to the airport from camp earlier in the morning, but the 1 pm time gives us a buffer in the event that we experience any travel difficulties.

 Alpine B: July 27-31

The check-in for Frog Camp Alpine B will take place at the Colorado Springs Airport on July 27. We ask that your flights arrive no later than 1 pm, as our AEI Basecamp staff will meet us there to transport us to our camp location for the week.

For your return flight back home, we ask that you book your flights after 1 pm on July 31. We will depart to the airport from camp earlier in the morning, but the 1 pm time gives us a buffer in the event that we experience any travel difficulties.

  • Who can I contact with questions or more information?
  • What do I do if the camp I want to attend fills up?
    • Each camp has a limited number of spots. Once a camp is full, there will be an option for students to be added to a waitlist. We recommend waitlisted students also register for a camp that is available. This is because there is no guarantee spots will become available at the camp a student is waitlisted for.
  • How do I register for Frog Camp?
    • Those who have can register for Frog Camp starting in late Spring by logging in to their myTCU portal and clicking on the Admission Status & Checklist tile. Students will be prompted to complete several general information forms and then will have the ability to register for a Frog Camp session.
  • Why should I attend Frog Camp?
    • Frog Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is designed to help with your transition into TCU. Frog Camp provides an opportunity to connect with other incoming students, learn more about TCU, and further prepare you for life in college. Most importantly, Frog Camp is FUN!
  • I have a dietary restriction, how can I make sure that I have food at camp?
    • Upon registration, it will ask you for any dietary restrictions or special accommodations. Please make sure you fill this out so we can ensure we have the proper food and accommodations prepared for you.
  • How do you staff your camps?
    • We always have two, trained professional staff members at each camp for safety and risk management purposes. In addition, we have graduate student interns, student directors, student facilitators, and faculty/staff members that are all affiliated with TCU that are prepared to ensure that students are having a fulfilling experience at Frog Camp.

Frog Camp Descriptions & Locations

Casa Nueva will introduce you to everything we love about living in Fort Worth.  During this three-day camp, you will stay at a hotel in downtown.  This camp visits the Stockyards, Sundance Square, the zoo, and eat at favorite Fort Worth restaurants like Joe T. Garcia’s.

Casa Nueva A- June 3-5
Casa Nueva B- June 10-12
Casa Nueva C- June 23-25
Casa Nueva D- July 6-8

Packing List:

    • Casual clothes for summer weather
    • Billy Bob’s attire (country-western or wear whatever you are comfortable with!)
    • Closed – toe shoes
    • Spending money (enough for 1-2 meals and any spending money for downtown shops)
    • Toiletries
    • Sunblock
    • Hat/sunglasses (if you want to avoid the heat)
    • Weather gear in case of rain

*This is a general packing list. Students will be sent a detailed packing list via email prior to Frog Camp.

Based in Arlington, this camp will enthrall any sports fan. At this three-day camp, students will get to experience some of the professional sports offerings in the DFW area by touring AT&T stadium and attending a Rangers game. Campers will also get to learn about and get ready to cheer for our TCU athletic teams. This camp will be hosted at a downtown Fort Worth hotel.

All-Stars A – June 17-19
All-Stars B – June 28-30

Packing List:

    • Casual clothes for summer weather
    • Closed – toe shoes
    • Spending money (enough for 1-2 meals and any spending money for downtown shops)
    • Toiletries
    • Sunblock
    • Hat/sunglasses (if you want to avoid the heat)
    • Jersey/Sporty attire for stadium visit/game attendance
    • Weather gear in case of rain

*This is a general packing list. Students will be sent a detailed packing list via email prior to Frog Camp.

When you come to Challenge, get ready to stretch yourself during our challenge course and get head-to-toe dirty during Grimy Games. During this three-day camp there’s time to relax by the pool, roast marshmallows by the campfire, hit the sand volleyball courts, or get in on a random dance party. This camp is held at campgrounds in Waxahachie, Texas.  Cabins and all indoor facilities are air-conditioned.

Challenge A – August 9-11
Challenge B – August 13-15

Packing List:

    • Casual clothes for summer weather
    • Sleeping bag or twin-size bedding and a pillow for cabins
    • Towel and washcloth
    • Toiletries
    • Close-toed shoes
    • Set of clothing for Grimy Games that you can get REALLY Dirty
    • Swimsuit
    • Sunscreen
    • Bug Spray
    • Shower shoes
    • Flashlight
    • Weather gear in case of rain

*This is a general packing list. Students will be sent a detailed packing list via email prior to Frog Camp.


Challenge B Camp participants will be moved into their residence hall before attending Frog Camp and will return before any required Frogs First activities.

Frog Camp & Sorority Recruitment –Panhellenic Recruitment overlaps with both Challenge A and Challenge B. Therefore, women participating in Panhellenic Recruitment will not be allowed to sign up for Challenge A or Challenge B. More information about Sorority Recruitment will be provided by Fraternity and Sorority Life. 

Start your TCU journey at 10,000 feet by traveling to Alpine. At this five-day camp high in the Colorado Rockies you’ll have a chance to rock climb, white-water raft, hike, tackle the high ropes course and experience the unique wood-burning sweat lodge. During Alpine, you’ll sleep in rustic cabins, eat family-style meals and make great new friends in a setting that will literally take your breath away.

Alpine A – July 22-26
Alpine B – July 27-31

Packing List:

    • Casual clothes for Colorado summer weather (mix of long and short sleeves and pants/shorts)
    • Rain jacket
    • Warm jacket/Sweatshirts
    • Gloves and hat
    • Socks (a pair of wool socks if your feet get cold)
    • Two pairs of comfortable shoes for outdoor activities – one pair will get wet, we also recommend at least one pair of closed-toe shoes
    • Swimsuit
    • Pool towel
    • Quick drying clothing for rafting (no cotton) – neoprene rafting socks will be provided
    • Toiletries, Towel and washcloth
    • Sunblock
    • Lotion
    • Insect repellent
    • Chapstick
    • Hat/sunglasses (if you want to avoid the heat)
    • Flashlight or head lamp
    • Warm sleeping bag
    • Pillow
    • Personal spending money for one meal, snacks, souvenirs, etc.

*This is a general packing list. Students will be sent a detailed packing list via email prior to Frog Camp.


Campers are responsible for their own transportation to/from Colorado Springs Airport.
Alpine fee is $800. This fee will be charged to the student’s TCU account after the completion of camp.

Immerse yourself in the culture of New Orleans at Frog Camp NOLA this summer. At this five-day camp you will experience the sights and scenes of NOLA, while learning more about the history in this beautiful city. In addition to the classic Beignets, come with us to Frog Camp to get a taste of TCU and NOLA’s delicious cuisine.

NOLA- July 11-15

Packing List:

    • ID for Travel
    • Casual clothes for summer weather
    • Closed – toe shoes
    • Spending money (enough for 2-3 meals and any spending money for downtown shops)
    • Toiletries
    • Sunblock
    • Hat/sunglasses (if you want to avoid the heat)
    • Weather gear in case of rain

*This is a general packing list. Students will be sent a detailed packing list via email prior to Frog Camp.


Participants will travel together with TCU Frog Camp & Faculty/Staff partners from DFW to New Orleans.  The fee for this camp is $2,200. This fee will be charged to the student’s TCU account after the completion of camp.

Like the element of surprise? Well, Frog Camp Mystery is the camp for you. Join us on a trip to a secret destination you will not know until we take off at the airport. No worries, we are only traveling in the US, but that means there are hundreds of destination possibilities!

Mystery- June 14-18

Packing List:

    • ID for Travel
    • Casual clothes for summer weather
    • Closed – toe shoes
    • Spending money (enough for 1-2 meals and any spending money for downtown shops)
    • Toiletries
    • Sunblock
    • Hat/sunglasses (if you want to avoid the heat)
    • Weather gear in case of rain

*This is a general packing list. Students will be sent a detailed packing list via email prior to Frog Camp.


Participants will travel together with TCU Frog Camp & Faculty/Staff partners from DFW to our Mystery location.  The fee for Mystery is $2,200.  This fee will be charged to the student’s TCU account after the completion of camp.

Interested in travel or immersing yourself in another culture? Frog Camp Costa Rica is the camp for you! Join us on our seven-day excursion to the beautiful country of Costa Rica while we explore its surroundings and what It means to be a TCU Horned Frog.

Costa Rica- July 14-20

Packing List:

    • Passport and ID for Travel
    • Casual clothes for summer weather in Costa Rica
    • Toiletries
    • Close-toed shoes
    • Outdoor/Active Clothing
    • Swimsuit
    • Sunscreen
    • Bug Spray
    • Shower shoes
    • Flashlight
    • Weather gear in case of rain

*This is a general packing list. Students will be sent a detailed packing list via email prior to Frog Camp.


Participants will travel together with TCU Frog Camp & Faculty/Staff partners from DFW to Costa Rica.  The fee for Costa Rica camp is $4,500. This fee will be charged to the student’s TCU account after the completion of camp.

Participants must have a valid passport to attend Frog Camp Costa Rica


Check Out our Frog Camp Story Here

2021 Frog Camp