Join us in celebrating
30 years of Frog Camp!

A TCU tradition for 30 years, 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 an extended orientation program that introduces incoming students to the TCU community. Frog Camp is offered off-campus in different locations, including travel destinations. 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 have some fun along the way!

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

TCU Faculty & Staff Partners support Frog Camp by attending and participating in small groups with incoming students and current student leaders. Recruitment for faculty/staff partners for Summer 2024 is open now through March 27th. If you’re a TCU Faculty or Staff member interested in serving at a Frog Camp, complete our form to submit your interest. Questions? Contact Taelor Cruz by email at frogcamp@tcu.edu.

Frog Camp Descriptions & Locations

Frog Camp Casa Nueva will introduce you to everything we love about living in Fort Worth. During this three-day camp, you will stay at a local hotel. This camp visits the Stockyards, Sundance Square, the zoo, and eat at several of Fort Worth’s local favorites.
Casa Nueva A: June 7-9, 2024
Casa Nueva B: June 15-17, 2024
Casa Nueva C: June 26-28, 2024
Casa Nueva D: July 11-13, 2024
Packing List: Casual clothes for summer weather, country-western attire (or whatever you are comfortable with), Closed – toe shoes, refillable water bottle, 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.
Frog Camp All Stars 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 local sports 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 local hotel.
All-Stars A: June 21-23, 2024
All-Stars B: July 6-8, 2024
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, refillable water bottle, 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 Frog Camp 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 water, roast marshmallows by the campfire, participate in some friendly competition, or get in on a random dance party. This camp is held at a local campgrounds. Cabins and all indoor facilities are air-conditioned.
Challenge A: May 31-June 2, 2024 
Challenge B: August 8-10, 2024
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, refillable water bottle, 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.
Journey with Frog Camp to Music City! In the heart of country music, Nashville offers unique experiences including a trip to the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame, eating good-old-fashion southern barbecue, and so much more. Frog Camp Nashville is a ton of fun, while making great friends along the way.
Nashville: July 10-14, 2024
Packing List: ID for Travel, Casual clothes for summer weather, Reusable Water Bottle, 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 Nashville location. More details can be found upon registration.
$500 Deposit Required Upon Registration | $2250 Balance required prior to departure date.
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 long lasting connections in an “off the grid” experience. 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 does have limited access to cell phone service, which allows for deeper connections that will leave you connected to the experience for years to come.
Alpine A: July 22-26, 2024
Alpine B: July 27-31, 2024
Packing List: Casual clothes for Colorado summer weather (mix of long and short sleeves and pants/shorts), two reusable water bottles (totaling 64 oz), 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 (it’s bright on the mountain!), 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.
$500 Deposit Required Upon Registration | $300 Balance required prior to departure date.
 
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 12-16, 2024
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 shopping), Toiletries, Sunblock, Hat/sunglasses, 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. More details can be found upon registration.
$500 Deposit Required Upon Registration | $1800 Balance required prior to departure date.
 
Join Frog Camp on an adventure outside of the U.S! We are thrilled to host the opportunity to provide a seven-day experience for students to immerse themselves in another culture, as well as connect to their new peers at TCU. Participants will be able to experience the incredible sights of Iceland, take the leap to build connections, and make unforgettable memories.
Iceland: July 15-21, 2024 
Packing List: ID for Travel, Passport, Casual clothes for summer weather in Iceland, Reusable Water Bottle, 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 Iceland location. More details can be found upon registration.
$500 Deposit Required Upon Registration | $3000 Balance required prior to departure date.

All the Details

We have multiple types of camps and dates throughout the summer! Below are dates in chronological order, check out the Frog Camp Descriptions & Locations below for specific information about each camp.

While all camps located in Texas are free to attend, the * notes camps with a cost associated; please see the tab labeled “Cost of Frog Camp.”

• Challenge A: May 31-June 2, 2024
• Casa Nueva A: June 7-9, 2024
• *Mystery: June 12-16, 2024
• Casa Nueva B: June 15-17, 2024
• All Stars A: June 21-23, 2024
• Casa Nueva C: June 26-28, 2024
• All Stars B: July 6-8, 2024
• *Nashville: July 10-14, 2024
• Casa Nueva D: July 11-13, 2024
• *Iceland: July 15-21, 2024
• *Alpine A: July 22-26, 2024
• *Alpine B: July 27-31, 2024
• Challenge B: August 8-10, 2024

View a comprehensive calendar of Orientation AND Frog Camp Dates! It’s possible to maximize your visit to Fort Worth by attending a Frog Camp that leads into an Orientation or an Orientation that leads into Frog Camp! For example, attend Frog Camp Challenge A that leads into Orientation Session 4.  Or attend Orientation Session 9 that leads into Frog Camp Casa Nueva C. Note, you cannot overlap Orientation or Frog Camp days due to conflicting schedules; the registration system will automatically negate options that conflict.

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

On March 26th beginning at 5:30pm CT, those who have submitted their tuition deposit can login to their myTCU portal, click on the Admission Status & Checklist tile, and register for Orientation and Frog Camp! It’s one form for both programs. 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.

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.

Travel camps (out of state) have separate fees associated with each individual camp. Students must make an initial non-refundable deposit of $500 when they select a travel camp. The remaining balance for each camp will be due approximately 2-4 weeks prior to camp.

Travel Camp Costs:

  • Alpine $800 total ($500 non-refundable deposit + $300 balance)
  • Nashville $2750 ($500 non-refundable deposit + $2250 balance)
  • Mystery $2300 ($500 non-refundable deposit + $1800 balance)
  • Iceland $3500 ($500 non-refundable deposit + $3000 balance)
  • Incoming students with a demonstrated financial need based on Pell Grant status, completion of FAFSA, and use of a enrollment deposit waiver may be eligible for financial assistance. 

Frog Camp Cancellation & No-Show Policy

  • There is a no show fee and/or late cancellation (within 10 days of a camp date) fee of $300 for our camps in Texas.
  • Travel (out-of-state) camps have a no show fee and/or late cancellation (within 2 weeks of a domestic travel camp date and 4 weeks prior to international travel camp) fee reflecting the price of the respective camp.
  • 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.
Frog CampDatesTotal CostDeadline to Cancel &
Pay Balance in Full
(11:59PM CT)		Charge for no-show or
cancelling after deadline
Challenge AMay 31-June 2, 2024Free!May 21$300
Casa Nueva AJune 7-9, 2024Free!May 28$300
MysteryJune 12-16, 2024$2300*May 29$2300
Casa Nueva BJune 15-17, 2024Free!June 5$300
All Stars AJune 21-23, 2024Free!June 11$300
Casa Nueva CJune 26-28, 2024Free!June 16$300
All Stars BJuly 6-8, 2024Free!June 26$300
NashvilleJuly 10-14, 2024$2750*June 26$2750
Casa Nueva DJuly 11-13, 2024Free!July 1$300
IcelandJuly 15-21, 2024$3500*June 15$3500
Alpine AJuly 22-26, 2024$800*July 8$800
Alpine BJuly 27-31, 2024$800*July 13$800
Challenge BAugust 8-10, 2024Free!July 29$300
*camps traveling outside Texas require a $500 non-refundable deposit upon registration

 

 

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. If you are participating in an Orientation session and attending a Frog Camp the next day, the same applies. Students with either of these back-to-back occurrences are is automatically included in additional accommodations on-campus on your registration form. Our office will confirm your need once you arrive for Orientation or Frog Camp (whichever you attend first).
Unfortunately, TCU cannot provide additional housing accommodations outside of these situations. If you are arriving  prior to your session or staying additional nights after your session late, please make your own accommodation reservations off campus at a local hotel.

  • 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 made their enrollment deposit 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, you can provide 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 all affiliated with TCU that are prepared to ensure that students are having a fulfilling experience at Frog Camp.

Check Out our Frog Camp Story Here