CAMP

Step into the unknown with your peers

What if you could bond with your future classmates on a fun, low-stress adventure before the first day of med school?

Creating Adventurous and Mindful Physicians (CAMP) is a student-led wilderness orientation program offered by M-Home that’s designed especially for incoming medical students. Before Launch, you are invited to join fellow M1s and trained student leaders for either a five-day/four-night or a three-day/two-night backpacking trip and one incredible opportunity to spend time together in a relaxed outdoor setting before transitioning to med school. No previous camping experience needed!

Your CAMP experience will be led by student leaders from all classes and M-Home houses, giving you the opportunity to start forming your support system, a critical component for the next four years.

Through CAMP, you will:

  • Foster bonds with your new peers through team-building and meaning in medicine exercises.
  • Create deep connections with the broader med school community that will sustain you through the hills and valleys of med school.
  • Discover a culture of support around and among students through conversations with senior med students.
  • Build your confidence through mindfulness training, backpacking skill lessons and wilderness medicine instruction.

“I've never bonded with so many people on such a profound level in this short amount of time, and I attribute that a lot to CAMP’s student leadership and everyone's welcoming and inclusive attitudes. The backpacking was definitely a highlight, but I also loved chilling out at camp with everyone and having great conversations each night.”

Days at CAMP

The typical trip day will look something like this:

Breakfast: The most important meal of the day, prepared camp-style

Hike: 2-4 miles, with trail games and bonding

Lunch: DIY sandwiches: PB&J, turkey and cheese, PB&cheese, turkey&J, trail-spice optional

Hike: 3 miles, get to know one new person per mile

Set up camp: Debrief the day and learn to play euchre (a Michigan-must)

Dinner: Quinoa and veggies

Campfire bonding before going to sleep in our luxury tents/hammocks

Each day, activities will be centered around development of a specific well-being, community-building or teamwork goal.

 

“I got to open up with my classmates and got to know them so much better than I ever could at a happy hour or social mixer. It was extremely valuable to invest time in the mindfulness exercises prior to starting medical school--I feel much better prepared mentally/emotionally than I was before the trip.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are this year's dates?

A: CAMP typically takes place the week before the White Coat Ceremony.

Q. Where does CAMP take place?

A: Hiking groups meet in Ann Arbor and then travel to the trail system specific to their trip designation within Michigan.  

Q: How much will it cost?

A: The cost is $30 per participant.

Q: Do I need to own camping gear?

A: We prefer for students to use their own gear, if at all possible, but there will be the opportunity to rent as needed. Our plan is for there to be no extra charge for the students who need to rent.

Q: How can I sign up?

A: Matriculating students may apply the week of May 1st, after the commit deadline.   

Q: Do I need a lot of outdoor experience to participate?

A: No! CAMP is open to students of all levels of experience. We aim to ensure everyone is as comfortable and appropriately challenged on the trip as possible.

Q: Is CAMP accessible to students of all abilities?

A: Yes! We want to work to make sure CAMP is welcoming to all. If you have specific concerns and/or needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email.

Q: What if I can’t make those dates?

A: Unfortunately, we’re limited by our transportation and specific departure dates/times. However, CAMP is a year-round student organization, so you can get involved throughout the year as well! As always, don’t hesitate to reach out with questions about your circumstances.

Q: Who do I contact if I have questions?

A: Please email us at [email protected]

Get a Dose of Reality...

CAMP at University of Michigan Medical School
Read Robin's and Simona's blog about CAMP (link is external)