Fish Campers catch the Aggie spirit and learn to carry on A&M traditions

By Nichelle Jaeger ’12

For several weeks, thousands of students from the Class of ’14 made the trek to Lakeview, like many before them, to take part in a treasured Aggie tradition: Fish Camp. For many Aggies, Fish Camp is their first real taste of Texas A&M as a student, helping them transition from high school to college. This is where they meet new friends, learn yells and experience the possibilities of college.

In its 56th year, Fish Camp boasts a record attendance of more than 6,000 freshmen. To accommodate the large numbers of campers, the program is organized into seven four-day sessions. Fish Camp began Aug. 3 and runs through Aug. 24.

The entire program is facilitated by upperclassmen, who serve as counselors, crew and staff members. Students apply to be Fish Camp staff in October and volunteer for nearly nine months to coordinate a memorable camp experience for freshmen.

Along with encouraging freshman, Fish Camp also honors those who have selflessly given back to A&M. These Aggies serve as Fish Camp namesakes. This year, Fish Camp honors 42 Aggies, including well-known former students such as Neal Adams ’68, Tim Rabroker ’82 and Major Glenn G. Burnside II ’73. Four of the namesakes are Texas A&M Foundation employees: Steve Blomstedt ’83, Carl Jaedicke ’73, Ann Lovett ’81 and Shannon Zwernemann.




Students load the buses for Fish Camp, kicking off their college career.


Fish Camp counselors lead small discussion groups where freshmen have the opportunity to ask questions and build a tight bond with fellow students.


The Texas A&M Foundation is proud to have four employees honored as Fish Camp namesakes this year.


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After four days of Fish Camp, freshmen return to campus knowing they will always be Texas Aggies.

Click here to contribute to the Fish Camp endowment. Click here to give to Fish Camp scholarships.

For more information about how you can support Fish Camp, contact Cindy Munson ‘99, assistant director of development for student affairs at the Texas A&M Foundation, at (800) 392-3310 or (979) 458-1689.