NewsOctober 04, 2023

Heppner Takes Over Cub Camp

Written By: Ian Silvester

Cub Camp, an annual four-day extended orientation and traditions camp at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, welcomes sophomore Maggie Heppner as the 2024 Cub Camp Student Director.

Maggie is majoring in English with plans to earn her teacher licensure. During the 2023 Cub Camp, she served as a Blue Camp Counselor, welcoming and connecting with the largest first-year class of students. In her new role, Maggie is ready to embrace following the path laid by her predecessor, Amaica Howard.

“We’ll definitely follow a blueprint of what they did,” Maggie said. “There’s footsteps for me to follow in, not necessarily something that I need to live up to, but more live by.”

She was selected from a field of four candidates – all of whom had previously served on the Cub Camp staff, maintained a minimum GPA of 2.5, and were in good standing with UAFS. Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Dr. Dave Stevens said Maggie impressed the interview committee with “her creative and thoughtful responses to our questions.”

“I selected Maggie Heppner to be the Cub Camp Student Director because she is a promising student leader on our campus,” Stevens shared. “The Cub Camp Student Director position is a special role that requires tremendous leadership abilities, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and some program planning ability. … We have great expectations for these leaders; I have no doubt that Maggie will excel in this role.”

Excelling in the position runs in the family.

Maggie’s older sister Reagan previously served as Cub Camp Student Director. During that time, Maggie said she was able to watch and learn from her sister. She saw first-hand the preparation that goes into the role and is prepared to make Cub Camp a positive impact for all.

“I don’t think (the role) is about making it my own. I think it’s about how we can make it a personal experience for each camper because that’s what it’s about. It’s not just about who’s directing it,” Maggie said.

Looking ahead, Maggie said she is excited to plan and lead the next Cub Camp. Right now, Maggie is in the process of hiring the director’s staff. Once that staff is filled, they will hire Cub Camp chairs. She urges anyone interested in being part of the experience to sign up as a counselor – more information will be posted on NUMALink.

• Tags:
• New Student and Family Programs
• Cub Camp
• Cub Camp Student Director
• Student Life