Events | StudentsApril 16, 2026

Meet the Staff that Makes Cub Camp Possible

Written By: Ian Silvester

Spring commencement at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith is still about a month away, but preparations are already being made to welcome the next cohort of first-year students to the university later in the summer. 

Cub Camp, an annual three-day event that caps off move-in, features events such as the color war, camp showcase, Cub Camp Cup, and Spirit Stick, helping incoming students meet peers and familiarize themselves with UAFS. 

“Cub Camp is an opportunity to welcome new students to campus, help them find a place in one of our many student organizations, and share academic resources,” said Dr. Dave Stevens, dean of students, as he reflected on what will be his 15th camp.  

However, all of this wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the work done behind the scenes for the months leading up to Cub Camp by the UAFS Cub Camp Director Staff, affectionately known as D-Staff. 

“The true magic lies in our students,” Stevens said. “After all, our upperclassmen all remember the nerves that come with starting their college journey and being able to help our first-year students open up and discover where they fit in is a profoundly rewarding experience.” 

New Student and Family Programs Coordinator, Stephany Dobbins, said the D-Staff is the student leadership team overseeing all student staffing and making sure every moving piece comes together over the course of those three days in August. 

“D-Staff serves as the bridge between planning and execution,” Dobbins said. “They communicate expectations, keep timelines on track, and make sure each group knows their role and feels supported going into Cub Camp. During Cub Camp, they’re constantly checking in, troubleshooting, and adjusting in real time to keep things running smoothly. They’re not just managing logistics; they’re leading their peers.” 

Cub Camp runs August 13-15. Learn more about how to register at https://uafs.edu/student-life/student-family-programs/register-cub.php.

The team of students responsible for creating the energy, consistency, and sense of belonging to the 2026 Cub Camp is: Kylie Becker, Olivia Phillips, MJ Long, Chelsea Mendez, Erika Johnson, and Haleigh Osborne. 

Meet the D-Staff: 

Kylie Becker, a senior psychology major from Fort Smith, taking over as the D-Staff director, said she is excited to see the work planned immediately following last year’s Cub Camp to make this camp as fun and memorable as possible for incoming students. 

“It’s the experiences and lasting friendships that are made during those three days! As a new student, you don’t realize how quickly Cub Camp will get you out of your shell and make you comfortable and informed on campus,” Kylie said. 

As D-Staff director, Kylie, along with her team, oversaw chair and counselor interviews and training sessions throughout the year. She loves event planning and has been busy ensuring that every activity during Cub Camp is meaningful and impactful. 

Olivia Phillips, a junior studying elementary education from Mount Ida, serves as associate director. She said she is looking forward to seeing students step out of their comfort zones and make powerful memories and connections. This especially rings true for Olivia because she came from a small town, and coming to UAFS was nerve-racking. However, she said, by the end of the first day during her Cub Camp experience, she had made good friends and memories she cherishes today. 

As for what makes D-Staff special, Olivia said it’s the reward and privilege of making the experience memorable for all students involved. 

“D-Staff does a lot of behind-the-scenes planning and preparation. We don’t get to be as hands-on with students as our counselors and chairs do, but what makes us so special is that we help make the experience for them just as enjoyable.” 

Chelsea Mendez, director of programming and event development, is a senior from Van Buren studying media communication. She said to be sure to ask her about her love and collection of Snoopy from the Peanuts comics during Cub Camp. 

She said Cub Camp is a time for students to make their first friends.  

“It’s memorable because it brings together students from across campus with different experiences and backgrounds,” Chelsea explained. 

This year, Chelsea is excited to see how first-time entering students will change and grow, not just over Cub Camp, but throughout their entire time at UAFS. It will be her last year at UAFS and said she is fortunate to be working alongside “five different women who are truly leaders.” 

MJ Long is a junior media communication major and Cub Camp director of logistics from Alma. Seeing double isn’t a mistake—MJ has an identical twin who also attends UAFS. 

MJ said they are excited to see how the changes to games and events can reach more students compared to Cub Camps of the past and credits the “amazing women I get to work with who are all full of incredible ideas and work ethic.” 

They can’t wait to see the Lion pride Cub Camp helps create as students learn their way around UAFS, meet others, and come out of their shells through games and competitions. 

“Getting to serve on staff this year and carry on the Cub Camp traditions is a responsibility I’m honored to share,” they said. 

Erika Johnson, director of external communications, is a junior studying biology from Fort Smith.  

She said being part of D-Staff is special because of the friendships she’s made with the other directors as they have worked to make this Cub Camp the best it can be for campers to create their own friendships and bonds. 

“Watching everyone get so close and find their homes within each other makes Cub Camp the most memorable,” Erika said.  

But it doesn’t stop at the end of Cub Camp. Erika said she is excited to see how these connections and relationships grow throughout the entire school year and beyond. 

Haleigh Osborne, a junior business administration major, is the D-Staff marketing director.  From Rogers, she loves playing Mario Party during her spare time.  

Cub Camp ends with a candlelight ceremony at the UAFS Bell Tower, and she said she can’t wait to experience it for the last time with the friends she has gone through this journey with for the last three years. 

“D-Staff is special because of how close we get to work together while seeing the work we do come to fruition in our staff and the UAFS community,” Haleigh said.

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