Quest Camp
Camp Cowboy Quest is an extension of the Camp Cowboy experience that will take place in the great outdoors in Oklahoma or Arkansas. It is a collaborative effort with Outdoor Adventures to deliver the Camp Cowboy experience to incoming students in the great outdoors. This is a 3 day excursion where campers will push their limits and learn more about OSU while embarking on an outdoor experience. Campers who participate in Quest will learn the traditions and resources of Oklahoma State University, and have the opportunity to connect with our staff who are current OSU students. Each year, the Quest journey changes, introducing a different outdoor experience. Your Quest experience will provide an opportunity to meet other incoming students, "experienced" OSU students, and staff - all leading to an easier transition into college life and giving you an opportunity to experience the outdoors and create a support network.
Registration for Quest will open February 1, 2023!
Dates:
Cost: $290
- These fees will appear on the student's first tuition bill in August 2023.
- Fee waivers available
Summer 2023 Trip Details
Trip One: (Cedar Lake, June 6-8)
- We’ll set up camp next to scenic Cedar Lake in the Ouachita National Forest of Central Arkansas, nearly two million acres of pinewood-covered mountains. The first day will consist mostly of travel and setup, with the campground being around three and a half hours from our point of departure in Stillwater. We’ll finish the day with a hike, then give everyone a chance to unwind back at camp. Day two is when we can really get our feet underneath us, as there’s gorgeous views within a few miles in any direction and time set aside to swim in the lake itself. Group challenges and activities provide opportunities for campers to find success in their own right, with the day being one full of adventure and excitement. While day three is the final day of the experience, it’s hardly a writeoff. We’ll learn how to stand-up paddleboard, and take some time to fully explore Cedar Lake before we finally pack up and head home.
Trip Two: (Robber’s Cave, June 13-15)
- This trip will find us heading to Robber’s Cave State Park, a wonderland of limestone and granite so named for the outlaws that used to roam the hills during the Wild West. The first day will largely consist of travel and setting up camp, with the campsite itself being around a three hour drive from Stillwater. We’ll finish the day hiking local trails and learning an assortment of outdoor living skills. Day two is where we ramp it up, with the group learning the basics of rappelling and heading over to a local limestone cliffside to put their newfound skills to the test. We’ll also have an opportunity to swim in nearby water features, and take some time to unwind and relax. On day three, we’ll head up north to a different section of the park to explore the original Robber’s Cave before packing up and heading back to town.
Trip Three: (Shores Lake, June 27-29)
- On the third trip of the summer, the group will head out to the Shores Lake Recreation Area found in the Ozarks of Northwestern Arkansas. In similar fashion to previous trips, the first day will consist of the three and a half hour drive to the campsite, followed by camp set-up and concluding with the exploration of our beautiful campsite area. Day two will find us on the Mulberry River spending time swimming and stand-up paddleboarding, enjoying the unique scenery. Our final day will be spent rock climbing at a well known local outcropping, before packing up and beginning the trek back to Stillwater.
Trip Four: (Lake Carl Blackwell, July 11-13)
- For those who aren’t particularly attracted to the travel time of our other trips, this one offers a more localized experience. We’ll make camp for this trip at the nearby Lake Carl Blackwell, located only a few miles outside of Stillwater City Limits. While local, this trip still offers many of the same experiences offered to those who choose to go with us elsewhere including the ever popular stand-up paddleboarding, and hiking the nearby trails. Moreover, on this trip we can also offer the opportunity to go into nearby Oklahoma City where the group will visit the Murrah Bombing Memorial Site and Riversport Rapids. The camp is sure to be a memorable one, not to be discounted because of the lack of travel.
Trip Five: (Cedar Lake, July 16-18)
- We’ll set up camp next to scenic Cedar Lake in the Ouachita National Forest of Central Arkansas, nearly two million acres of pinewood-covered mountains. The first day will consist mostly of travel and setup, with the campground being around three and a half hours from our point of departure in Stillwater. We’ll finish the day with a hike, then give everyone a chance to unwind back at camp. Day two is when we can really get our feet underneath us, as there’s gorgeous views within a few miles in any direction and time set aside to swim in the lake itself. Group challenges and activities provide opportunities for campers to find success in their own right, with the day being one full of adventure and excitement. While day three is the final day of the experience, it’s hardly a writeoff. We’ll learn how to stand-up paddleboard, and take some time to fully explore Cedar Lake before we finally pack up and head home.
Trip Six: (Kyle’s Landing, August 8-10)
- The final trip we offer will take place on the shores of the Buffalo River, one hundred and thirty five miles of bluffs covered head to toe with native forestry. Day one, as with all other camps, will consist largely of travel time and camp setup with the campground being around four hours from our departure point in Stillwater. We’ll finish off the first day with a little swimming and kicking back, allowing everyone a chance to decompress before we hit it hard on the next. Day two will be one to remember, as the group will climb formations at the nearby Horseshoe Bend and take part in collective activities that ensure campers are involved in the true Camp Cowboy experience. Day three is one with a little less intensity than the last, as the group is just packing up camp and returning home due to the increased travel time.
Where do we stay while attending Quest?
Students will be camping in tents for our Quest trips. We will be at a variety of locations throughout the summer depending on which trip the student attends, but all sites have been scouted by our Outdoor Adventure staff to ensure that it is safe and clean!
When should I plan to arrive for my Quest Camp?
The departure times for Quest trips vary from trip to trip, and can start as early as 9:00 a.m. on some weeks. Because of this, anyone with a longer commute time is recommended to come to Stillwater the day prior as to alleviate the possibility of being late to check-in!
Additionally, if you’re in need of housing or need to be picked up from the Stillwater airport, email campcowboy@okstate.edu and we can help to arrange that.
When and Where is Quest Check-In?
Check- in for Quest Camps will be at the Colvin Recreation Center and check-in times will start as early as 9:00 a.m. depending on which trip you select. More details will be emailed to you closer to your camp date about specific arrival times.
Upon check-in, all students will load up in our passenger vans, and we will travel to the Quest location together.
Transportation:
We transport students the entire duration of Camp Cowboy Quest to ensure effective communication of Quest programming and for everyones safety. If a situation arises where you need to transport yourself, please contact the Camp Cowboy staff to discuss your situation further campcowboy@okstate.edu.
What to Pack:
You can find specific Camp Cowboy: Quest packing details here! More updated information will come to you in your one-month, and one-week out emails.
Pro-Tips:
- It will be summer, and it will be hot.
- Prepare to layer up to protect yourself from insects and plants.
- Drink lots of water.
Communication:
More information will come to you via email one-week prior to your session. This email will give you all the details you will need for Camp Cowboy Quest.
Questions?
For more information, please contact the Camp Cowboy at 405-744-0383 or campcowboy@okstate.edu.