Little Rock Mini Camp College Recap

By: Emily Coffey, College Counselor, Mount St. Mary Academy

Whitney Calliott-Smotherman, of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and I hosted our second Mini Camp College in Little Rock on Saturday, September 21.

Mini Camp College is a SACAC program designed to help local high school students and their parents begin understanding the college search, application, and decision process. We hosted the Mini Camp College on the Saturday before the big college fair week in Central Arkansas. Attendees listened to presentations about the holistic admissions process, the application timeline, how to begin a college search, how to interact with a college representative, and financial aid.

Even though our event falls when the most stressful time of year begins for me, I love doing it. We received positive feedback from both students and parents, so that always helps. Whitney and I have found that dividing and conquering our duties works well for us. She handles student registration, advertising at high schools, and reserving the event space, while I manage volunteer assignments, snacks, and swag.

I encourage you to volunteer at (or host!) a Mini Camp College in your own state! We had wonderful volunteers from Arkansas Commitment, Christian Brothers University, Episcopal Collegiate School, Hendrix College, Little Rock Christian Academy, Ouachita Baptist University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and University of Arkansas. Our event wouldn’t have been successful without our volunteers or the swag colleges so willingly provided. Thank you!