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CLASSNOTES
Class
Notes
by Pat Cole
A college
icebreaker
From moving into residence halls and meeting
new roommates to connecting with classmates
for service learning in the community, orientation
has a long history at Birmingham-Southern.
These photos, taken from the 1958
Southern
Accent
yearbook, reveal one tradition used to
welcome new students. The weekend before fall classes began, new students, faculty, and student leaders
would ride a bus from the Hilltop to Camp Winnataska, then located in Leeds, Ala., for the college’s annual
Freshman Camp. The camp was later switched to the Sumantanga Camp and Conference Center in Gallant,
Ala.
At camp, students learned how to adjust to college life and discussed study habits and campus activities.
One of the highlights was the “Talent Show” on Saturday night, which provided the opportunity for the Music
and Drama Departments to scout talent among the first-year students. There was also singing around a
campfire, swimming, and square dancing—a tradition that continues to this day.
The camp is believed to have been held from the late ’50s to the mid-to-late ’60s.
“It was fun to be in an informal camp setting,” said
Champ Meyercord ’62
of Fairhope. “We had a great
time getting to know each other before we hit the campus and classes. The camp was optional, but those
who didn’t attend really missed out.”
A study habits discussion group led by juniors and seniors
Square dancing and folk games were among the activities.