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What's the magic of Panther Camp?

Panther Camp provides incoming FIU students with the opportunity to transition to FIU in an exciting and engaging manner. The program focuses on building relationships with other FIU students, fostering school spirit, cultivating future student leaders and helping students learn about FIU's traditions and unique culture. Become a part of a proud FIU tradition and build new friendships as you begin your journey as a Panther! Please note: Panther Camp is typically hosted off-campus and the location varies each year, not always being at Lake Placid, Florida.



Students pictured in group covered in shaving cream, smiling
Students with Panther Camp Banner
Students at Panther Camp with smores

Panther Camp Check In

We can’t wait to see you at Panther Camp! As a friendly reminder, please make sure you review the information on all the tabs below and in your Panther Camper e-mail to help you prepare for Panther Camp.

Specific details regarding check-in and end time will become available closer to the next session.
Please see our campus map or use the FIU Mobile app, which has interactive maps to help you navigate the Modesto Maidique campus and familiarize yourself with the drop-off/parking areas.

Panther Camp Guide

  • What can I expect at Panther Camp?
    • Meet 150+ other new students in large and small group settings.
    • Meet FIU staff, and student leaders.
    • Participate in fun activities and team builders.
    • Learn tips and tricks on how to be a successful student.
    • Learn about FIU traditions.
    • Learn how to take advantage of opportunities available to you as a FIU student.
    • Learn leadership skills and the leadership opportunities for you on campus.
    • Learn how to make the most of your college experience.
    • Become a part of a proud FIU tradition.
    • Have fun!
  • Who can attend Panther Camp?

    Panther Camp is a retreat for new students only.  Degree-seeking first-year and transfer students admitted Spring 2025, Early Fall 2024, and Fall 2024 are eligible to attend. Parents and family members are not able to attend Panther Camp. We encourage parents and family members to attend our annual Parent & Family Weekend, which takes place during the Fall semester.

  • When is Panther Camp?

    Panther Camp hosts three sessions throughout the summer and one session in the spring. Spring Camp will be taking place January 10-12, 2025. More details regarding summer 2025 sessions will be made available April 2025. 

  • Where is Panther Camp?

    Panther Camp 2025 will be hosted at a retreat center in LaBelle, FL, which is about 2.5 hours away from the Modesto A. Maidique Campus. Transportation is included in the cost of registration and will be provided for all campers to and from Panther Camp. 

  • How do I register for Panther Camp?

    Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Camper registration includes travel, lodging, meals, activities, and giveaways throughout the duration of Panther Camp. Registered campers seeking to make a change must contact pcamp@fiu.edu no later than two weeks before the session per the Eventbrite registration policies.

    Spring Camp will be taking place January 10-12, 2025. Click here to register today! 

    Scholarships to aid interested students in attending camp are available on a limited basis. More information about the scholarship program can be found below.

The Panther Camp Scholarship Program

All efforts are made to ensure that participants pay as little as possible to attend Panther Camp. A limited number of scholarships are awarded each session and require an application. There are two different Panther Camp Scholarship opportunities below. Please note that scholarships will not be granted to individuals who have already registered for Panther Camp and paid the full registration fee.

Apply for a Panther Camp Scholarship

  • Panther Camp Blue Scholarship

    The Panther Camp Blue Scholarship is awarded to students based on expressed financial need and thorough completion of their application. Recipients will receive a 50% scholarship that will reduce the Panther Camp registration fee in half. The recipients of the Panther Camp Blue Scholarship will be responsible for the remaining cost of their Panther Camp registration.  

    Throughout the academic year, the Panther Camp team raises funds for the Panther Camp Scholarship Program to help defer the cost of camp for students with financial need and a passion to get involved at FIU. In 2024, the Panther Camp Blue Scholarship was awarded to 11 students and allowed for each of them to attend Panther Camp at a lowered registration cost.

    How to Apply:

    • Log into Panther Connect here with your FIU student credentials.
    • The Panther Camp Blue Scholarship Application can be found here.
    • Complete your scholarship application to its entirety and submit.
    • You will receive notice via your FIU student e-mail of our decision within 3 weeks of your Panther Camp session of choice.
    • If selected, you will receive emailed instructions on how to register for Panther Camp using your scholarship.
    • Scholarship application closes Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:59 AM (EST)

    Scholarships will not be granted to participants who have already registered for Panther Camp.

  • Robillard Panther Camp Gold Scholarship

    The Robillard Panther Camp Gold Scholarship was founded in 2015 by the Robillard family. Over the last several years, funds provided by the Robillard family have been dedicated to supporting the full cost of Panther Camp registration for a select number of students who demonstrate their passion and excitement for FIU and giving back to the Panther family. 

    In 2024, the Robillard Panther Camp Gold Scholarship was awarded to 9 and allowed for each student to have the full registration cost of Panther Camp waived. Those selected as Robillard Scholars will be a part of future Panther Camp recruitment, reunion, and scholarship fundraising events. Robillard Scholars will also submit a Panther Camp experience testimonial following their camp attendance and participate in Panther Camp promotional content. 

    How to Apply:

    • Log into Panther Connect here with your FIU student credentials.
    • The Robillard Panther Camp Gold Scholarship Application can be found here.
    • Complete your scholarship application to its entirety and submit.
    • You will receive notice via your FIU student e-mail of our decision within 3 weeks of your Panther Camp session of choice.
    • If selected, you will receive emailed instructions on how to register for Panther Camp using your scholarship.
    • Scholarship application closes Friday, December 20, 2024 at 11:59 AM (EST)
    Scholarships will not be granted to participants who have already registered for Panther Camp.

Summer ’22 scholarship recipient Gaby Pabellon said -  

“I had just moved back to Miami from Orlando, and I wanted to have some friends going into my first semester at a new university. I figured Panther Camp would be a super fun way of meeting new people, and it was! You’ll get to bond with other students and discover things about yourself you didn't know. Panther Camp helped me form new perspectives, and it was one of the best experiences of my life that I’ll never forget.” 

Support Panther Camp

  • Get Involved

    If you are not an incoming student but still want to get involved in Panther Camp on a leadership level, please see our Panther Camp leadership page.

  • Panther Camp Foundation

    Donations to the Panther Camp Program - FIU Foundation will provide support for any expenses related to the operations, programming, services, and student support. If you'd like to make an in-kind donation or have questions, please email pcamp@fiu.edu.