Fish Camp, Impact Counselors Deemed Non-Essential

Following a spike in COVID-19 cases in Texas, Impact staff announced last Friday that their retreat would take place fully online. Fish Camp Director Staff made a similar decision on June 26th when they announced that Fish Camp would take place virtually this year. Despite both Fish Camp and Impact counselors protesting the digital transition, these changes indicate Texas A&M University administration has officially deemed counselors non-essential.

Before Fish Camp decided to go online, Director Staff had clarified in announcements that camp activities would follow CDC guidelines. While many incoming freshmen felt uncomfortable with the health risks, their fears were quickly quenched by counselors filling out a risk-mitigation form.

Many counselors feel like less valued members of the Aggie community since the announcement. “Sure, go online — if you can find someone who can do what I can do,” said Dan Silva, one of over 1,000 Fish Camp 2020 counselors.

Some counselors expressed concern that all orientation experiences were going to be canceled entirely and are relieved it will be taking place at all. “I just posted partner reveal pictures last week,” said Angela Stafford, a first-year Impact counselor. “Do you know how dumb I would look if it were canceled now?”

To accommodate for missed photo opportunities, some counselors have developed a sign-up sheet for carpools to Lakeview and Latham Springs throughout the rest of the summer. In addition, due to social distancing guidelines, counselors now can count a singular check-in text with no follow-up each week as sufficient continuity.

While counselors are struggling with the transition online, co-chairs have had different feelings. “I already got several years out of this,” said Fish Camp co-chair Bruno Coble. “Going online just makes it easier for me to be drunk at camp.”

 

— Unsolicited Dunk Pic & Anime Sciences