Jump-starting the Erskine experience: ‘Erskine Escape’

As Erskine College prepares to welcome one of the largest freshman classes in the school’s history, Coordinator for Student Transitions Trent Payne reports that 35 members of the Class of 2019 became better acquainted with Erskine and with each other during “Erskine Escape” July 12-14.

During the first part of their “Escape,” students ate in Moffatt Dining Hall and spent the night in residence halls, participating in a question-and-answer session with three seasoned faculty members (Dr. Sandra Chaney, Dr. Howard Thomas, and Dr. Ashley Woodiwiss) and meeting some upperclassmen, two of whom joined them for their trip to the mountains of North Carolina.

Icebreaker activities helped students connect initially, and they traveled to Bonclarken Conference Center in Flat Rock, N.C., for hiking, swimming, volleyball, and zip-lining. In nearby Hendersonville, they enjoyed a square dance with live music. The next day’s activity was white-water rafting, a new experience for some of the students “and a great bonding time,” Payne said.

“It’s a rewarding experience for me to watch these students meet for the first time on Sunday afternoon, and then by Tuesday enjoy talking, laughing, and hanging out with each other,” he added.

Freshman Orientation begins Thursday, August 20, with move-in day, and continues with such traditional events as Freshman Frenzy on Robinson Field Thursday night and the Erskine Soiree Friday evening. Some new additions to the schedule this year include a “Family Commissioning” on the Bowie Arts Center lawn Thursday evening and service projects in the Due West area Saturday afternoon.

A Block Party on Robinson Field Saturday evening will include freshmen and returning students.

Classes begin Monday, August 24.