Get Ready for Your Summer Launch Experience

What better way to start college than by knowing that you already have a few friends?

Throughout the summer, Champlain College Student Life offers Summer Launch events to incoming first-year and transfer students. These programs help students get to know their peers and the city of Burlington so they can be a step ahead during Orientation and college life in general.

Summer Launch programs are two- to three-day activities designed by the Student Life team to:

enable you to see a bit of Burlington over the summer,
meet other students from your class, and
have a great time before beginning your semester at Champlain.

Incoming students may register for one or more Summer Launch programs. Space is limited for most events, and registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The program fee for all programs is $200. Scholarships may be available based on demonstrated financial need. All students must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 to attend Summer Launch programs.

If you have any questions, please contact Jared Cadrette, Director of Student Engagement, at jcadrette@champlain.edu or (802) 865-6436.

This year’s Summer Launch programs are listed below.

Summer Launch Program Schedule

July 12–14 (Tue–Thu)

Rainbow Connections

Are you an incoming student who identifies as LGBTQ+? This Summer Launch event is for you! Last year during Orientation, we ran an LGBTQ+ affinity event. It was so successful that this year, we are offering a multi-day summer program! You will have the opportunity to connect with other incoming LGBTQ+ students, professional campus staff and mentors, and current student leaders.

Explore LGBTQ+ resources both on and off campus, including our Women's & Gender Center, Rainbow Alliance, student-run INCLUDE+ club, and more. Get to know what it's like to live in the campus residence halls and experience your wonderful new home in Burlington. We will explore the waterfront, Church Street Marketplace, and make a visit to the Pride Center of Vermont. This is a great chance to get acclimated to campus life before arriving for Orientation in August.

Check in starts at 10:00 AM on July 12. Check out is 12:00 PM on July 14.

This event is no longer available.

July 17–19 (Sun–Tue)

Women's Leadership

This Summer Launch program is your opportunity to connect with other incoming female-identifying students who are interested in developing important leadership skills. Bonus: You get to explore Burlington together! Through various social engagements and leadership-oriented activities, you will increase your confidence, deepen your sense of self, and establish authority over your life as a college student and beyond. In addition to learning about leadership opportunities and programs, you'll also explore campus and everything it has to offer.

There will be plenty of time to head downtown for organized outings to enjoy the Burlington waterfront, Church Street Marketplace, local shops, art studios, outdoor activities, and more. This is a great chance to meet other female-identifying incoming students, student leaders, and staff from across campus who are committed to making your experience the best it can be.

Check in starts at 10:00 AM on July 17. Check out is 12:00 PM on July 19.

This event is no longer available.

July 20–22 (Wed–Fri)

Dare to Explore: Life at Champlain

Let's make your college experience epic. With so many options for clubs to join and people to talk to, it can be hard to know where to start. That's where our Dare to Explore: Life at Champlain Summer Launch program comes in. It's the perfect time to begin making friends and learn how to get involved in clubs and activities that interest you. Plus, you'll get a mini preview of what it's like to be a Champlain student before you arrive in August. There will be a ton of activities both on and off campus-including a sneak peak of the events first-year students will take part in during Orientation.

Activities for this Summer Launch program will include a beautiful, short hike up Mt. Philo, bowling, ropes courses, and exploration time in downtown Burlington. You can check out Church Street Marketplace's amazing local coffee and ice cream shops, restaurants, shopping spots, and more. A stroll along the Burlington waterfront is a must, too. This program is a great time to get comfortable living on campus and away from home before the semster begins.

Check in starts at 10:00 AM on July 20. Check out is 12:00 PM on July 22.

This event is full.