CAMP TIGER

"When I was an incoming MS1, it felt so daunting to start med school and meet so many new people. I was nervous to sign up for Camp Tiger at first, but I’m so glad I did!! Participating in Camp Tiger really helped ease the transition into school. I made a handful of new friends and got to become introduced to some fun spots around Shreveport. On top of that, I got to spend time with some amazing kids!! My camper was so sweet, and it was such a great feeling to get texts from her mom at the end of the day saying how much fun she had! I highly encourage any new MS1s (and returning MS2s!) to join camp this year!”
- Audrey Briggs, MSI

“Camp Tiger was my first in-person introduction to LSU Health Shreveport, and I couldn’t have wished for a better experience. Coming from New Orleans, I was hoping to meet and bond with the people I was going to spend the next four years with. Along with getting to know everyone at camp, the most memorable part was meeting my camper for the first time. As nervous as I was before starting camp, he walked through the doors with a big smile and went up to everyone he saw. He was so full of laughter and loved to play tricks on people, and in a way, he eased my transition to meeting new people and exploring the city. With all of the activities both during camp and after, it’s hard to not enjoy the week, and it’s even better you get to see what the Shreveport community has to offer.” - Claudia Spring, MSII

“After two summers serving as a counselor for Camp Tiger, I can confidently say that this is the best event that LSU Health Shreveport puts on. Getting to see my campers’ growth in maturity and social openness over just one week was incredible. Both were initially shy and preferred solitary activities, but by the end of the week, I was running around as a makeshift sign language interpreter so that my nonverbal camper could talk to all of his new friends! On top of all this, my classmates and I grew closer while serving as co-counselors through both the games and the challenges that the week-long experience brought.

Out of all its virtues, I think the heart of Camp Tiger is the community that it builds. During that week, there aren’t any syndromes, disabilities, or disorders…just a bunch of kids who all want the same thing: a fun time! I was blessed to see its heartwarming effect not only on the campers, but also on their families and the city. Even if only for a week, this opportunity alleviated some of the struggles that parents of kids with special needs often face, enabling them to embrace the joys of family life with a lighter burden. The worst part about Camp Tiger was having to watch the campers go home at the end of the week!” 
- Donovan Turpin, MSII

“Camp Tiger was the first organization I got involved with when coming to LSU Health Shreveport, and it couldn’t have been a better experience. I came in very excited but also nervous about meeting my camper for the first time, along with getting to know so many of my classmates. Getting to spend each day with my camper and focusing on making every activity as fun and interactive as possible was truly the highlight of my week. It was incredibly rewarding to see how his excitement and energy changed throughout the week as we went all over the city and visited so many fun places. This week was so easy to enjoy and was a great way to start off my first year of medical school. Camp Tiger is something I will never forget and a great opportunity to meet your classmates while helping give a camper an unforgettable week.” 
- Adam Parnell, MSI