Backyard Explorations
The transition into a new living environment in a new community can feel overwhelming. Backyard Explorations brings discovery closer to home by connecting students to the Bryan-College Station community.
Backyard Explorations provides a supportive space for students to experience something new while staying close to campus. These local experiences help students:
- Build confidence navigating new settings with peers.
- Strengthen social wellbeing through shared activities and reflection.
- Develop lasting friendships and peer networks that provide encouragement.
- Discover opportunities to engage in the Bryan-College Station community.
The Experience
Students travel together as a cohort, participate in interactive activities, and engage in guided reflection facilitated by staff and peer leaders. Each event is intentionally structured to combine exploration with conversation, ensuring that students link their experiences to both academic and personal growth.
Backyard Explorations thrives because of strong collaborations with both campus units and local partners. Organizations and local businesses work with DMS to provide safe, engaging, and meaningful experiences for students. These collaborations allow participants to:
- Interact with community partners who welcome them into the broader Aggieland network.
- Learn about campus resources that can support their success and wellbeing.
- See firsthand how the university and community work together to create opportunities for students.
Students describe Backyard Explorations as both energizing and grounding. Backyard Explorations demonstrates that you don’t have to travel far to discover something meaningful.