Despite sweltering temperatures, 36 incoming freshmen braved the heat to forge new relationships and build leadership skills at the Joe C. Davis YMCA Outdoor Center.

Leadership Odyssey, one of five pre-orientation DoreWays programs, gives students the opportunity to take part in a variety of team-building exercises and listen to student leaders speak about campus involvement.

Neil Jamerson, who has served as program coordinator of Leadership Odyssey for four years, said many students who participate in this program become leaders in student government and other campus organizations.

“Leadership Odyssey exposes the new students to different perspectives, which helps them become better leaders,” he said.

Freshman Paul Hamilton agreed, saying, “It’s a step up to where I want to go.”

Participants of Leadership Odyssey camp out in tents at the YMCA camp, located on Percy Priest Lake. Students also participated in a campus-wide scavenger hunt.

The hour-long event helped students learn their way around campus and gave them an opportunity to exhibit their problem-solving skills.

Freshman Victor Clarke said he liked the camaraderie of the program.

“Summer orientation is a little overwhelming, but Leadership Odyssey allows students to become close friends,” Clarke said.