Incoming Baylor students connect with future classmates at Summer Send-Off Parties

How well do you remember the feeling of those weeks leading up to your first semester at Baylor? That mixture of excitement and nervousness isn’t just shared by soon-to-be college students; their parents feel it, too. Questions abound — about making friends, paying for school, succeeding in class, or even just finding a ride on campus.

In dozens of cities around the globe, soon-to-be Bears and their families are getting a jump on answering such questions at Baylor Summer Send-Off parties.

Some take place in Texas cities where everyone recognizes the green and gold; many others take place where incoming Baylor students aren’t quite so common — including locales as far-flung as Hawaii and even China. This year, more than 2,500 incoming students are expected at almost 90 parties nationwide, demonstrating just how deep the Baylor Family runs.

[FIND a Baylor Summer Send-Off Party near you]

These gatherings are organized by the Baylor Parents Network with the help of local volunteers, and are held at homes, churches, restaurants and other sites. As students get a head start on making friends, parents build connections, as well. Veteran Baylor parents are there to answer questions; incoming parents often form informal support groups. Of course, there’s also food, games, gifts and lots of green and gold.

Send-Off Parties have been steadily increasing in number over the years in cities big (think New York City and Los Angeles) and small (Sulphur Springs and Gun Barrel City, Texas). There’s a good chance there’s one in your area; to find out, visit the Parents Network calendar or use this map to locate Baylor events near you.

Sic ’em, Summer Send-Off Party attendees!