Spend a summer at WashU, and you’re not just taking classes—you’re collecting memories, making discoveries, and (if you’re keeping an eye on your Bear Tracks Passport) earning some pretty cool WashU swag along the way.
The Bear Tracks Passport is our playful, low‑pressure way to encourage you to explore everything our Arts & Sciences Pre-College Programs have to offer. Think of it as your summer “adventure log”: every time you try something new, show up to an event, or step a little outside your comfort zone, you earn a stamp. By the end of the summer, those stamps tell the story of how you spent your time on campus—what you learned, where you went, and how you grew.
How it works
Each student receives a Bear Tracks Passport at the start of their program. From there, it’s simple: attend events, collect stamps, and earn WashU swag!
You’ll have until the final Thursday of your program to collect your stamps, so there’s plenty of time to explore at your own pace. And if you’re wondering: Yes, participation is completely optional. You can still attend all the events you want without using the passport—it’s just a fun way to make the summer more interactive.
What do students actually do with their passports?
Throughout the summer, we see students use their Bear Tracks Passports in all kinds of creative ways:
- Some treat it like a challenge: they set a goal on day one to fill as many boxes as possible and map out which events they’ll attend.
- Others see it as a memory book: each stamp reminds them of something they tried for the first time, like attending a college success workshop, introducing themselves to a professor, or joining a late-night community-building event.
- A few students turn it into a group adventure: they compare which stamps they’ve earned, team up to attend new events together, and cheer each other on as their passports fill up.
By mid-program, it’s common to see students comparing stamps in the hallway, planning which event will finally earn them that t-shirt, or deciding what other fun swag they will choose.
The kinds of experiences you might stamp
While the exact events vary by session, here are examples of the kinds of activities that can help you fill your passport:
- Academic & College Readiness
- Workshops on study skills, time management, or note-taking
- Sessions on choosing a major or navigating college applications
- Faculty talks or academic exploration panels
- Community & Leadership
- Residence hall activities and icebreakers
- Peer mentor meet-ups or leadership sessions
- Group discussions and community-building circles
- Health, Wellness & Life Skills
- Mindfulness or stress-management activities
- Wellness workshops or fitness events
- Sessions focused on balancing academics and life
- WashU Exploration
- Campus tours and “hidden gems” walks
- Learn about WashU sessions (resources, traditions, student life)
- Events with current WashU students or staff
- St. Louis Exploration
- Outings to local neighborhoods or landmarks
- Visits to cultural institutions, parks, or nearby attractions
- Programs that highlight the history and culture of St. Louis
Each event is an opportunity: show up, participate, and then get your passport stamped. Over time, those small moments add up to a big picture of your summer.
More than prizes: why the passport matters
The Bear Tracks Passport is fun—and yes, we love a good t-shirt—but it’s also about something deeper:
- Intentional engagement: It gives you a gentle push to try new things you might otherwise skip.
- Confidence-building: Each stamp represents a moment when you showed up, spoke up, or stepped into a new space.
- College readiness: The same skills you use to fill your passport, planning, follow-through, curiosity, are the ones that will help you thrive in college.
By the end of the program, a full passport doesn’t just mean you attended events; it shows that you made the most of your time here.
Your summer, your story
Whether you collect a handful of stamps or fill every square, the Bear Tracks Passport is here to help you turn your WashU summer into an experience that’s truly your own. It’s an invitation to explore, to take advantage of opportunities, and to leave campus with more than just credits or memories. You leave with a record of the steps you took toward college and beyond.
Bring your curiosity, your questions, and your passport. We’ll bring the events, the stamps, and maybe that t-shirt, teddy bear, or frisbee waiting for you at the finish line
