Cadet Activities
Life at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy is rigorous, but building strong bonds, decompressing, and maintaining high morale are essential to developing resilient future Coast Guard leaders. The Cadet Activities Fund (CAF) and Cadet Activities Council support a vibrant calendar of traditions, social events, wellness initiatives, and campus programs designed to bring the Corps of Cadets together.
Social Traditions & Celebrations
- Formals & Class Mixers: From the initial 4/c Mixer following Swab Summer to class-specific formals, social gatherings offer cadets dedicated time to relax, celebrate major milestones, and build lifelong friendships.
- Holiday Dinners & Parties: Seasonal traditions like annual Holiday Dinners and festive campus parties create a home-away-from-home atmosphere where cadets gather to celebrate traditions, share good meals, and recharge.
- Bearfest: A favorite annual tradition packed with campus spirit, games, food, and activities that celebrate the Academy’s mascot and bring energy to Chase Hall and the broader cadet community.
Mental Health, Resilience & Wellness
- The Wellness Room: A dedicated, comfortable sanctuary hosted in Chase Hall where cadets can decompress. Guided by peer advocacy groups like CALM (Cadet Advocates for Living Mindfully), this space hosts yoga, meditation, gratitude gatherings, crafts, and open discussions.
- Health & Wellness Week: A targeted campus initiative focused on holistic health, stress management, balanced nutrition, and mental resilience to support cadets through the physical and academic demands of the 200-week program.
- Therapy Dogs & Animals on Campus: Cadets regularly welcome visiting therapy dogs and campus animals—offering instant stress relief, unconditional affection, and a cheerful boost to daily life.
Campus Spirit & Student Life
- Tide Rips Yearbook: Capturing four years of memories, Tide Rips is the official cadet-designed yearbook documenting the history, achievements, photos, and everyday life of the Corps.
