The first Fish Camp (known simply as “Freshman Camp”) was hosted by YMCA Director Gordon Gay in 1954. He took a group of freshmen camping at Fort Parker State Park in Mexia, Texas.

Gay’s goal for this camp was to teach freshmen more about Texas A&M University and its traditions in a place where the young men could also develop a friendship with their fellow peers.

The success of the first Fish Camp led to the implementation of an annual trip occurring before classes started each fall for freshmen to continue learning about being a part of the Aggie family.

In 1957, Fish Camp changed sites and relocated to Lakeview Methodist Conference Center in Palestine, Texas, with the only exception being in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fish Camp 2020 was hosted virtually.