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IGNITE: Summer Program

Drury University > New Student Programs & First Year Experience > IGNITE: Summer Program
Students at the IGNITE: Summer Program, gathered together for a photograph taken at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.

Registration for IGNITE 2026 Opens November 1, 2025

What is Drury's summer IGNITE Program and why should you participate?

Drury’s IGNITE program offers a unique experience for incoming freshmen to meet other like-minded students in mid-summer before New Student Orientation begins in August. Whether students share an interest in learning about their new home and what makes the Ozarks an amazing place, a love of the outdoors, or learning more about life at Drury, Ignite seeks to foster long-lasting friendships and enhance existing communication and leadership skills in a fun, safe and educational environment. IGNITE is a 4 night/5 day program where students will get to stay in the dorms and get a pre-view of campus life. IGNITE participants will attend a team-building low ropes course at the Leadership Ranch in Republic, Missouri to help break the ice and begin the journey as well as engage in fun interactive leadership activities at the close of each evening. 

Drury IGNITE Event Details

Friday, June 26 - Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Drury IGNITE begins immediately following Fusion First Day on Friday, June 26, 2026. Students will check into the residence Hall at 5:00 pm. We’ll explore local hotspots and destinations near campus including downtown Springfield and C-Street, take a trip to Silver Dollar City in Branson, visit the Leadership Ranch in Republic, enjoy an evening at the Branson Landing, tour the stunning Ozark caves at Fantastic Caverns, and dine at locally owned restaurants.

Space is limited!
Total cost of trip:  $150 – includes housing, meals and all activity fees. 
Registration closes: June 1, 2026 or sooner if the program fills.

Registration Form
You must use your Drury email and password to log in.Schedule
Click to view the full PDF.

What did some of the 2025 IGNITE Participants say was the most meaningful part of their experience?

  • Meeting so many new people and being excited to start school in the fall
  • Making a lot of new friends (especially at the Leadership Ranch)
  • All of the amazing and welcoming people!
  • Meeting people and making friends that I’ll likely have for years to come
  • Being able to form so many new connections really quickly

What to expect:

  • Meet other incoming first-year students from all over the country.
  • Meet upperclassmen and student leaders who will serve as guides and mentors.
  • Build teamwork and leadership skills alongside the students in your Ignite session.
  • Gain communication skills, knowledge, and awareness of resources to help you succeed in college.
  • Experience some of the fun things to see and do around the Ozarks.
  • Get a head start on making new friends and experience living in the residence halls.
  • Have a lot of fun!

How do I register and pay?

Students must complete the registration form below. Payment can be made by credit/debit card (link at end of registration submission). Please note: students must use their Drury email address and password to login to the Microsoft Form.

Cancellation Policy: Full refunds will be issued up to two weeks in advance of the trip. If cancelation is requested less than 14 days from the start date NO refunds will be issued as reservations, and purchases have already been made.  Written notice is required for refunds and should be emailed to Paige Brennecke at pbrennecke@drury.edu.

IGNITE is a supervised program. Students will remain with the group from check-in on Friday to the conclusion of the trip on Tuesday morning. This is not a come-and-go program. Students will not be allowed to leave the program and return. Early departure is for medical necessity only.

Questions? Please contact Paige Brennecke at pbrennecke@drury.edu.