What is IGNITE 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
Friday, June 20 – Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Drury IGNITE begins immediately following Fusion First Day on Friday, June 20, 2025. Students will check into the residence Hall at 5:30 pm. We will explore local hot spots and areas close to campus like downtown Springfield and C-Street, take a trip to Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO (weather permitting), visit the Leadership Ranch in Republic, MO, eat at locally owned and operated restaurants and participate in a service project.
The Ignite program has teamed up with the Panthers First and Bridges Program to hold a number of spots for students that will also be in those programs.
Students will:
- 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 skills, knowledge and awareness of resources to help you succeed in college.
- Learn about some of the history of the Ozarks and what makes this area an amazing place to live.
- Have a lot of fun!
Space is limited!
Total cost of trip: $150 – includes housing, meals and all activity fees.
Registration closes: June 1, 2025 or sooner if the program fills.
What do past participants have to say about their IGNITE (formally LEAP) experience?
All incoming freshmen are encouraged to register early as spots are limited in order to provide the most meaningful, unique experience possible.
How do I register and pay?
You can pay easily online by credit card (a 2.75% fee applies) .You may also mail a check for the amount due. Total payment is due by June 1, 2025. Please note that your spot is not confirmed until payment is received.
At the bottom of the Registration Page just choose which payment method you prefer.
Please make the check payable to Drury University, and have the student’s name and Ignite listed in the memo line. Please mail the payment to:
Drury University
Attn: Jennifer Stewart – IGNITE Program
900 N. Benton Avenue
FSC 120
Springfield, MO 65802
We will email the final schedule to all Ignite registrants in early June.
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 Jennifer Stewart at jstewart012@drury.edu.
* A minimum number of students is needed for each trip to be successful. In the event we do not have enough students register for a trip it will be canceled and we will send a full refund of any registration fees paid.
Questions? Please contact Jennifer Stewart, Director of New Student Programs at jstewart012@drury.edu or (417) 873-6919.
