It is difficult to express in words the emotional satisfaction generated from the second Camp UNITE, held July 29 to Aug. 1 on the University of the Cumberlands campus in Williamsburg. Nearly 175 seventh- through ninth-grade students from 15 counties across the Fifth Congressional District, along with 70 adult and teen volunteers, participated in the four-day, three-night program, comprised of many fun, action-packed and drug-free activities designed to develop leadership and communication skills, promote teamwork and problem-solving, instill confidence and trust, and to let youth know they do not have to face difficult situations alone.
Support was received from many folks, but there are three groups that deserve special recognition for their outstanding cooperation to make Camp UNITE possible.
First, I’d like to thank the Corporate Contributions Committee from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky, Inc. in Georgetown for funding Camp UNITE through a $42,250 community grant. We were honored to have several Toyota Contributions Committee members visit and participate in camp during the week.
Obviously you could not stage an event of this magnitude without superb facilities. We are pleased with the reception and accommodations made by staff at the University of the Cumberlands. In particular, I’d like to thank University President Dr. James H. Taylor; Dr. Michael Colgrove, vice president for student services; Lisa Bartram, director of student activities; Associate Professor Maurice “Moe” Conn, technical director of the UC Theater; and Jeff Meadors, director of video production.
A highlight of the week was a visit to the Hal Rogers Family Entertainment Center (Kentucky Splash Water Park, Kentucky Falls Miniature Golf Course, Thunder Road Go-Karts and Strike Three Batting Cage), made possible through Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison. When rain nearly forced cancellation of this event, park management came through and we were able to reschedule.
We may never know how many lives were changed because of their camp experience, but if we save just one person from the devastating effects of substance abuse it has all been worthwhile. Again, many thanks to everyone who contributed to making Camp UNITE a tremendous success for the second year in a row. For more information about Operation UNITE or to learn how you can volunteer visit our Web site at www.operationunite.org.
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