By Heather Campbell, student news writer
with Linda Waggener, assistant director of university communications

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University had her largest groups of summer camps this year with about 4,000 being hosted on campus.

Busses, vans and cars rolled on and off campus rotating 32 different groups, approximately 4,000 people, representing 91 churches and 19 states, as well as Toronto, Canada and St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Rusty Watkins, coordinator of summer camps and conferences, said every residence hall on campus was full and some campers had to stay at local hotels.

“Coordinating these camps isn't just a job,” he said. “It's a ministry, and the best news about the summer program comes in the form of statistics that 90 young men and women gave their hearts to Christ, 138 rededicated their lives to Christ and 32 followed the call to full-time ministry.”

The biggest single camp, with over 700 in attendance, in the university's summer program history was the Word of Faith International Christian Center GLORY PHI GOD Youth Camp, held July 23-27.

The youth group is based out of Southfield, Mich. with 18 other satellite churches across the continent.

Anita Davis, minister for the Word of Faith Youth Camp, said, “Campbellsville University was very hospitable and supportive in hosting our Youth Camp. Rusty Watkins and his supporting staff exemplified the heart of CU in ministering to our every need with kindness, patience and understanding.”

Renee Carrier, Pioneer Food administrative manager and summertime aquatic division and chief assistant, said she always heard good things from the guests on campus throughout the summer.
“I would hear over and over, ‘This is such a great campus. It's beautiful, clean and a good atmosphere,'” she said.

Carrier also said that 7,500-8,000 people took advantage of the university pool in the summer, and they hosted approximately one to two pool parties per week and gave 50 private lessons.

Watkins said, “We try to work with all interests who need a Christian atmosphere for their gatherings. On campus this summer were church camps for all different ages, career camps, music groups, future educators, training in English as a Second Language (ESL), and athletic camps including wrestling, softball, baseball, tennis, volleyball, basketball and football.”

For more information on summer camps opportunities at CU, contact Rusty Watkins, coordinator of summer camps and conferences, at (270)-789-5047.

Campbellsville University is a private, comprehensive institution located in South Central Kentucky. Founded in 1906, Campbellsville University is affiliated with the Kentucky Baptist Convention and has an enrollment of 2,405 students who represent 98 Kentucky counties, 25 states and 29 foreign nations. Listed in U.S.News & World Report's 2008 “America's Best Colleges,” CU is ranked 22nd in “Best Baccalaureate Colleges” in the South and eighth in the South for “Great Schools, Great Prices.” CU has been ranked 15 consecutive years with U.S.News & World Report. The university has also been named to America's Best Christian Colleges®. Campbellsville University is located 82 miles southwest of Lexington, Ky., and 80 miles southeast of Louisville, Ky. Dr. Michael V. Carter is in his ninth year as president.