UNCP's Campus was Busy as A Summer Camp for Youngsters

At this summer camp, bug spray and poison ivy are not rites of passage for youngsters. UNCP is becoming a popular summer destination for hundreds of area youth.

This summer more than 1,000 young people, mostly from the surrounding region, attended athletic, academic and leadership camps at the university. And, they slept in air-conditioned comfort.

With a record number of more than 2,500 university students also enrolled in summer school at the same time, Chancellor Allen C. Meadors said a busy university during the summer is a good thing.

"This summer we saw a university that is thoroughly involved with its community," Chancellor Meadors said. "With the planned construction of another residence hall and the completion of our Outdoor Education Center, I believe that this is just the beginning."

"Bringing young people to a university campus is a good thing because we excel in advanced instruction of all types," he said. "It also increases the familiarity of students with the university environment which increases the likelihood that they will attend college."

Here is a brief summary of summer activities at UNCP for area youth:

• The Regional Student-Athlete Summer Institute (SASI) hosted its ninth annual leadership and development camp for 59 high school student-athletes from 19 high schools. Athletes developped their leadership, teamwork and study skills through class sessions and activities. The participants attended of classes ranging from ethics, substance abuse, nutrition, conditioning and conflict resolution.