Camp UNITE

Camp UNITE 2019

The 13th annual Camp UNITE was conducted July 23-26, 2019, at the University of the Cumberlands with 195 campers from 29 counties. They were supported by 216 team leaders and adult volunteers – including Melynda L. Benjamin, Executive Officer, Department of Specialty Courts, Administrative Office of the Courts, and Ali Parham, Angel Initiative Coordinator, Kentucky State Police.

The theme for Camp UNITE 2019 was “UNITE Strong: Stronger Together.” Each person has their own unique strengths and abilities. This theme reflects that working together can help identify and develop not only your strengths, but those of your peers. By combining these strengths we become more successful and have a source of support when facing life’s challenges.

Throughout the week, this message was conveyed through fun, interactive activities that expose participants to new options and opportunities. In addition, time was set aside for introspective discussions and special presentations about the consequences of poor decision-making and ways to avoid making the wrong choices. Transportation to and from camp is provided free of charge.

Special guests visiting Camp UNITE 2019 included Anne Hazlett, Senior Advisor for Rural Affairs at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy; Dr. Jeffrey D. Howard, Jr., then-Commissioner, Kentucky Department for Public Health, Cabinet for Health and Family Services; Hilda Legg, State Director of Kentucky, United States Department of Agriculture; Brittany Jones, Health Analyst, Division of Business and Workforce Investment, Appalachian Regional Commission, Washington, D.C., office; and Pat White, Jr., Whitley County Judge-Executive.

Relive the Experience

Since its inception in 2007, through 2019, Camp UNITE has hosted 2,579 youth from 33 counties.

About Camp

Camp UNITE is comprised of many fun, action-packed activities designed to develop leadership and communication skills, promote teamwork and problem solving, instill confidence and trust, and – perhaps most important – let youth know they do not have to face difficult situations alone.

Download a Camp flyer (pdf)

This FREE four-day, three-night program – for youth entering 7th, 8th or 9th grades in August – includes motivational speakers, special interest activity tracks, an afternoon at a waterpark, community service projects, talent show, outrageous messy field games, and more.

Camp participants are placed in small groups under the guidance of more than 50 volunteer Team Leaders – high school seniors and college students – supervised by UNITE adult staff. Each camp utilizes the services of an additional 100+ community volunteers.

“I Am UNITE” Scholarships

I Am UNITE” scholarships provide high school seniors $1,500 to be used for post-secondary education expenses. Applications for the 2018-19 school year will be available around February 1, 2020.

More information

2019 Camp Sponsors

Camp UNITE would not be possible without its sponsors and volunteers. All youth attend FREE of charge.

It costs $275 to send one youth to camp. Will you help make a difference in the life of a child by sponsoring one or more youth or helping provide Camp UNITE programs?

For more information about sponsoring Camp UNITE 2020 you may download the Sponsor Form (available early 2020) or contact Lynnell Fields at 606-330-1400 or lfields@centertech.com.