Press Releases
Rogers to Attend Camp UNITE
Jul 19 2013
WILLIAMSBURG, KY -- U.S. Rep. Harold "Hal" Rogers will attend the closing ceremonies of Camp UNITE on Friday, July 26, 2013 on the campus of the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Rogers helped launch the non-profit, anti-drug organization Operation UNITE that will host the 7th annual camp July 23-26 for students entering 7th-9th grades. More than 240 students from 25 counties in southern and eastern Kentucky are registered for this year's camp that focuses on drug-free leadership and adventure.
"Camp UNITE is a great opportunity for students from all walks of life to have fun and share their concerns for the drug problem in their homes, schools and communities. It's heartbreaking to think they are already so aware of the effects of drug abuse, but it gives Operation UNITE a chance to educate these middle school students and support them now," said Rogers. "Thanks to private sponsors, Camp UNITE has been free for every student for seven years. I applaud the staff of UNITE, but also all of the high school and college-age camp counselors who dedicate this week every summer to mentor these young campers."
UNITE decided to host the camp for middle school students after a survey of those receiving free UNITE treatment vouchers revealed the average age of first-time drug use was age eleven.
Campers will experience a variety of games and adventures during the 4-day, 3-night camp, including archery, golf, basketball, dance, drama, a talent show and a day at the Kentucky Splash Water Park in Wiliamsburg. Recovering drug addicts will share their testimonies and students will hear from motivational speakers.
"Many of the campers have been with us every year, and then continue to serve as camp counselors and volunteers as they grow up. It has really become a family atmosphere at Camp UNITE and these students continue to stay in contact with one another through-out the year, helping each other through challenging peer pressure issues at school and family-related drug problems at home," said Dan Smoot, President and CEO of Operation UNITE. "We have a lot of fun, with very little sleep, and at the end of the week most of the kids don't want to leave. That's how we know we're on the right track. We're so thankful to all of the organizations and businesses who make this amazing week possible every year."
The theme for 2013 Camp UNITE is "Be a Hero." Follow the week's activities on Facebook and Twitter with @RepHalRogers and @UNITEky. For more information about Camp UNITE visit www.operationunite.org or call UNITE at 606-677-6179.
"Camp UNITE is a great opportunity for students from all walks of life to have fun and share their concerns for the drug problem in their homes, schools and communities. It's heartbreaking to think they are already so aware of the effects of drug abuse, but it gives Operation UNITE a chance to educate these middle school students and support them now," said Rogers. "Thanks to private sponsors, Camp UNITE has been free for every student for seven years. I applaud the staff of UNITE, but also all of the high school and college-age camp counselors who dedicate this week every summer to mentor these young campers."
UNITE decided to host the camp for middle school students after a survey of those receiving free UNITE treatment vouchers revealed the average age of first-time drug use was age eleven.
Campers will experience a variety of games and adventures during the 4-day, 3-night camp, including archery, golf, basketball, dance, drama, a talent show and a day at the Kentucky Splash Water Park in Wiliamsburg. Recovering drug addicts will share their testimonies and students will hear from motivational speakers.
"Many of the campers have been with us every year, and then continue to serve as camp counselors and volunteers as they grow up. It has really become a family atmosphere at Camp UNITE and these students continue to stay in contact with one another through-out the year, helping each other through challenging peer pressure issues at school and family-related drug problems at home," said Dan Smoot, President and CEO of Operation UNITE. "We have a lot of fun, with very little sleep, and at the end of the week most of the kids don't want to leave. That's how we know we're on the right track. We're so thankful to all of the organizations and businesses who make this amazing week possible every year."
The theme for 2013 Camp UNITE is "Be a Hero." Follow the week's activities on Facebook and Twitter with @RepHalRogers and @UNITEky. For more information about Camp UNITE visit www.operationunite.org or call UNITE at 606-677-6179.
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