Discounts are helping more children of faculty and staff attend ACU summer camps.

ACU coordinates six weeks of camps from June 3 to July 28. Registration is open until the first day of camp, and functions on a first-come, first-serve basis. Camps are offered for campers ranging in age from first grade to recent high school graduates.

“A lot of times, Abilene kids are interested in getting out,” said Leah Poarch, registrar for ACU Leadership Camps. “But we have found that with the faculty and staff discount, it draws them into doing things in Abilene.”

Dr. Jason Holland, associate professor of mathematics, has a son who has attended camp for the past four summers. Holland said his son has always enjoyed attending camp, and while he is a “faculty kid,” the experience is always new.

“He loves to meet people. He’s an only child so he loves to meet kids his own age and make new friends,” Holland said. “He loves the activities that are planned and he loves the water sports. He always loves the counselors and always strikes up a new relationship with them.”

Holland said his son grows and develops his sense of responsibility when he attends summer camp.

“Being at an ACU camp, was the first time for him that he had to remember to shower and get ready for bed,” Holland said. “He had to get up on his own and make sure he knows what he is supposed to do. It’s a good experience for him to grow and learn responsibility.”

Misty Spainhower, alumni relations officer, has been sending her daughter to ACU camps for the past two years. Spainhower likes that camp is a new experience for her daughter. Her daughter gets to explore campus in a different way than just visiting mom in her office.

“My favorite part is that she is interacting with these Christian and Godly influences in these college kids who she thinks are cool. She is learning about the Lord,” Spainhower said. “They have taught her about quiet time and how to pray, which make her relationship with Jesus personal.”