The University of the Cumberlands has always extended a hand to those in need. Whether it is a food or clothing drive or just raising money for a worthy cause, the Patriot family always turns out in great numbers to help others. In one special case, six members of the Patriot family reached out a little extra during their spring break in 2010. The "little reach out" was approximately 2600 miles in distance as they traveled to Ecuador. 

Patriot football players PJ Hughes (Montezuma, GA), and Madison McCalmon (Ringgold, GA), volleyball player Kelsey Dew (Clinton, TN) were joined by Cumberlands students Kevin Lewis, Rebekkah Klatt, and faculty member Dean Whitaker as they traveled to Camp Chacauco in Ambato, Ecuador. 

While at the camp, the six worked a Vacation Bible School (V.B.S.) in the mountains of Ecuador. There was a very good turnout for this V.B.S. as they had 45 children ranging from four years old to 12 years old. Also there helping the group were two ladies from Servant Life in Indiana and the Camp Chacacao staff of eight. There was also a conference being held at Camp Chacauco where they volunteered in the kitchen doing cleaning duties as well as serving the guests there. On days they were not with the kids at the Vacation Bible School, the group got to do some sightseeing around the area. 

"I learned to appreciate what God has blessed me with," said Hughes when asked about the trip. "People there don't have near the opportunities that we have, yet they take everything they have and use it to the best of their abilities and to the fullest extent. It felt really good being able to spread the Gospel to those who aren't fortunate enough to get to hear it every day. Sightseeing was awesome, but I have to admit, one day while we were sightseeing, we were riding across a gorge on a swinging basket and I screamed like a little girl I was so nervous."

Madison McCalmon, who was on his 4th trip to Camp Chacauco, said, "I've been pretty blessed to be able to go for my fourth year now. We worked so hard, but I always end up bringing back more than I give with the experiences I receive. I've learned a lot of lesson while there."   

"Each and every visit is unique," said McCalmon. "However, it was really awesome this year to be able to share a place that I love with a good group of friends. That made the trip even more special."

To learn more about the opportunities that Cumberlands offers both academically and athletically visit www.ucumberlands.edu. 

Article Provided by Bo Kidd, University of the Cumberlands Sports Information Graduate Assistant