Citadel closes youth camp that was subject of lawsuits
Associated Press
CHARLESTON, S.C. - After paying millions of dollars to settle lawsuits over allegations of assault by former campers, The Citadel has decided to close its summer youth sports camp.
The camp was launched in 1957 by former president Mark Clark to introduce 10- to 15-year-olds to the school and perhaps recruit a few students.
Last August, the school paid $3.8 million to settle lawsuits by five former campers who said they had been assaulted by a counselor at the camp from 1995-2001.
Citadel spokeswoman Charlene Gunnells said there are many factors behind the camp's closing.
Children have many more options for summer programs and summer vacations are shorter than they used to be, she said. The Citadel also needs access to the barracks in the summer for maintenance.
And the camp rarely inspired children without a connection to the school to attend college there, she said.
"It was a grand institution in its day, but regrettably those days are gone," Gunnells said.
The camp's enrollment peaked in 2002 when 504 campers attended.
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