Divinity School’s Fun Day focuses on family, togetherness

Hours before the festivities at Barker-Lane Stadium began for the first home football game of the season on Sept. 13, more than 200 people of all ages gathered in Butler chapel with scarves, prayers, songs and preaching to worship for Family Fun Day.

Family Fun Day was an initiative by Empowering Families for Spiritual Formation, a grant run by Campbell Divinity School. Over a year ago, the Empowering Families team began dreaming of an event to bring families together for a day of fun and worship on Campbell University's beautiful campus.

This dream emerged from the learnings of the grant research and work.

Rev. Dr. Sarah Boberg, assistant professor of Christian Education and director of Empowering Families, said, "Families are busy and often overscheduled. Parents and caregivers work hard and volunteer at their churches and other organizations. Children are busy with school and extracurricular activities. Families are fragmented and frazzled daily. All too often families do not get time to spend quality time together for the sake of nurturing family connection."

Therefore, the Empowering Families Team wanted to plan an event for families to simply experience focused time together - no responsibilities, no tasks, purely fun and worshiping together.

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Partnering with the Office of Spiritual Life, the Divinity School, Undergraduate Admissions, Athletics and the Fighting Camel Club, the Empowering Families team began to plan for a day filled with experiences to allow families to connect, grow and have fun together. Knowing not all families could afford the cost of game tickets and food, the Empowering Families team worked with Athletics Advancement to find a way to make the day affordable.

The Rust Family Foundation stepped up to sponsor the event by providing game tickets. Campbell University played Furman University for the home opener. Lisa Rust, co-founder of the foundation, is a graduate of Furman and Campbell Divinity School and promised to cheer for both teams.

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Family Fun Day was a display of the Campbell University community. Divinity School staff and volunteers greeted guests at registration in the Student Union. Gladys, Gaylord, and CU Cheerleaders welcomed guests with energy, high fives and fist pumps. Undergraduate Admissions and Divinity School Admissions provided information and treats at tables. Gaylords provided great hospitality and nourishment. The Office of Spiritual Life welcomed guests for worship and sent them off to the game with popsicles.

Family Fun Day accomplished its goal - to bring families together.

"A high level of community and hospitality was on full display, as we all felt very welcomed by the Divinity School staff, students and volunteers," said Kevin Moore. "My three daughters enjoyed seeing friends, meeting new people and being an integral part of worship. The football game was an added, special bonus. The day was a valuable experience to get out of town, dwell on God's goodness and grace, and know that we are a part of the Divinity School family."

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