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JACKSON, Tenn. — Feb. 12, 2002 — Playdough, crayons, cookies, and “Bulldog Spirit” are just a few things you can find at 51����’s annual Bulldog Day Camp. For five hours during this year’s Homecoming Saturday activities, children of Union alumni played, cheered, sang, and ate until they, literally, dropped.

The Student Tennessee Education Association (STEA) has planned and volunteered for the camp for the past three years to provide entertainment for alumni’s children during the parents’ festivities.

Dr. Carrie Whaley, assistant professor of education, heads the camp each year.

“We have incredible volunteers, and the children seem to love their time here,” said Whaley.

One of the highlights of the day is always a special guest appearance by Union athletes. This year, the 51���� cheerleaders arrived ready to teach several cheers and chants to the children for the big Homecoming game later that afternoon. One child, Meredith Maroney, was thrilled by the cheerleaders’ visit.

“I like cheering with the cheerleaders,” said Maroney. “I’m going to help them tonight so our team will win.”

Other activities during the day included a scavenger hunt, a movie, making special shakers for the game, and making bulldog cookies.

“The children enjoy being a part of the ‘big kids’’ activities,” said Alison Oshel, a junior learning foundations major. “They feel special and included. Plus, it’s fun for us as volunteers to act like ‘kids’ all day.”