By By KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER
Lifestyles & Features Editor
Final plans are in place for the seventh-annual Live Young 5K Race, a fundraising event for Young Life on the Pamlico.
The event will be held March 27; registration begins at 7 a.m., with race time at 8 a.m.
Young Life on the Pamlico is a nonprofit organization that serves teenagers from all walks of life, according to Tom Johnson, who is director of the area chapter.
The upcoming race will raise money for the group’s summer camping trip to Windy Gap, near Asheville. Funds will pay for transportation and help with scholarships for teenagers who would otherwise be unable to afford the trip, Johnson said.
“We try to have sponsors take care of the event,” he added. “All net profit goes directly into meeting the cost of camp. We’re trying to keep the cost affordable.”
This year’s 5K sponsors are Bragaw Insurance, Church of the Good Shepherd, Doctor’s Vision Center, Gerard Seed Co., Hospital Pharmacy, Keith and Doogie Mason, Telephone Connection and Washington Pediatrics.
It isn’t too late for other local businesses, organizations and individuals to sign up as sponsors, Johnson said.
The race will feature several age categories, and awards will be presented. The cost to participate is $20 each for those who preregister before March 23; after that date, including the day of the race, the cost is $25 a person. Youngsters 17 and under may participate for $10 each. Registration forms can be picked up at Fitness Unlimited, LifeStyles Medical Fitness Center and Washington Pediatrics; forms are available via e-mail by contacting Johnson at pamlicoyl@gmail.com.
The registration cost pays for a race T-shirt.
“If running is not your thing, feel free to come out and pay $20 for a T-shirt and know that money is going to help kids go to camp,” Johnson said.
Members of the Young Life on the Pamlico group plan to depart Washington on July 23. On the way, they will stop at Turtleback Falls, located in Gorges State Park in western North Carolina. They will remain at camp until July 31.
“This camp is one of the biggest tools we have to impact kids,” Johnson said. “Everything at the camp is designed for the students; we call it resort camping. It makes them feel like the crown jewel of camping — which they are.”
The week-long camping excursion includes horseback rides, mountain bikes, water slide, hot tub, swimming pool, repelling tower, volleyball and a country fair night — complete with costumes, games and square-dancing.
Washington High School junior Thomas Sutton attended camp at Windy Gap last summer, and he’s signed up to go again this year.
“It’s an amazing camp, there’s never a dull moment and there’s tons of different activities,” Sutton said. “It’s not like the kind of camp where you’re restrained to a daily schedule — you never know what’s going to happen next. There’s great people and great food — the food is the best!”
Several spaces at the camp are available for area teenagers interested in attending the camp. For more information, call Johnson at 252-402-5088.