The campfire circle at the Trent Athletics Centre has a new name. The Carl McKeiver Campfire Circle has been named in honour of long-serving University employee Carl McKeiver in recognition of his outstanding commitment to Trent University over the past 37 years, 32 of which he spent working in Athletics.

The special recognition pays tribute to Mr. McKeiver’s tireless dedication to maintaining the day-to-day operations of the Athletics Centre and its many programs, including Trent Summer Sports Camp (TSSC), the primary users of the campfire circle. Mr. McKeiver retired from his position as maintenance assistant on March 17, 2014.

Speaking of Mr. McKeiver’s dedication to TSSC, camp director Melanie Sedge said: “Carl was always keen to help out in the spring when it was time to set up for camp. He would bring in his personal tools from home, and suggest ways in which he could help get camp going, or make improvements. He was constantly helping out by splitting wood for our campfire circle, building new benches for us out of fallen trees from the forests around the AC, or going out on his own time to pick up parts we needed for the annual installation of our canoe docks. I have heard many stories from camp counsellors about how he gave up his breaks to help them fix things, move things or build things. Everyone at the AC appreciates all that he did for TSSC, and for the AC too. We are pleased to honour him with this special naming.”

Responding to the naming, Mr. McKeiver said: “I am honoured to be recognized in this way by Trent Summer Sports Camp. It has been a pleasure to be able to help the camp out over the years as they get set up for the season. I love seeing the kids here, having fun and enjoying themselves.”

The 22^nd season of Trent Summer Sports Camp gets underway June 30, 2014. This summer, more than 800 kids between the ages of 5 and 17 will be participating.