The Convocation Center at Cal U.
Dec 11, 2020
The University wins as best venue for youth retreats and camps in a competition sponsored by Unique Venues.
California University of Pennsylvania is the “Best Venue for Youth Retreats and Camps,” according to an online competition organized by Unique Venues, a marketing organization for properties and event planners.
Voting was open to the public in August and September. As the winner, Cal U is featured in Unique Venues Digital Magazine.
Sports teams, academic groups, bands and theater organizations are among those that use Cal U’s conference spaces, which include the 6,000-seat Convocation Center arena. In 2019, the University welcomed approximately 3,200 camp attendees. Plans prior to COVID-19 safety protocols in 2020 were to welcome more than 4,000. The United Church of Christ Penn West Conference has held events at Cal U since 2016, including a regional youth event for the mid-Atlantic and northeast regions in 2018.
“There are numerous welcoming spaces for groups to gather, and there are many facilities and opportunities available to promote physical health and wellness,” said David Ackerman, conference minister, as part of Cal U’s nomination. “We have been most impressed by the beauty and accessibility of the campus, but the University’s greatest resource is its people. The California University staff truly go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that our event is successful.
“It is a privilege to be a part of a team that puts the attendee experience and customer service at the top of the list, and this award reflects years of hard work from not only the Conference Services Department but also the greater Cal U campus community,” said Becky McMillen, executive director of University Conference Services. “We are honored to be named the Best Venue and appreciate everyone’s support.”