BUIES CREEK, N.C. - Campbell University's cheerleading team was presented the Camels C.A.R.E. banner at the University's annual Athletics Academic Award Ceremony.

Standing for "Campbell Athletes Reach Everyone," the C.A.R.E. banner is presented annually to the varsity sport team that accumulates the most community service hours per member during an athletic year.

The 2009-10 cheerleading squad averaged 25 hours of community service per member. Overall, Campbell University's 400-plus athletes donated more than 3,550 community service hours in and around the Buies Creek community during the 2009-10 academic year.

Many of the hours the cheerleading team volunteered came at Harnett County public schools. The squad spent time mentoring middle school students, volunteered services at fall festivals for three area elementary schools, tutored individuals, chaperoned school dances, visited local schools to promote Take a Kid to the Game days for football and basketball and assisting in class rooms and media centers.

The team was also involved in helping judge cheerleading tryouts and assisting in practices, as well as devoting time to the Dig Pink volleyball promotion at Campbell, plus the Ducks Unlimited Youth Day in Fayetteville.

In addition, cheerleading team members volunteered for the annual Relay for Life and Operation-In-As-Much efforts.

"Winning the Camels C.A.R.E. award was a team goal we set two years ago," said head cheerleading coach Lisa Stewart. "I am proud of our team for all the hours they've dedicated to helping with various projects within the community. As a team, we feel like it is important to be visible not only to promote the university but to also make a positive impact on the younger generation."