Skip To Main Content

Campbell University

Scoreboard tablet

A young child wearing a Campbell Athletics T-shirt and khaki pants is held by a woman wearing Campbell apparel, standing beside a man in a Campbell polo. The group smiles for a photo in front of a Campbell-themed wall mural.
Left to Right: Asher, Cat & Dre

News Lendl Suggs

Sensory kits coming to game day this fall

BUIES CREEK, N.C. — This fall, Campbell Athletics is making game day a little more comfortable for everyone who attends a Campbell Athletics event with the launch of Asher's Sensory Kits. The new program is a free resource designed to help fans manage sensory overload and enjoy the game on their own terms.

This initiative was developed by Campbell Public Health students, with support from Campbell's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and funding through a grant from Wake Forest University's Educating Character Initiative. Campbell Public Health students Cat Barnes & Dre Packer led the charge with developing the kits and securing the funding. They were supported in these efforts by Dr. Emily Bailey. 

What Is Asher's Sensory Kit?
Named in honor of a young Fighting Camel fan named Asher, who navigates sensory sensitivities at sporting events, the kit was built with one goal in mind: helping fans feel comfortable, confident, and included in the excitement of a Campbell game day. Asher's story inspired the idea, and it's now available for any fan who could use a little extra support in the stands.

Each kit includes:

  • Sunglasses — to soften bright stadium and arena lighting
  • Fidget tools — to help ease anxiety and stress
  • Noise-reducing headphones — for when the crowd noise becomes too much
  • Digital Drawing Pad — offering a calming, hands-on distraction

How It Helps Our Fans
Game days at Barker-Lane Stadium or Gore Arena and beyond are loud, bright, and full of energy, everything we love about Campbell Athletics. But for fans living with autism, ADHD, or other sensory needs, that same energy can sometimes make it hard to stay and enjoy the moment and build memories. Asher's Sensory Kit gives those fans practical tools to manage the sights and sounds of game day, so they can stay in their seats, cheer on the Camels, and be part of the experience alongside everyone else.

Campbell Athletics is committed to demonstrating compassion through proactive inclusion. While providing equitable access to shared fan experiences and encouraging dignity for individuals with invisible disabilities. 

Where to Find Your Kit
Asher's Sensory Kits will be available, free of charge, at the fan service table during all home football and basketball games, as well as select volleyball matches, throughout the 2026-27 season. All you need to do is trade in an item of value (i.e., ID) and receive the kit. Once you are done, simply return the kit and receive your item back. 

We can't wait to welcome you back this fall for a game day experience that's more comfortable and more inclusive than ever.
 

Print Friendly Version