Without any advertising of the event, the Covington County Children’s Policy Council Coalition-sponsored Castille Character Camp has surpassed max capacity.

CCCPCC Director Susan Short said that they were expecting 300 children to sign-up for the event, but they have around 500 children signed up for the event. The one-day camp, which is free to campers, is a part of the Jeremiah Castille Foundation and provides a fun, safe and skill-focused experience for youth and athletes.

Castille played college football for Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant at the University of Alabama, and later was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played there for four years before joining the Denver Broncos.

The foundation established the camp in 2008.

“The Andalusia Youth Football League is participating and there are about 60 of those coming,” she said. “Every high school and junior high school team in the county is participating. That’s about 440 students.”

Short said that Castille is coming and bringing eight to 10 football players from the University of Alabama. He also has connected with Chette Williams at Auburn, who is also bringing some current Auburn players to the camp.

“This is the first time the children’s policy council is hosting the character camp,” Short said.

The camp was offered to boys in Covington County who will be entering grades first through 12th in fall 2017.

Boys in grades first through sixth will participate in speed and agility camp. The seventh through 12th graders will participate in a football skills camp.

A faith-based service will conclude the day.

Short said that at a more recent camp, 100 boys made a confession of faith.

“Jeremiah thought we were a good fit,” she said. “It’s drug prevention.”