Destination Kenyon
"The attraction is not much different than it is for prospective students - the beauty of the campus," said Fred Linger, manager of business services. "It feels like the getaway they're looking for. I can't tell you have many times I've been with the director of a new group and by the time we walk from the village (downtown) to south campus between Peirce and Rosse halls they say they want to be here."
The summer rentals boost the College budget, and Linger said the staff is ambitious in its bookings while striking a balance required by maintenance projects. Old Kenyon, for example, is off limits to guests this summer because of new carpet installation, and elevator work in Caples Hall has put some tops floors out of reach.
"This takes a lot of cooperation with the maintenance staff, and we feel like we've been successful for a number of years," Linger said.
About 4,500 guests are expected, starting on June 6 with a swimming camp and concluding on August 8 with a basketball camp. The Unitarian Church Summer Institute leads the list again this year with plans to bring about 600 people, the week of July 11.
Camps for cheerleaders, swimmers, and the players of basketball, football, soccer, and musical instruments will be held. The Red Cross Ohio Training Institute is in the mix along with students and teachers in the Kenyon Academic Partnership program, and several religious groups.
Free entertainment is among the benefits for village residents. The Barbershoppers, the 150-strong group of singing quartets, will make some noise in performance on June 12 in Rosse Hall. The Mime Youth, with twenty-five guests, will make no noise in performance on June 24 in the Bolton Theater. And the Ohio Martial Arts College will host a qualifier competition on July 25 in Tomsich Arena.
The campus is also a venue for thirteen weddings or wedding receptions this summer. Wedding parties are "really loving" receptions in Thomas Dining Hall, Linger said. "So far, that's been a winner."