BUIES CREEK — Campbell Athletics will introduce free sensory kits at home sporting events this fall to help fans manage sensory overload and make game-day experiences more accessible.
Asher’s Sensory Kits were developed by Campbell Public Health students with support from the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and funding from a grant through Wake Forest University’s Educating Character Initiative.
Campbell Public Health students Cat Barnes and Dre Packer led the development of the kits and efforts to secure funding, with support from Dr. Emily Bailey.
The kits are named in honor of Asher, a young Fighting Camels fan who experiences sensory sensitivities at sporting events. His experiences inspired the program, which is designed to help fans feel more comfortable and included during Campbell games.
Each kit includes sunglasses to reduce the effects of bright stadium and arena lighting, fidget tools to help ease anxiety and stress, noise-reducing headphones and a digital drawing pad.
Sporting events at Barker-Lane Stadium, Gore Arena and other Campbell venues can feature loud crowds, bright lights and other stimuli. For fans with autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or other sensory needs, those conditions can sometimes make it difficult to remain at an event and enjoy the experience.
The sensory kits are designed to give those fans tools to help manage the sights and sounds of game day.
Campbell Athletics said the initiative is part of its effort to provide more equitable access to fan experiences and support people with invisible disabilities.
Asher’s Sensory Kits will be available free of charge at the fan services table during all home football and basketball games and select volleyball matches throughout the 2026-27 season.
Fans who want to use a kit will be asked to leave an item of value, such as an identification card, while using it. The item will be returned when the sensory kit is returned.