FRANKLIN, Tenn. -- A successful youth camp for troubled kids ended up in trouble itself when the land it was renting was purchased by country music star Brad Paisley.

At first, Camp-U-Grow thought it was going to be the best thing that ever happened to the outdoor, character camp. But now, three years later, it has been a nightmare.

Chad Mullin is a Vanderbilt University-trained child behavioral specialist. He learned early that kids with problems open up better in open spaces, and so he opened Camp-U-Grow.

"A lot of kids have never touched a cow," said Mullin.

For eight years, the camp sat on 15 acres in Brentwood and served 6,000 kids. There were 50 animals along with dozens other outdoor stations.

In October 2006, Paisley and his wife, Kimberly, became next-door neighbors and purchased the 15 acres that housed Camp-U-Grow and Mullin's rental home.

"I went up and met Mr. Paisley and his wife about five different times," Mullin said. "They reassured me I had nothing to worry about."

Mullin knew the land was Paisley's; he just wanted two-years notice or at least a year's notice if he needed to move, but after a meeting, he felt that wasn't a problem.

Then Mullin said Paisley's financial manager, Kirke Martin, said the singer wanted to meet with him because he wanted to help the camp.

"He said, 'We want you all to move out by March 1.' So I said, 'OK, is there a reason?' And he said, 'The only reason is we want to build a bus garage here for Brad's buses,'" said Mullin.

It was a disappointing surprise.

Camp-U-Grow has landed at Willowbrook Academy, now serving 550 kids instead of 6,000. Three years later, there are no bus barns or new construction on the property -- just grass growing over memories.

"I don't hold Brad Paisley responsible personally. I think his finance manager had a lot to do with it," Mullin said.

"When Brad purchased the land in question, the nonprofit was permitted to continue use until the lease expired," Martin said in a statement to Channel 4 late Thursday afternoon. "Prior to the expiration, we found out that the camp leaders allowed the visiting youth the use of a climbing wall and ATVs on the property. When Brad's insurance company became aware, we were notified that the coverage could not be renewed. We told Mr. (Mullin) that at (the) end of their lease, we would not be able to renew; we gave them three months notice. They were not evicted. At the end of the three months, he asked for a two-month extension, which was granted. After that term, he asked for another month, which was granted. All of these extensions were rent free. Why would anyone question Brad's actions as anything but generous?"