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On Sunday, July 12, 2009, at 9:30 am, twenty two children
from throughout Ulster County boarded a white Shaefer’s Lines bus for the
four-and-a-half hour drive to Penn Yan on Keuka Lake in Yates County. Moms, Dads, siblings and friends helped them
load their luggage, kissed them and waved goodbye.
They were headed for a grand adventure – a week-long stay at
Sheriff’s Summer Camp. There they would meet children from throughout New
York State,
also hosted thanks to the members of the New York State Sheriff’s
Association. They would enjoy a host of
camp activities – swimming, sailing, diving, Kayaking, fishing, hiking, biking,
cheerleading, games, crafts, campfires and a talent show. In addition, they would enjoy demonstrations
and lectures by Deputy Sheriffs on police dog work, archery, water safety and
the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.
They would befriend these men and women in the law enforcement community
who give their time to serve as counselors.
The purpose of Sheriff’s Camp is to give children, who
wouldn’t otherwise have the chance for a summer camp experience the opportunity
to go. These children, who come from
economically challenged family environments, are given more than a summer camp
experience. They, through a positive and fun environment, learn the value of
self esteem; the value of working with their peers; the value of setting goals
and fulfilling those goals. They are given a principled foundation to build a
future. The camp also fosters good
relationships between these kids and members of law enforcement. The cost of camp is paid for by the New York
State Sheriff’s Association, through its
membership dues.
To qualify children must be between the ages of 9 and
12. Applications are available in
spring
of each year by calling the Sheriff’s Confidential Secretary at
845-340-3590. Then in early summer,
Sheriff VanBlarcum hosts an annual Pre-Camp
Picnic for campers and their families
at the Ulster County
Law Enforcement Center,
so they can meet, greet and get geared up.
Pictured right: Sheriff's Pre-Camp Picnic June 11, 2009
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