Twelve children from Genesee County attending Sheriff's Association Summer Camp

Press release:

Genesee County Sheriff Gary T. Maha announced today that 12 children from the county are attending the New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute's 2012 Summer Camp.

The Sheriffs' Summer Camp is designed to provide a solid recreational program combined with the development of a sense of good citizenship. This will mark the 36th year of the camp's operation.

The Sheriffs' Summer Camp, which is located near Penn Yan in Yates County, is supported by the Sheriffs' Association's Honorary Members through their contributions and annual dues. This year, the camp will accommodate more than 900 deserving boys and girls from across New York State.

Sheriff Maha, in discussing the objectives and goals of the camp said, “The Sheriffs’ Summer Camp Program is designed to provide a child who ordinarily would not have the chance an opportunity to go away during the summer.”

Sheriff  Maha pointed out that, “The primary objective is to create a positive interaction between the kids attending camp and the Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs who participate in the camp programs. We have found from experience during the first 34 summer camps that the kids develop a renewed respect and understanding for the men and women who enforce our laws. The deputies become their friends and, in some cases, substitute parents for a week.”

Throughout the weeklong stay, the children observe special exhibits and demonstrations presented by Sheriffs’ Offices from across the State. Included in these presentations are D.A.R.E. presentations, boat and bike safety programs, law enforcement equipment and technical demonstrations, archery competitions for accuracy, and even a talent show just for fun.

Upon completion of the kids' stay, all children will be awarded a diploma for their participation in a program of “Good Citizenship and Law Enforcement Studies.”