Pictured from left are Savanah Trexler, Jordyn Brewer-Tennant and Elijah Abounader, all of Oneida; Austin Owen of Brookfield, Cathryn Chapman (DeRuyter), Gabriel Cargill (Eaton), Landin Wratten (Oneida), Troy Brayman (Munnsville), Undersheriff John Ball, and Rebecca McClure (Canastota).
Madison County Sheriff’s Office
(Madison County, NY – Aug. 2014) Nine Madison County children boarded a charter bus recently on their way to the 2014 New York State Sheriffs’ Association Institute’s Summer Camp, located near on Keuka Lake near Penn Yan. The Sheriffs’ Summer Camp provides a solid recreational program, combined with the development of a sense of good citizenship.
This year marks the 38th year of the camp’s operation, 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 for one-week periods.
“It’s rewarding to see the kids excited and looking forward to their time at summer camp,” said Sheriff Allen Riley. “For some of these kids, this is the first time they will have an experience like this, leaving lifelong memories.”
In discussing the objectives and goals of the camp, Riley 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.
“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,” Riley said. “We have found from experience during previous summer camps that the kids develop a renewed respect and understanding for the men and women who enforce our laws.”
Throughout the week-long 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.-based presentations, boat and bike safety programs, law enforcement equipment and technical demonstrations, archery competitions for accuracy and numerous outdoor-based activities just for fun.
John Ball is Madison County undersheriff.